Using renewable energy to power your home is not just about trying to save the environment. It is, above all, as simple as trying to cut down on your electricity costs. Governments all over the world are offering tax incentives for people who prefer to install renewable sources of energy in their homes.
If you’re living in California, you may want to check if you need CAISO ADS or the California Independent System Operator Automated Dispatch System in integrating the source of renewable energy in your home. The system can execute complex plant control logic needed to reach the dispatch operating target in mere seconds. You need to find a renewable energy system that you understand or know how to control. You cannot simply overpower your home without understanding how to store the energy that a solar panel, for example, managed to harness. Control and the proper distribution of power are important in running a house fueled by renewable energy.
When you hear the term “alternative energy” or “renewable energy,” what comes to mind? Most homeowners would immediately think about solar panels. In the past decade, solar power has become more widely accepted because of its low cost and easy-to-understand metrics. In fact, you can see small solar panels being installed in appliances such as rechargeable lamps and fans, ovens, flashlights, and chargers. Solar panels have become ubiquitous that when you think about transitioning your home to a more environmentally sound source of energy, you think about solar power and nothing more. But there are several more sources of renewable energy that you can opt for your home.
Residential Wind Turbines
You are all aware probably of massive wind turbines that go as high as buildings. Sometimes, you’ll find these turbines on top of buildings powered by green sources of energy. Think of this system but on a smaller scale. Your house can be powered by smaller wind turbines that harness wind energy. Depending on your location and the type of home system you have installed, you can see a return on investment from six to 30 years. While waiting for your ROI, you’ll see the value of your home increase while saving up on electricity costs.
Worried that you’re not living in a location with strong winds? You can have grid-connected turbines installed. When the wind turbine produces more power than your home needs, it brings that power back to the local utility grid. But when the wind turbine cannot meet the demands of your home, you have to draw extra power from the grid.
Hydropower
This depends on where your home is located. However, if you’re near a source of flowing water, you can have a hydropower generator installed. The generator will generate power from the stream of water diverted through a turbine. You can generate a lot of power if the water stream is strong. However, you cannot install this by yourself. You will need the help of professionals. Hydropower provides a reliable and steady stream of energy because it is not dependent on the weather, unlike solar and wind power.
Geothermal System
You can derive energy from the earth’s surface by installing geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The system can generate clean and renewable energy round the clock. It also requires a small environmental footprint to finish the process. A professional must first investigate your site for its specific geological, hydrological, and spatial characteristics to avoid potential problems.
All of these forms of technology can be used by themselves, combined, or in conjunction with the grid system. Choose the best one according to the environmental conditions of your site.
