From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

Ahh, the final question in your quest to be gas-free.  No, this is not an ad for stomach medicine or an anti-bean commercial, instead it is the final chapter in our Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide.  The final nail in the coffin for conventional gasoline.  What do YOU need to start using biodiesel in your diesel engine today.  Turns out it’s not that complicated, and Northern Tool sells all you need to start turning all of that used french fry oil from McDonald’s they are throwing out, into miles on your car!

As I said, Northern Tool has all the equipment you need to make it work, all that’s left for you is to take the plunge and pull out your wallet to start buying what you need.  Keep in mind as you pay, you will make back all of the money you spend before too long by simply not paying at the local pump any more!  So, what do you need to make biodiesel work for you?  I’m glad you asked:

What Equipment Do I Need to Make Biodiesel Fuel?

* Safety GearSafety Gear: Because you’ll be using chemicals to refine your oil, you should always be sure you’re wearing protective safety gear before starting the process. Safety goggles, gloves, protective apron and boots are essential.
* Chemicals: The Biodiesel fuel-making process requires methanol, sulfuric acid and catalyst along with air-tight storage containers for each.
* Biodiesel ProcessorBiodiesel Processor: The processor converts the oil into Biodiesel fuel. Consider purchasing a well-known, trusted brand such as BioPro or Fuelmeister.
* Fuel FilterFuel Filter: The fuel filter works to filter and remove water from the fuel. Because initial use of Biodiesel can release deposits previously accumulated on tank walls and pipes, it’s recommended that the fuel filter be changed after the first tank of Biodiesel.
* Fuel PumpFuel Pump: The fuel pump provides safe, efficient transfer of the fuel to your engine. Consider models that are heavy duty with thermal overload protection, strainer and automatic nozzle for easy fuel transfer.
* Fuel Pre-heaters: A Biodiesel fuel can sometimes gel, either due to cold temperatures or because it’s been produced from heavily saturated fats such as waste oil from restaurants. Fuel pre-heaters work to effectively keep Biodiesel from solidifying.
* Biocides: Biocides are an additive designed to stop the growth of microorganisms in your fuel, thus helping preserve the life of stored Biodiesel.
* Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines: The solvent properties of Biodiesel can result in a slow degradation of rubber fuel lines over the course of months and sometimes years. Therefore, it is beneficial to use Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines when it comes time for replacement.

There you have it!  As I mentioned, all you need to do now is go buy the equipment, then start asking around at all your local restaurants if they have anyone picking up their used cooking oil at the end of the day.  It might shock you to find out that the vast majority of the time, people are just throwing this stuff away.  One added benefit, depending on the origin of the oil you use, you might smell french fries, you might smell chinese food, or you might smell chicken wings!

Ok, by now you all most likely know at least what biodiesel is.  Either you read it here yesterday, you’ve seen it on television, read articles about it, or have friends that use it.  While it is gaining in popularity, many people out there really haven’t the foggiest clue as to what sets biodiesel aside from gasoline, and what makes it so much better, more affordable, and more earth-friendly than using conventional petrol.  Today, myself and the kind folks at Northern Tool are here to clear up those confusions.

After reading this, you’ll know once and for all just why it is so silly that you’ve not been using biodiesel all these years, and why now that you DO know about it, you should begin using it as soon as humanly possible.  Right?  So, the advantages of BioDiesel.  Here, my friends is part 2 of the Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide:

“What are the Advantages of Biodiesel?

Farmers, truck drivers and even everyday commuters are discovering the advantages of Biodiesel.

* Smoother Running Engine. Biodiesel has a much higher lubricity (i.e., lubricating quality) than diesel fuel. That means a smoother running engine, cleaner fuel injection components and a longer engine life. And with a cetane rating that is substantially higher than petrol diesel, Biodiesel leaves minimal carbon deposits in your engine.
* Dramatic Cost Savings. Biodiesel produced by an individual costs substantially less than petrol diesel fuel—often as little as $0.85 per gallon! What’s more, an individual who invests in the necessary equipment to produce their own Biodiesel, can see a return on investment in as little as three months.
* Renewable Resource. Unlike fuel made from a finite resource such as crude oil, Biodiesel is made from renewable organic resources that can be re-grown, reproduced and reused. As such, it also reduces our dependency on crude oil.
* Decreased Environmental Impact. Across the board, Biodiesel is widely accepted as a superior “green” alternative fuel. Because it burns significantly cleaner than petrol diesel, it is nearly carbon neutral and non-toxic, reducing carbon lifecycle emissions by 78%. That’s equivalent to removing 700,000 cars from the nation’s highways. Additionally, Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM), and sulfates, as well as hydrocarbon and air toxics emissions.
* Easy To Make. With the proper equipment, producing Biodiesel fuel is easy–easier by far than watching the sharp increase in costs at the pump every time you need to fill your tank. “

There you go…that my friends, is a powerful index of reasons why you, your family, your friends, your friend’s family should all be scouring the used car lots around you looking for an old diesel engined car to be converting as soon as possible.

