Green alternatives to the use of conventional, harmful energy sources have been popular for two reasons. First, sustainable and renewable energy sources can give you a lot of money savings. Second, it can be a significant contribution to the preservation of our planet, and it can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
From the financial viewpoint, using green energy sources can reduce or even eliminate the exorbitant cost you pay for your monthly electricity bill. Not only that, but you can also avail of government tax incentives if you install in your home these green alternatives. Of course, using renewable energy sources can help minimize the carbon foot prints which are one of the main causes of climate change. Indeed, it is a win-win solution to our daily problems when we start using clean energy sources. So here are some the ways to power your home with renewable energy.
Go for Geothermal Energy
Hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes can generate clean, renewable energy to power your household. Extraction of natural heat from these sources is known as geothermal energy, and it can provide your home a consistent supply of power. It also releases little to zero harmful gases. For sure, the only catch is that only those households that are near to these natural formations can avail of this clean energy. But thanks to technology, you can power your household using geothermal energy by installing a ground source heat pump. Ground source heat pumps tap the relatively average temperature of the Earth to produce your household electricity. It produces almost the same amount of electricity as the conventional energy source. It can last for five or more decades, and it will be another reduction in your monthly electricity bill.
Harness the Power of the Wind
It is amazing to see wind turbines floating in seawater or standing high on rustic wind farms while you are visiting the countryside. Not only that they are beautiful to behold, but they also have a positive impact on our environment. But did you know that you can also install wind turbines in your residence to have a clean, renewable power for your household? Wind energy is one of those green solutions that you can harness to power your home without you worrying about the cost of electricity bills. It also generates zero greenhouse gas emissions which are a great help to the environment. If your household meets the standard for the installation of residential wind turbines, do not hesitate to go for it. For you to figure out what size of wind turbines your home need, you can get an energy audit of your household for it.
Choose Micro Hydropower Systems
Having a stream, river, creek, or any running source of water near your residence is a great way to invest in micro hydropower system. A micro hydropower system takes advantage of the running water to turn it into rotational energy, which then makes electricity. A creek, for example, can generate a clean, sustainable, off-the-grid source of electricity that is more affordable than wind or solar. If you have a micro ten-kilowatt hydropower system, it will enable you to power a two-story household or a small resort.
Solar Power for the Win
For years and even decades, the power of the sun as an alternative energy source has been the most talked-about topic to preserving the planet. Many homeowners already have a solar power system installed in their households for financial and environmental purposes. Before you install a solar power system in your home, you need to know the two types of solar power: active and passive solar energy. Active solar energy utilizes the technology of photovoltaic solar cells to generate heat and electricity to your household. You can either harness its power to supplement a conventional electric grid to reduce electricity bills or use it to eliminate electricity costs. Passive solar energy, on the other hand, also uses the sun’s power but does not utilize photovoltaic cells to provide home electricity. Indirect power through solar energy within the walls or through direct sunlight collect outside your windows is the ways of collecting passive solar energy.
Takeaway
With the adverse effects of climate change all over us, it is important that we find ways to mitigate its impact. We should not waste our time, and start the job now to prevent the destruction of our planet. We should start implementing green alternative energy sources in our homes for us to bequeath a healthy environment for the next generation. You can follow some of the tips mentioned above for this purpose.
Yassi Parrish is a blogger and an environmental advocate. She writes topics about climate change and the ways to mitigate it. In her environmental advocacy, Yassi promotes green alternative options for living such as buying energy-efficient technology to preserve the environment. She browses GStore to look for green alternatives for home use.