Alternative Renewable Energy Sources for the Home

Solar Energy

• The use of solar panels provides a silent, clean power that results in cost savings and is also advantageous for the environment. Solar panels offset the harmful effects caused by carbon dioxide while providing the home with a renewable source of heat and electricity. Photovoltaic devices are analogous to solar panels. They have the ability to create electrical energy when exposed to light. Photovoltaic devices can be assembled to power home appliances through a renewable means.

Thermal Energy

• Energy systems using geothermal energy can be installed in homes to effectively monitor the heating and cooling abilities within the home. A combined heat and power system, also known as cogeneration, generates power and energy renewably from a single fuel source. The two most common combined heat and power systems are gas turbines or engines with a steam recovery unit and steam boilers with steam turbines. You can also purchase clean power from geothermal power plants.

Natural Energy

• Windows are an easy and often overlooked source of renewable energy. Windows covering the facade of a home bring in sunlight throughout the day, reducing the need for electricity. Windows and glass doors also provide borrowed light and can reduce or eliminate the need to run fans and air conditioning in the summer months. Open windows improve indoor air quality and reduce unsafe volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon monoxide levels.

Hydropower

• Solar water heaters, also called solar domestic hot water systems, are a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home renewably. Heating water can account for 14% to 25% of consumed energy for your home. Solar water heaters can be used in any climate, but a back-up system is recommended for cloudy days. Solar water heaters work by harnessing sunlight via solar collectors. Cold water is processed in the storage tanks and converted to hot water.

Hydrogen Energy

• As the most abundant element, hydrogen is an optimal choice to use as a heat and electricity conductor. Hygrogen is found in plants and natural fossil fuels. Hydrogren has great potential as a renewable power source used in homes. Hydrogen can be used to heat homes, generate electricity and power vehicles efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. Hydrogen fuel cells can even be manipulated to power appliances and portable devices. Certain plants use hydrogen to power electricity, and hydrogen-powered plants sell the energy-efficient form of electricity to consumers.