Ahh, the finale of our grand Wind Energy Buyer’s Guide.  Northern Tool put together a completely rad guide to just why you should do all you can to make wind energy a staple in Your life.  I don’t know about you, but I’m completely, 100% sold.  Now, to get my hands on some wind energy products!

That said, just as we did with the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide, you know just about everything you need to know about Wind Energy, except for what you’re actually going to need to run your home with wind power.  That’s right, you’ve covered the when, the how, the why, and now, finally, we’ll get to the What.

So, without further ado, to let you get started, here is what you will need to start powering YOUR home:

What will I need to generate my own wind power system?

Whether you’re installing a stand-alone system or a hybrid system for your home, or connecting a system to a grid (an electricity transmission and distribution system) you will need quality equipment.

* Wind turbine—The wind turbine is the core of your system. Your energy needs will determine the annual energy output you’ll require and the size of your turbine. Using this information, wind turbine manufacturers and retailers can help you decide which wind turbine is for you, while also factoring in local wind speeds and your specific energy budget.
* Tower—Though you can choose either a self-supporting (free standing) or guyed tower for mounting your wind turbine, most home wind power systems use the second option. Guyed towers can be hinged at the base, making it easier to lower to the ground for repairs and maintenance, or to avoid damage during hazardous weather. Towers should be installed high enough so that the bottom of the rotor blade is at least 30 feet (9 meters) above any obstacle that is within 300 feet (90 meters) of the tower.
* Batteries—For a stand-alone system, you will need batteries to store excess power for use when the wind is calm. Deep-cycle batteries are preferable, because they can discharge and recharge many times.
* Controller—A charge controller will prevent batteries from overcharging, thus extending battery life and performance.
* Power Inverter—The power inverter converts the low voltage DC to the 120 volts AC. For a stand-alone system, unless you plan on using battery power exclusively, you’ll need a power inverter. If your system is grid connected, this is the only additional equipment you’ll need.
* Hybrid System—If you live in an area where wind speeds are low, a hybrid system (combining wind power with solar power or fuel generators) may prove most effective. In this case, you’ll need to add a generator and controllers that can automatically operate the system.

So there you have it!  Now all that is left, is to head over and stock up from Northern Tool on all your wind energy needs.  They have what you need, so lets go!

Welcome back and happy Wednesday.  No worries, you’re almost there and the weekend is in sight.  Today we’re going to hit you up with Part 3 of the Wind Energy Buyer’s Guide…The Benefits of Wind Energy.  Parts 1 and 2 were all about the how’s, then where’s and the origins; today we are going to cover the most important thing to you and your pocket book:  The WHY.

That’s right, we are fine learning about the how’s and the when’s and the where’s, but if we’re honest, the real reason we’re doing this is to help our planet, and help our wallet.  The good news is, implementing wind energy into your life will do both of those things brilliantly.  So, without further ado, here are some amazing benefits of actually using the wind that we so often complain about:

What are the benefits of wind power?

* Affordable—Wind power is one of the most cost-effective energy resources available, costing just 4-6 cents per kilowatt hour. Additionally, wind power can help homeowners reduce or even eliminate utility bills entirely.
* Renewable—Unlike fossil fuels, the wind is free and its supply can never be depleted, nor is it exclusive to any one region of the world, so it’s not subject to shortages, embargos, or price increases. It is a completely renewable form of solar energy created by the sun heating the atmosphere in combination with the earth’s rotation and surface irregularities.
* Eco-friendly—Wind power is a clean resource, creating no waste and no green house gases. What’s more, the more wind power used, the less fossil fuels will be consumed, keeping toxic byproducts created by those fuels from entering the atmosphere.
* Economically stimulating—Because the best sites for erecting wind farms are in rural areas, wind turbines can benefit local economies. Unlike drilling or mining, the land surrounding a wind farm can still be used for agricultural purposes, allowing farmers to lease land to utility companies while continuing to farm their land.
* Tax Incentives and Rebates—If connected to a grid, wind power system owners may be eligible for a tax credit for the electricity sold back to the utility company. In addition, some states offer rebates or other incentives to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing wind systems. For more information go to Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)

We’ll wrap things up tomorrow with Part 4 and final of our Wind Energy Buyer’s Guide! I hope this has been as inspirational as it has been informative!  Stay tuned!

