You can use the sun to generate electricity for your home through photovoltaic solar panels that are installed on your roof.
The real energy
comes from the inside, at least with geothermal energy systems, that is. Geothermal heating and cooling systems consist of a series of pipes that are buried deep enough in the earth to take advantage of the natural heat of its natural geological processes. These pipes then work in a circuit, driving heat and pushing cold air into a home.To heat the house, a geothermal heat pump draws heat from the ground or from a water source into the air. Then, to cool the house, a geothermal heat pump extracts and releases the heat underground or into a body of water. This process is much more efficient than a fuel furnace or electric air conditioning system, making it an excellent source of renewable energy for your home. Energy savings can vary from home to home, but depending on the U.
S. Department of Energy (DOE), the initial costs of installing a geothermal system are generally returned to you within 5 to 10 years. While home systems still have a small way to go in terms of adoption and efficiency, the future looks promising for solar energy in the homes of the future. If you're considering using solar panels, you might want to consult with a local solar energy expert to get the most accurate savings estimate for your home. Not ready to call a contractor yet? You can also read case studies of residential solar energy for homes in your area or climate to get a better idea of the full economic picture. Community solar energy is a term that refers to local solar farms or gardens, which are shared by several residents of the same area.
These shared systems allow people to take advantage of this green home energy source without having to pay for the installation of solar panels themselves. While this domestic renewable energy source is generally only cost-effective in windy areas (places with average winds of around 14 mph a year, if your home uses 300 kWh per month), it can be an excellent green option for homes in extremely remote areas, as it eliminates the high costs of extending your property's power lines. As expensive as they are to install, wind turbines can save a lot of money if they are used in the right areas. According to the DOE, small wind electric systems can reduce your electricity bills by 50 to 90 percent if you live in an area with enough wind. As the name suggests, hybrid systems combine two different renewable energy sources for homes: wind and solar in most cases.
Many hybrid systems allow homes to be “off the grid”, making them ideal for rural homes or homes in remote areas. These systems usually consist of a small wind turbine, a set of solar panels, a battery bank, and a generator to keep the flow of electricity constant. Household hydropower, or microhydroelectric systems, are an excellent renewable energy option for homes with running water on the property. According to the DOE, domestic hydroelectric systems need a turbine, pump or water wheel to allow water to pass through. The force of the water then creates rotational energy, which can be converted into electricity.
Determining your total microhydroelectric energy savings depends on your current electricity consumption, the “head” (or height) of the waterfall, the flow of the water source, and more. But once you determine them, you can calculate your system's potential output power and compare it to your current consumption to find your energy savings. Whether you're building a new home or buying a renewable energy system, the most common solution is solar energy. Sunlight is collected through solar panels. A solar panel creates the opportunity for light particles to release electrons from atoms, creating the energy of electricity. Community-shared solar energy projects may also be an option in some communities, where all community members come together to buy a collective solar system to generate locally sourced solar energy and receive a portion of that energy.
Solar energy doesn't just have to generate electricity for lights and various uses. Energy from the sun can also heat your home. You probably know full well that air conditioning and heating systems consume more electricity than anything else in your home. If you're not ready to invest in complete solar energy for your home, do it step by step. There are a number of products available that work with your own solar systems that can significantly reduce your dependence on electricity.
The most notable weakness of solar energy is that it only works when the sun rises. If you want to power your home when the sun goes down, you'll need to invest in a second type of renewable energy or pay for electricity from the grid. Five years ago, Born to Engineer shared some compelling statistics on the efficiency of renewable energy sources. They stated that the five most efficient green energy sources are wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear and solar. This calculation was made at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, based on the current cost of fuel, production and treatment of environmental damage.
People can contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by using renewable energy sources in their homes. By switching to a provider that offers green energy plans, you can help support and grow renewable energy initiatives in your area.
