Does Homemade Energy Really Work?
By Tim McDonald on Oct 25, 2009 with Comments 0
Homemade Energy is guide that supposedly teaches you how to make your own solar and wind power. Written by Bill Ford – a scientist, researcher, inventor and energy consultant – the guide claims that even someone with limited technical know-how can build the systems. But does it really work? And how does it compare to Earth4Energy?
What we liked about it:
1 – The project was fun:
Since the instructions for the wind turbine were so well laid out, everything went smoothly, and we really enjoyed putting the windmill together. The end result looks so professional as well!
2 – Cheapest option
The Homemade Energy Guide was the most affordable guide out on the market. Yes, it was a measly $2 cheaper than it’s rival, Earth4Energy, but us homeowners love to save every penny we can.
3 – Written for the layman:
It was very apparent to us that Bill Ford wanted to produce a guide that anyone could follow, since it was so easy to understand. Thought we did have a small problem with the diagrams, we still ended up with a working wind turbine.
What we did not like about it:
1 – Not as complete as the other guides
At only around 43 pages long, this guide lacks that extra information and detail. Perhaps you could argue that it is to the point, however, when compared to Earth4Energy, we would rather spend that extra $2 to get that additional info.
2 – Needs an update:
This may not be the case with other readers, but we found the solar power plans rather confusing to follow at times. The diagrams did not flow well with the instructions, so we had to contact Bill on numerous occasions for support. We must admit that his response was very good and helpful, but it would be better if he simply updated the guide. What good are free lifetime updates, if we never really get any?
Conclusion:
Homemade Energy is by and large a an energy guide for beginners, that have the patience to learn while doing, which is vital for any diy plans. However, Bill needs to keep up to date with his competitors, such as Earth4Energy and Efficient Planet, and offer more value for his customers. This includes updating his solar power plans, and perhaps offering video instruction too.
Tim McDonald has been making his own home wind turbine and solar power since June 2008. If you are serious about making your own power, reducing your electricity bill and becoming more energy conscious, then he recommends you get the Earth4Energy Sneak Peek – before buying any energy guide.
Filed Under: Solar Power Info