Hello and here’s hoping that you had an amazing weekend.  We’re back this fine Monday and starting right where we left off with Solar Energy, we’re here to help you answer all the tough questions when it comes to another form of alternative energy…Wind Energy.

Lucky for all of us, the brains behind the Northern Tool operation have graced us with their official Wind Energy guide, to accompany their amazing and in-depth Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide.  Both are packed full of amazingly helpful information that can get You on the right track towards converting your home, land and life into a wind energy powerhouse.  Between the sun and the wind, your entire life could be run by Mother Nature.  Let her foot the bill!

At any rate, for Part 1 of the Wind Energy Buyer’s Guide we are going to cover some basics.  In later Parts we will cover deeper areas of the alternative energy, but for now, here we go!

Wind Power + Wind Turbine Basics:
How does a wind turbine work?

As far back as 4000 years ago, the Babylonians and Chinese used wind power to pump water for crop irrigation. Obviously, technology has changed since then, but the wind power process is still the same. Most wind turbines are mounted on a tower at least 100 feet (30 meters) or more above the ground. In this way, the turbine can capture the faster, less turbulent winds. The power of the wind turns the turbine blades, which spin the shaft, which connect to a generator, which makes electricity. The electricity produced can provide power for a single home or outbuilding, or can connect to an electricity grid and be sold to a utility company for wider distribution.

Now that you know what it is, where it comes from, and the basics of how it works, tomorrow we’ll cover the different kinds of wind turbines you’ve probably seen around your state or country.

Well, we made it, it’s finally Friday, and we’re finally at the tail end of this awesome Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide from Northern Tool.  Today is a short one, with just a little bit of information to help You on your quest to harnessing the sun’s power to power Your life.  Sounds great, yes?

So today, just a brief little chart that should help you get an idea of exactly how much power you’re going to need, to power your life using the sun.   Here is that little chart from Northern Tool that should give you a pretty good idea of just how many watts you’re going to need to drag out of that glowing yellow orb in the sky.

At any rate, with all of the information you know have at your disposal, you should be more than ready to not just dip your toes into the Solar Energy pool, but dive right in and push about 10 other people in with you!

Ok solar friends, so you know what it is, you know how it works, and you’re ready to install your OWN solar energy solutions.  There are really two ways to go about it, and which you choose is entirely up to you and should be based on your own personal expertise when it comes to general contracting, electricity and the likes.  If you DO want to do-it-yourself, you can, but if you’re not confident and competant in your ability, general contractors can be hired, or specialists can be found to do it all for you.  Your pocketbook, and your Bob Villa-esque ego are all that stand in the way.

Whatever the case may be, Northern Tool’s Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide does have some pretty handy and helpful tips for when it does come to installation.  So, if you’re doing it yourself, heed this advice…if you’re hiring out, print out this little list and bring it to them, the more we all know, the better we’ll be.

“Solar Power Installation Tips

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time contractor, you can always use helpful tips when installing a solar equipment energy system.

* For maximum effectiveness, always place solar panels where they will be in direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day.
* If placing on a rooftop, keep the pitch of your roof in mind when installing solar panels. Angling the panels to maximize exposure to the sun will also maximize the energy collected by the solar panels.
* Consider installing solar panels at the same time your home is being roofed. This will make finding rafters and making repairs easier if you do both jobs simultaneously.
* Even if you feel confident about installing your solar power system, consider bringing in an expert to assist you. Experienced professionals can help you maximize the effectiveness of your solar energy system.
* Investigate government incentive and rebate packages available. These can range from product rebates to energy refunds to low interest loans. For more information, consult the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)”

Simple right?!  Head over to Northern Tool, stock up and start making the phone calls you need to get your solar energy dreams officially converted to reality.  The time is now to start saving some money, and start saving the Earth!

Happy Wednesday folks, it’s officially hump day and we’re almost there, almost to the weekend.  Hang in there.  Yesterday, we went over Part 1 of the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide, and today we’re back to hit you with Part 2.  Today, we are going to cover the big kahuna:  How do you generate your OWN solar power??

