Would you like to know how long a train car full of coal will power the average electricity generating plant? The answer is a whopping 20 minutes per car. A train coal car holds from 3,800 to 4,400 cubic feet of coal.



The United States has 620 electricity generating plants as of January 2007. Electrical demand is at an all time high and increasing. The cost of electricity has increased greatly over the years.

The electrical industry supplies more than 175 million computers and the electrical needs of over 200 million cell phones. Computers consume 13% of all the electricity used. Electrical consumption is expected to grow by 45% by 2030. Americans homes have become much bigger over the years which have contributed to the increased demand.

Did you know that Solar panels & wind generators produce only 0.2% of the energy used by Americans? Have you ever thought of getting off the electrical grid for good, altogether or for the most part? All you need is knowledge of wind generating or solar panels.

There are folks building their own systems for around 200 dollars. All that is needed is the right knowledge and a little extra time. The components are readily available in your area for alot less than most people think.

The useful life of a wind generator is around 30 years. Studies have shown that the noise generated from a residential wind generator is about the same as a household refrigerator. Wind generators have a cut-in speed of around 7 m.p.h. of wind. Some will require a little less wind to run.

Many states have rebate or tax credit programs as an incentive to move ahead with alternative energy. Credits are also available from the federal government. If you are within 2 miles of an airport there will likely be a height restriction on the tower. Towers that are less than 200 feet high do not require lights on them.

Solar panels that are constructed at home or purchased are often used in conjunction with a wind generator. Then you are covered for the days that there is not enough wind but an ample amount of sunshine is available to produce the much needed electricity. If the restrictions in your area forbid the use of a wind generator then you could use a solar panel by it self to cut the electric bill down. All you need to do is obtain the knowledge, set aside some time, and get started saving money.