Solar Power and Other Renewable Energy Sources: 3 Ways to Introduce Them to Kids

With 'renewable energy' and 'conservation' being two common buzzwords these days, you'll want to make sure your kids understand the concepts. Teaching kids about renewable energy can be a bit tricky, though. There are terms better left until their older, for instance. Or they might not be able to picture what you're describing. 

Good thing there are ways to show them how these energy sources work, like how a water wheel can provide lifting power. Or how coloured paper can affect heat absorption, rather like off grid solar panels used to heat water. Here are a few examples.

• Wind. Making a pin wheel is the easiest activity. Using a square sheet of paper of any size, a pair of scissors, thin dowel, and a pin, you can show little ones how a wind turbine works. Just be sure to help the littlest ones when cutting the paper, and later attaching the wheel to the dowel.

• Water. Use a 2-litre plastic bottle, a small dowel, string, a small weight, and two corks, plus scissors - so keep a close eye on the kids. Cut the blades of the water wheel – 8 of them – from the upper half of the plastic bottle, and fill the bottom half with water. 

Cut lengthwise slits along one of the corks, and attach the end of the string to the other one, making sure the other end of the string is weighted. Stick each plastic strip in the cork so they all curve in the same direction.

Set your water wheel so one of the blades touches the water, and put it under the tap. Have the kids guess if the wheel can reel in the weight.

• Solar. Use a craft knife to cut a flap out of the top of a box, about 2cm from each side; fold the flap back and hold it open with some string and tape. Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper, and line the inside of the flap with the aluminium foil. Use folded newspapers to line the sides of the box for insulation.

This set up should give your kids a rough idea how solar panels Rockhampton work. Stick, say, a Pop Tart inside, on a clean plate or pie tin, and wait for it to warm. It'll be like you stuck it in the toaster.  

Time To Switch To Solar Power

Some people are starting to learn from their mistakes, as far as energy conservation is concerned. Where the main electricity is not available mostly in remote areas, or if it is yet, comes with a prohibitive cost, solar power has become the best option.

It's safer, because there are no emissions, and cheaper because of the savings you get from reduced energy usage. That's why many home owners now have off grid solar panels installed on their roofs. In this modern world of ours today, living in far-flung areas means no more deprivation of the little comforts in life.

How Remote Power Generation Systems Work

Ever wonder how this thing functions? Solar as well as wind power have seen major improvements over the years since such were discovered, thanks to the advancements of off grid technology! The betterment have made the systems cheaper and more efficient than ever.

An off grid power system works this way:

•    As the sun shines on solar panels, DC electricity is created.

•    Electricity is then fed into a regulator, the one responsible for controlling the amount of charge.

•    Next comes the charging of deep cycle batteries

•    The current is routed through an inverter where it is converted to 240V 50Hz AC electricity. You can now use your 12 volt appliances since this power is suitable for most standard home equipment. 

Installation of the Solar Power System

Installing an off grid solar system can be easy but, if you're not sure of your capability, don't hesitate to engage the expertise of accredited installers. Should you pursue installing your own system, bear in mind that the glass face of the solar panel module should be positioned at 90 degrees towards the sun for most of the day.

Likewise, consult the installer if you want to determine the optimum angle that's best for your location. Of course, before anything else, you have to know what system is suitable for your own needs and requirement. The area where you live is of utmost consideration. For your peace of mind, most solar power companies offer a no-obligation quote or advice.

You'll be glad to know that the government now offers incentives for homes using renewable energy like the solar power in Australia. Switch now to green energy, save costs and live healthy!