Knowing the several ways to generate electricity at home will be valuable in case of a natural catastrophe or a national gridlock collapse. The uses of electricity are unbelievably numerous, and one wouldn’t realize until it’s unavailable. Today, the average American family uses electricity for several core functions, such as cooking, water generation, heating, cooling & many more. This may explain why your energy bill is always so ridiculously high.
With appropriate knowledge of the techniques discussed below, you do not have to wait until there’s a disaster. You can cut down or eliminate your energy cost by implementing some of them.
6 Ways to Generate Electricity at Home
Chemical Electricity Source
Storage batteries can be used to produce electricity. For years now, they have been used consecutively for the purpose, and improvements can only be made. There’s a chemical interaction between the electrolyte & battery cells. This interaction can produce a voltage, which can conduct electricity through a connected electrical device. The energy in batteries can drive small motors, improve lighting, pump water & even power an entire home. Sounds okay for off-the-grid living.
There are different battery capacities: 2V, 6V, 8V, 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V & 72V, all of which are available in various forms and are made using lithium, nickel-cadmium, manganese-dioxide-zinc-nickel, nickel-metal-hydride, and carbon-zinc. Batteries are made using wet cells, dry cells, or gelatin oozing and can be used just once, while others can be recharged to use several times.
Dry cells are typically used for small electrical devices, such as flashlights, while wet cells are commonly used to power inverters that produce AC power. The fuel cell is a special battery on its own, as it converts energy from fuel oxidation into electric energy. These batteries can even be built, thanks to their easy composition.
Solar Power
Energy can be generated by exposing a solar panel to direct sunlight. This is because photon energy is convertible to DC voltages of 1V to 46V with current. Numerous solar modules can be used alongside a voltage inverter to manufacture power applied to the local electrical grid. A small solar module can drive a DC lamp or motor or power a landscape light and power a lot of batteries, although this is best done using more powerful panels.
If your solar panel is charged during the day (using sunlight), it can power the home at night. You can also do some configurations like adding a battery bank & transfer switch, so you have access to electricity even when the solar module is not in use.
Thanks to more recent, high-tech inverters, solar energy (from the sun) can now be converted into electrical grid AC. These inverters can generate 1500 AC watts by drawing solar energy through a transfer switch. With this system, you can use solar power even while the grid is down, as long as the sun shines above.
Wind Power
Wind can be harnessed to generate electricity. This is possible by setting up a system that involves propeller rotation & generator shaft turning when the wind is moving. This system is very much similar to solar power generation. In the former, we harness photons, which are basic light particles that are always in motion and are the reasons light is transmitted.
Just like solar energy, wind harnessing is readily available & a good source of renewable energy. Typical wind generators for the home generate around 400–800 watts.
Newer wind harnessers now use bladeless wind turbines, which means passing birds are no longer endangered by their previously known large rotating propellers.
However, there may be a limitation to wind harnessing. This system is hardly practicable in a region without regular wind flow.
Hydro Generation
Rapidly moving water has, for thousands of years, been very useful. Moving water can achieve a lot, such as turning wheels used in grain processing plants, moving huge objects, pump water & most pertinently, producing electricity through the use of rotating turbines.
The explanation behind this is that the rapid cycles of a turbine will lead to power generation. Thus, your turbine will need to have its dedicated generator, which will ensure that it works without interruption.
Of course, this power source is easier to implement if there’s flowing water close to you or on your property. All you have to do is buy a simple hydroelectric generator that’ll handle the entire power generation process. These generators produce around 100 watts unceasingly & can also charge your batteries.
You can get a submersible propeller shaft & a submersible aiming boat generator to place in fast-paced water as an alternative. For specificity, try out the Tesla turbine, a tested and trusted device.
Fuel-powered Generators
Generators that run on fuel can serve as a standby source of power in emergencies. Propane, diesel fuel, gasoline & natural gas generators can convert the fuel in use to electrical energy. A fuel-based generator can generate about 200 kW!
When buying a generator, check for how long it takes to refill and extra features that may suit you best. Also, try to buy from a recognized brand, so you don’t end up with a machine that does nothing good!
Steam Power
Steam power uses fuel like wood gasification, coal, gas, wood, or nuclear energy to boil a liquid until it produces high-pressure steam. The producer steam is then run through a turbine, eventually leading to electricity. Steam power has been a common presence in plants using geothermal energy.
Unlike previous centuries, steam generators are not readily available for home use. They are getting phased out, and they now produce just 10V–15V DC to power a 12V battery. This is not a lot, but it is better than nothing during an emergency.
Concluding the Ways to Generate Electricity at Home
Thermoelectric power is also a form of power generation to try out the invisible EMF power source. That’s by the way. Now, if you’ve ever experienced a power outage, you’d know that any form of power is welcomed during emergencies. Having known the various ways to generate electricity at home, I daresay that a power gridlock collapse or hurricane will not throw you into utter darkness. There’s always an alternative power source.