Renewable energy has increased in popularity due to the diminishing supply of fossil fuels and imminent threat of global warming. If you’re interested in inspiring real change, understand how using renewable energy at home makes a meaningful difference for the future.
Understand the 3 primary advantages of going green by powering your home using renewable energy.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy refers to energy collected from renewable resources. Renewable resources are naturally replenished and inexhaustible, including sunlight, wind, and water. Creating renewable energy involves capturing and converting renewable resources into usable electricity using advanced technology.
Traditional forms of electricity, specifically fossil fuels, are finite, meaning the supply continually diminishes until it eventually runs out. Renewable energy provides an alternative option as opposed to fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or natural gas, to guarantee a sustainable future.
In the United States, renewable energy currently accounts for about 11% of energy consumption and about 17% of electricity generation, and the percentages are expected to steadily increase.
Understand renewable energy to recognize the primary methods and apparent advantages of using renewable energy at your home.
Types of Renewable Energy
Power your home using renewable energy by learning the different types. Generally, renewable energy is accessed using solar energy, wind energy, or water energy.
1. Solar Energy
The Solar energy is generated by converting energy from the sunlight into electricity using solar power systems. Solar power systems consist of solar panels, an inverter, and racking. Solar panels are used for capturing sunlight and producing DC electricity. Because homes are powered using AC electricity, an inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity. Lastly, racking is essential for mounting your solar power system on a roof to access sunlight.
Determine the perfect solar power system for your home by calculating the kilowatt-hours of power needed for covering your home’s energy usage. Generally, homeowners require 28 to 34 solar panels, costing anywhere between $10,000 and $40,000 for equipment and installation.
Alternatively, community solar opportunities allow homeowners and renters to affordably access solar power by bypassing the installation costs. Community solar projects are funded and operated by third parties, who elect to install numerous solar panels in a certain area. Electricity generated at the solar farm is delivered to the power grid and distributed by the utility company to homes and businesses subscribed to the service. Research solar farms in New York to instantly power your home using solar energy.
Understand the basics of generating and accessing solar energy to discover whether it’s perfect for you and your home.
2. Wind Energy
Wind energy creates electricity by using wind to mechanically operate wind turbines to power electric generators. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are the most common type of wind turbine, containing three blades and operating facing the wind. Another type of wind turbines are vertical-axis wind turbines, which are omnidirectional, meaning facing the wind isn’t necessary for operation.
Wind turbines are generally located on wind farms and owned by utility companies or farm-owners. However, building a wind turbine on your property is possible if you own ample space. Depending on your location and project size, constructing a wind turbine costs anywhere between $15,000 and $75,000.
Recognize the process of harnessing wind energy to learn whether it’s right for you.
3. Water Energy
Water energy, otherwise known as hydropower, involves capturing energy generated by falling or fast-running water using turbines. Generally, hydropower examples are large-scale government or utility company projects, such as the Hoover Dam.
Microhydropower systems are available for homeowners with access to flowing water, ranging anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000. Install the systems at the largest vertical distance the water will travel to receive sufficient results.
Grasp the basic concept and method for using water energy to know whether it’s a viable option for your home.
Advantages of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy offers numerous advantages for homeowners.
1. Saves Money
Save money by powering your home using renewable energy. Solar, wind, and water energy are free to use, meaning energy expenses are drastically reduced, if not eliminated, after installation.
Specifically, renewable energy uses a billing process known as net metering for homeowners using solar and wind energy. Net metering credits system owners for energy contributed to the power grid. Energy added is paid for by the utility company in the form of credits on your electricity bill, which are subtracted from your total to limit your overall charges.
Additionally, renewable energy systems increase your property value because conscious home buyers view systems as valuable upgrades. For example, homes featuring a pre-installed solar power system typically increase their home’s value by $20 for every $1 saved on electricity bills.
Learn about the financial savings of renewable energy to understand the benefits for your budget.
2. Improves Your Environment
Improve your environment by switching to renewable energy. Traditional forms of electricity emit carbon dioxide and other harmful gases during production, increasing pollution and leading to global warming. Renewable energy is an environmentally-friendly alternative offering numerous environmental benefits, including:
- Decreasing pollutants to improve air quality and public health
- Avoiding releasing greenhouse gases to combat global warming and climate change
- Reducing your home’s carbon footprint to guarantee a better future
Study the environmental benefits of renewable energy to make a meaningful difference.
3. Stimulates the Economy
Stimulate the economy by choosing renewable energy sources. Renewable energy has created thousands of job opportunities. In fact, renewable energy creates more jobs on average for every unit of electricity generated than fossil fuels due to the hands-on nature of installing and maintaining the equipment.
Recognize the thousands of eco-friendly career opportunities available due to renewable energy.
Powering Your Home Using Renewable Energy
Begin powering your home using renewable energy by considering the different types of renewable energy available. Choose the perfect option for your home by realizing the process, location, and budget necessary for accessing sun energy, wind energy, and water energy. Once you’ve chosen and installed your ideal system, enjoy the amazing economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
Understand the 3 primary advantages of powering your home using clean and green renewable energy.
