What Is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is electricity generated from renewable resources like sunlight or wind. Most of our current electricity supply comes from finite resources like coal. Renewable energy is not only more environmentally friendly, but can also be more energy efficient because it costs much less over time to generate and ship it to your home.
Renewable energy comes in many forms, and many new technologies are still being developed, but for the homeowner there are two primary forms: wind energy and solar energy.
Also, don’t forget that in some areas you can purchase renewable energy directly from your utility company without having to invest in your own renewable energy system. Contact your local utility and ask them if they provide renewable energy to their customers.
While renewable electricity is typically more expensive than traditional electricity, you can take comfort in the fact that you are investing in renewable energy resources and not contributing to CO2 emissions. Some states may even offer a green rebate for purchasing renewable electricity.
Home Solar Power Options
Solar power can be generated by your home if you install photovoltaic (”PV”) cells on your roof or in your yard. These cells absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. If your home is off the power grid, you can connect your PV system to batteries and, depending on where you live and how much electricity you use, run your home almost entirely on PV solar energy.
If your home is on the power grid, you can use a direct PV system. This option doesn’t use batteries and instead just dumps the energy produced onto your home’s electrical system and the greater power grid in general, so energy you don’t use is put out there for others to use.
Depending on where you live, your utility company might even pay you for the electricity your home generates. Learn more about tax rebates and incentives for installing a home solar energy system.
Home Wind Power Options
Investing in wind turbines can make sense for your home under certain conditions: 1) You have already made your home as energy efficient as possible, 2) Your region averages at least 11 MPH in wind speed, and 3) You have at least one acre of property. If you meet these requirements, then investing in a wind turbine or two makes sense.
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