Solar Windmill - Did You Think Solar Was Just For Sun?

Doesn't the term "solar energy" have something to do with power coming directly from the sun? Solar energy makes you think of solar cells, heat-gathering technology and other related items. And windmills are all about wind, wind energy and big blades whirring high in the sky - not the sun - right? In reality, these two technologies have more in common than most people think.

Wind Made By The Sun

Wind is actually created, in part, by solar (sun) activity, in addition to the rotation of the earth and surface terrain. As the sun heats the atmosphere, warm air rises and cooler air settles to lower altitudes, inducing winds.

Features like hills and mountains give added velocity and direction to these winds. Lakes and oceans also contribute something to the mix - moisture. Moisture can make the air more or less dense and have a cooling effect. The poles - the Arctic and Antarctica with their extreme temperature differentials can send great torrents of chilly wind daily. So, solar power what really can get the wind going.

Believe it or not, winds can actually affect the earth's rotation. Due to upper atmospheric forces such as El Nino, the earth's rotation can slow ever so slightly, resulting in a longer day (by milliseconds).

Also, the Polar Motion (the exact point at which the earth's poles point towards outer space) can be affected by these winds as well. There really is some awesome strength in the wind!

Solar and Wind Power Compliment Each Other

Sometimes solar windmills can imply that both solar power and windmill power are to be used together as complementary natural energy sources. Solar heat collectors and solar cells are both great technologies, when the sun is out. In many parts of the country, the sun shines more than 300 days per year.

But what happens when night comes, or clouds appear? Chances are, there will still be some wind. And, when there is both sun and wind, excess power can be stored for future use - water tanks for solar collectors and batteries for both solar cells and windmills - or sold back to the utility company.


Did You Learn Something?

Next time you hear the words solar windmill together, they won't sound so out of place. Hopefully, you also now know how interrelated wind and solar energy are. Are you starting to think about how you can harness some of this vast, energy source - free for the taking?

Also, as you plan your alternative energy strategy, you'll include both wind and solar power, because they compliment each other so well, and can be a large part of an

Also, as you plan your alternative energy strategy, you'll include both wind and solar power, because they compliment each other so well, and can be a large part of an  efficient and cost-effective household energy plan.