Alt Energy

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Solar power encapsulates a number of methods of harnessing energy from the light of the Sun (such as solar cells and solar cookers)
Wind power is the kinetic energy of wind, or the extraction of this energy by wind turbines
Geothermal power is electricity generated by utilizing naturally occurring geological heat sources
Biomass such as wood, plants, manure, peat or dead animals can be burned to generate heat

make a solar generator for less than $300

Buy a Solar Panel at your local Solar supply store (12 - 16 volt) for about $100 (aprox 15" X 24")
Buy a 12 volt deep cycle golf cart battery at your local discount store for about $60 # Buy a battery box at your local Marine supply store for about $10.00
Buy a 12 volt DC meter for about $25.00 at Radio Shack
Buy 2 DC power adapters ( the kind of device you stick into the cigarette lighter into) If they have it, buy one with three outlets. Should run about $10 at your local auto parts store. There are a bunch of items that you can buy that will plug right into your adapter.
Attach the meter and DC input to the top of the box.
Use insulated wire to attach the meter to the terminals on the battery. Connect the negative (-) pole first. Connect the DC inlet to the battery in the same way. Connect the solar panel to the battery in the same way.
It generally takes 5-8 hours to charge a dead battery; 1-3 hours to top off a weak one. It will run radios, fans, and small wattage lights all night, or give you about 5 hours of continuous use at 115 volt AC.
Should you desire, you can also purchase a 115 volt AC inverter at your local RV store for less than $75. Doing this will allow you to run any device that requires 110 volt AC power.