Renewable energy sources are a popular choice amongst homeowners and business owners that want to cut down on their carbon footprint while lowering their energy bill. As the fasting growing source of energy in the U.S., more and more people are making the switch from relying on traditional sources of energy to sing more eco-friendly options. If you’re interested, check out the following ideas for powering your home with renewable energy:
1. Rooftop Solar Panels
When it comes to alternative energy sources, one of the most popular options is solar power. Solar panels can easily be installed on the roof of any home or business as well as in the yard. With solar panels, it’s possible to generate at least two watts of energy per square foot.
With just a few feet of solar panels, homeowners can generate enough power to heat their entire home. If you’re hoping to install solar panels or solar shingles at your home, Douglas Healy recommends waiting until your roof reaches the end of its life.
Though it’s easy to associate hot temperatures with solar power, many people rely on the sun on to keep their homes cool. With solar air conditioning systems, you’ll be able to tap into this renewable energy source to cool your home.
2. Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are often used offshore or on wind farms, but property owners with a big enough yard can install a wind turbine on their property. Though wind turbines are an effective way to generate renewable energy, they tend to be one of the more unpopular ways to do so as they are particularly noisy. Douglas Healy shares that homeowners that are considering installing a turbine should check the zoning regulations in their area as well as local laws. In many cities, homeowners are restricted from using wind turbines on their property.
3. Solar Ovens
If you don’t have the space to install solar panels or a wind turbine, you might want to consider using a solar oven to generate a smaller amount of energy. With a solar oven, you will be able to power a smaller portion of your home.
Though solar ovens are often built as elementary school projects, they are able to generate a fair amount of electricity. Using a box lined with aluminum foil, you can trap the sunlight, using it as a source of renewable energy to heat your food.
4. Hydropower Generators
While hydropower is another feasible way to generate electricity, it requires a tremendous amount of flowing water to work. Hydropower generators use water to flow power a turbine and generate electricity. Though hydropower generators aren’t easy for the average person to construct, they do result in a large amount of power.
If you are able to set up a hydropower generator, you’ll see the incredible benefits of this renewable energy source. As water is a continuous and stable source of power, hydropower generators always provide the same level of input, making them one of the most reliable sources of renewable energy.
5. Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating relies on solar power to heat your water and home. In addition to using solar power to provide your home with energy, you can take advantage of this renewable energy source to heat your home as well. Solar water heaters are used to heat up reserves of water that then flows through your faucets or radiator.
6. Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal energy is another form of renewable energy that you can use to power your home. Geothermal energy comes from the heat generated underneath the earth’s surface and can be harnessed using geothermal heat pumps. As a clean energy source, geothermal energy provides homeowners with energy 24 hours a day. Moreover, homeowners can use geothermal heat pumps in place of conventional HVAC systems. Unlike a traditional HVAC system, geothermal heat pumps don’t have condensing units, resulting in noise-free system.
Renewable energy gives us the opportunity to conserve our natural resources and lower the negative impact using traditional energy sources has on the environment. If you’re ready to power up your home in a more sustainable manner, keep these tips in mind