When it comes to solar energy, the biggest hurdle everyone faces is the transition from thinking about it, to actually making it a reality, and most of time, it is because people panic when they realize it’s not quite as simple as just laying a few panels on the roof.  I’m here to do two things:  First, quell your fears, and second, explain just what it Does take to generate your own solar energy.

“How Do I Generate My Own Solar Power?

Harnessing the sun’s energy for your own use begins with putting together the right components for your needs. If you’re ready to “go solar” consider starting with a few basic solar power components. You’ll want to add to your system as your needs grow and as you experience the benefits of solar energy.

* Solar Panels – Your source for electricity and to charge batteries to power your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, boat, personal watercraft, RV, home or appliances. Sold individually or in solar power kits, begin by determining the number of panels you’ll need based on your intended use.
* Charge Controller — If the sunlight is too bright for too long, the voltage produced by the solar panels has the potential to damage the batteries. As such, a charge controller is required to regulate the charge, thus preventing overcharging and ultimately increasing battery life and performance.
* Power Inverter — The power inverter serves a dual purpose, either converting the low voltage DC to the 120 volts AC needed to run appliances, or charging your batteries if connected to a utility grid or an AC Generator. Unless you plan on using battery power exclusively, you’ll need a power inverter.
* Batteries — Your batteries store the solar energy for a consistent power supply over time, even when the sun isn’t shining. Deep-cycle or marine batteries are recommended as they are designed to be charged and discharged repeatedly.

Many appliances are now available as solar-operated products. These solar products allow you the benefit of use when there isn’t a conventional power supply handy or available, (i.e. camping, power outages, etc.) but also work to save you money by utilizing the sun’s light as their main source of energy. A few solar-operated product examples include:

* Solar Air Collectors — These solar powered devices work like space heaters and can be used as a supplemental heating system when the sun is shining.
* Solar Powered Lights — Gathering and storing the sun’s energy during daylight hours, some solar powered lights turn on automatically after dark and work well for added security and safety illumination outdoors.
* Solar Auto Air Purifier — Works to absorb harmful gas, smoke and other particulates while efficiently operating on solar power.”

Tomorrow, we’re going to cover the basics of how to install these babies, and some helpful installation tips.  By Friday, you’ll be ready, knowledgable, and set to get started on Your trek to energy independence.

Welcome back!  Hopefully Labor Day gave you all the rest, relaxation and energy boost you all needed.  Now that we’re back, I think it’s officially time that we devote some time on this blog to a new feature over at Northern Tool…amazingly helpful Buyer’s Guides that will help YOU dive head first into alternative energy.  The fact is, renewable energy is here, it is now, and it can be a reality for anyone.  Getting there is simpler than you’d believe, and this handy Buyer’s Guide will help you do just that.

So, lets start at the beginning, and break down the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide for you.  Part 1 will cover the basics of not only the benefits of Solar Energy, but also how it works.  At any time, feel free to head over to Northern Tool, check up on the official Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide, and start buying some products to convert your home!

“The Basics: How Does Solar Energy Work?

Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year. Using photovoltaic technology through solar panels, solar energy is created by converting the heat and light that comes from the sun into electrical energy.

Each solar panel is made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer. Much like a battery, these layers generate an electric field. As the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, electrons are created and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy sources.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

If you’re looking for more affordable, eco-friendly energy alternatives, you can’t beat the benefits of solar energy:

1. Economical — Now more than ever, consumers are feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of energy for heating their homes, powering their vehicles and generating electricity. But, by investing in the right equipment, many are seeing that solar energy is by far one of the most economical, reasonably-priced energy solutions available. Low equipment maintenance over the long run makes it an especially good buy.
2. Renewable — Because the supply of the sun’s light is free, unrestricted and renewable, solar energy users are never affected by shortages (other than nightfall), skyrocketing prices, or production limitations. What’s more, technological advancements enable solar equipment to consistently operate even on cloudy days.
3. Environmentally friendly — One of the most eco-friendly energy alternatives, solar energy production does not directly emit fumes, create greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, or yield noise pollution.
4. Convenient Power Source — Whether it’s used for back up to a permanent energy source or to provide power in remote areas, solar power offers all the convenience and dependability of standard energy resources, without the financial or environmental costs.”

There you go!  Part 1 of the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide!  I can’t stress enough how amazing, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly this is.  Head over right now and check out all of Northern Tool’s Solar Solutions.  Ranging from individual panels, to entire kits that provide all you need to get started, we have it all to get YOU up and running in the exciting world of Alternative Energy.