How to Make Your Own Electricity (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

As part of your pursuit of energy freedom, generating your own electricity is one of the best things you can do. With the electricity you generate, you can power turnstiles, lights outside your home, sell them and reduce your monthly electricity bill, charge your car battery, or even no longer rely on conventional electric power. Read on for this article to find out how to achieve this.

Step

Part 1 of 5: Using Solar Energy

Step 1. Learn about solar panels

Solar panels are a widely used option and have many advantages. This device that can be used almost all over the world is a modular device that can be adapted to your needs, besides that there are also many well-tested options.

• This panel should receive sunlight from the south (facing north in the southern hemisphere, facing up around the equator). The best angle should be according to the latitude where you live, and in overcast conditions.
• The stable pole can be built under the solar panels (which can store the battery and charging device) or place it on the roof of the house. Solar panels are easy to install and maintain if they are close to the ground, and have no moving parts. A moving pole can follow the sun and increase efficiency, but it costs more than adding several stable poles to make up for the drawbacks. Movable mast sets are also easily damaged by inclement weather, and have moving parts that can wear out.
• Just because a solar panel is stated to have 100 watts of power doesn't mean it will generate this much power on a regular basis. The power it produces will depend on how it is installed, the weather, or the season that affects the position of the sun.

Step 2. Start with small equipment

Buy a solar panel or two to get started. You can install it in stages, so you don't have to pay all the fees at once. Many solar panel systems connected to the grid on the roof can be expanded -- this is something you should check when buying. Purchase a system that can be expanded to suit your needs.

Step 3. Learn to manage your system

Just like anything else, if you don't take care of it, your system will crash. Determine how long your system should last. Saving a little money now can actually cost you later. Invest your funds to maintain this system, and this system will help you.

Try to determine and provide a budget for the long-term maintenance costs of the system. Running out of funds in the middle of your plans is something you should avoid

Step 4. Determine your system type

Consider whether you want a stand-alone energy device, or a network-connected system. A stand-alone energy system is a great choice for the long term, you can find the source of every watt of electricity you use. While the choice of networked systems can give you stability and repeat use, as well as give you the opportunity to resell the electricity you generate to power generation companies. If you use a grid-connected system, but manage your energy use as a stand-alone system, you can even generate a little extra income.

Contact your current electricity provider, and ask about networked systems. They may be able to provide assistance, and advise on the installation services of your sustainable electrical energy system

Part 2 of 5: Using Alternative Systems

Step 1. Learn about wind turbines

This option is also very suitable for many locations. This option is sometimes also more economical than solar power.

• You can use a homemade wind turbine from your car's alternating current (AC) generator, with guides available online. This method is not recommended for beginners, but it can give appropriate results. After all, there are other fairly inexpensive commercial options as well.
• There are several disadvantages of wind power generation. You may have to place the turbine very high for it to work effectively, and your neighbors may be disturbed when they see it. Birds may not be able to see it either, until they hit the turbine.

• Wind turbines require almost constant gusts of wind. An unobstructed open area is perfect for this device as there isn't much to block the wind blowing. Wind power is often used to effectively supplement solar or water systems.

  

  Step 2. Understand about micro-hydro generators

  There are many types of micro-hydro technology available, from homemade propellers connected to alternating current (AC) generators in automobiles, to systems that are quite reliable and intricately engineered. If you live in a watershed, this option can be an efficient and independent solution.

  

  Step 3. Try a combined system

  You can always combine these systems to ensure that you get electricity all year round and meet the electricity needs of your home.

  

  Step 4. Consider a stand-alone generator

  If there is no power grid, or you want to prepare backup power for a disaster or a power outage, then you need a generator. These devices can run on a variety of fuels, and are available in a variety of sizes and capacities.

  • Many generators react very slowly in charging (turning on a device that requires a lot of power can cause a power outage).

    The small generators that are widely available at hardware stores are made for occasional use in an emergency. Generators like this will usually be damaged if used as a daily power source

  • Large household generators are very expensive. These generators can run on gasoline, diesel, or LPG, and usually have a setting to turn on automatically when the power is cut off. To install it, be sure to ask a professional electrician for help and follow all the installation instructions. If installed incorrectly, it can kill an electrician who cuts off electricity without knowing that a backup generator is in place.
  • Generators built for RV cars, or boats, are small, quiet, and built for continuous use, and are much more affordable. These generators can run on gasoline, diesel, or LPG, and are designed to run several hours at a time for years.

  

  Step 5. Avoid the CHP system

  Cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which generate electricity from heat from steam, are outdated and inefficient systems. While there are still people who like this system, you should avoid it.

  Part 3 of 5: Setting Up the Right Equipment

  

  Step 1. Shop

  There are many vendors offering different products and services in the green energy market, and some of the ones they offer will be better suited to your needs than others.

  

  Step 2. Research before buying

  If you are interested in a particular product, compare prices online before you talk to the seller.

  

  Step 3. Ask for expert opinion

  Find someone you trust to help you make a decision. There are sellers who put your interests first, but some don't. Search the internet for self-employment communities or similar for advice from someone who is not aiming to sell you anything.

  

  Step 4. Find out about government aid programs

  Remember to find out about government aid programs before you make a purchase. There are programs that can provide you with subsidies for the installation of power generation equipment, or provide tax breaks for your efforts to produce this environmentally friendly energy.

  

  Step 5. Ask for qualified help

  Not all contractors or builders can install this electrical device properly. Only use the services of an experienced handyman, and one who is licensed to install your equipment.

  Part 4 of 5: Preparing for the Worst Chance

  

  Step 1. Ask about insurance coverage for larger installations

  Your current home insurance may not cover your equipment in the event of catastrophic damage, and this can be very disappointing.

  

  Step 2. Establish a relationship with a professional power plant maintenance service

  If you can't solve your problem, don't hesitate to ask for help.

  

  Step 3. Think about backup power

  The natural sources of power required by your power plant are not always available. The sun doesn't always shine, the wind doesn't always blow, and the water doesn't always flow.

  • Using a network-connected system is the cheapest option for most people, especially those who are already PLN customers. They can install any of the power generation devices (such as solar panels) and transmit the electricity through the grid. When there is not enough power, the electricity grid makes up for the shortfall, whereas if there is an excess of electricity production, the grid will buy it. Larger systems can continually reduce electricity usage from the grid.
  • If there is no electrical service near you, it may be more expensive to connect to the grid (or even to connect lights outside the home) than it is to generate and store your own electricity.

  

  Step 4. Learn about energy storage

  One solution for self-contained electric power storage is to use lead acid batteries. Each type of battery requires a different charge cycle, so make sure that your power line can charge this battery, and is properly adjusted to charge it.

  Part 5 of 5: Choosing and Using Batteries

  

  Step 1. Buy the same battery

  Batteries cannot be mixed and matched, and in general, new batteries of the same type will not be compatible with older batteries.

  

  Step 2. Calculate how much battery you will need

  Long cycle storage is calculated as amp-hours. If you want to get kilowatt-hours, multiply amp-hours by the number of volts (12 or 24 volts), and divide by 100. To get amp-hours of kilowatt-hours, multiply by 1000 and divide by 12. If your daily usage is 1 KWH, you need about 83 amps/hour of 12 volt storage, but then you need 5 times (taking into account that you don't want to spend more than 20% of it), or about 400 amp-hours to provide that much power.

  

  Step 3. Select your battery type

  There are many types of batteries, and choosing the one that works best for you is important. Understand what is suitable and what will not greatly affect the electricity in your home.

  • Wet cell batteries are the most widely used. The battery is repairable (the top is removable so you can add distilled water), and needs to be "balanced" to remove the sulfur from the dish and keep all cells in the same condition. Some high quality wet cell batteries have a 2.2 volt independent cell that can be replaced if damaged. Untreated batteries will lose water as they work, and eventually the cells will dry out.
  • Gel batteries cannot be repaired, and cannot be reused after experiencing charging problems. Fillers designed for wet cells will peel the gel from the dish and form a gap between the electrolyte and the dish. Once one cell is overloaded (due to unequal damage) then the entire battery will die. As part of a small system, these batteries can be used, but are not suitable for use in larger systems.
  • Absorbed mat glass (AGM) batteries are more expensive than the other two types of batteries, and require no maintenance. As long as it's properly charged, and doesn't go through too long a charge cycle, this battery will last a long time, and it's unlikely to leak or spill, even if you smack a hammer at it (although you probably would never do this). This battery still emits gas if it is too fully charged.
  • Car batteries (batteries) specifically for cars. Car batteries are not suitable for use in conditions that require deep cycle batteries.
  • Ship batteries are usually a combination of deep cycle batteries and batteries to power the ship. Because this combination is suitable for ship electricity, but not for household electricity.

  

  Step 4. Prepare the battery even with a generator

  Even with a generator, batteries are still required on a gridless system. Charging the battery will release a large enough amount of power from the generator so that it can work efficiently with the fuel it consumes. Turning on some of the lights will probably absorb some of the electrical power, but is not efficient for most generators.

  

  Step 5. Take care and check your battery

  Batteries and cables connected to them need to be checked regularly (even "maintenance-free" batteries need to be checked regularly). This check can be done by a professional electrician, but you can also learn to check it yourself.

  Tips

  • Where there is no conventional electricity grid, the cost of connecting a building to the grid may be greater than building a power plant yourself.
  • Deep cycle batteries may not work properly if they are used up to more than 20% of them. If you overfill it frequently, its useful life will be significantly reduced. If you fill it little by little, and rarely fill it too much, it will last longer.
  • There are many options for funding your system, and loan benefits/tax deductions for building an eco-friendly electricity system.
  • For people living in remote areas, co-financing a power generation system can be an option. Anything that can be agreed upon by all concerned with mutual future considerations. A citizen association or device resembling a managing company may be required.
  • There are many articles on the internet that contain more useful information, but most of them are intended to sell devices from a specific company.
  • Installing a power plant like this is not a complicated science, assuming that you have some knowledge of power grids.

  • If the benefits cannot be calculated in rupiah, can it be calculated in other units…

    • Urgent need (no electricity)?
    • Calm?
    • No wires entering your house?
    • Personal pride?
  • If you have access to running water, a micro-hydro system may be a better fit compared to solar and wind power.

  Warning

  • Whatever you install, make sure your home insurance covers it. Don't assume about this.

  • If you have no knowledge of electrical or safety theory, consider this list of questions as things you should know for the people you hire.

    • You can damage the structure of the house (burning part of the walls, causing a roof leak, or even burning down your entire house).
    • You could cause serious injury or even death (electric shock, falling from a roof, or an improperly installed object falling on the person).
    • A short-circuited or stressed battery could cause an explosion.
    • Splashing of battery acid can cause serious burns and blindness.
    • Even direct current electricity at this voltage can make your heart stop or cause severe burns if it comes into contact with jewelry.
    • If electricity returns to the circuit board (via a generator or grid-connected voltage converter), make sure there is a warning about this for the electrician, or they may turn off the power and get electrocuted when they think there is no electricity.
    • It is very serious. The seemingly harmless twisting of the wires, and those purple panels could kill you.
  • There are "all-in-one" power generation systems, but they are usually small, overpriced, or both.

  • Check your building permit rules.

    • Some people find solar panels "unattractive."
    • Some people find eco-generators "noisy" and "unattractive."
    • If you are not entitled to manage water, some people may grant exceptions to your use to generate electricity.