There are two reasons to green your home by installing solar and (or) wind power systems - whether it be small, supplemental systems such as solar powered water heaters, or large systems that will power the entire home.
First, you will save money by reducing your need for electricity from your local utility provider.
Secondly, you will be reducing your carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
The cost of energy is always going up. Gas prices are higher, electricity is higher…everything is higher, and as is the nature of things, that trend will only continue.In an effort to save money, many people are looking for alternative ways to power their homes.The solution is rather to convert to wind and (or) solar energy.
Let me give you the basic uses of solar power …
Electricity - A solar electric generating system can allow you to reduce your electric bill to zero.
Heating - You can heat your home in winter inexpensively.
Of all the energy used in the United States, only 1% is from renewable energy such as solar and (or) wind power. Think of the money to be saved, and spent on other things…by converting to solar and (or) wind power. Can any home use a Solar and Wind Powered System? The amount of power that collectors can absorb from the sun is contingent on a number of factors. What is the climate? Is it sunny all the time? Does the sun have access to roof or ground collectors?
Benefits from going solar are many. You will receive rebates and subsidies offered by utility providers, State and Federal Governments. Be aware that the amount of these rebates will vary, depending on how closely to the "ideal" of solar and (or)Wind power you can come. If you're installing equipment for a home office or business, you may be able to depreciate certain items.
Measure your savings…Keep track of your energy bills on a monthly basis to see how much they go down.In addition, remember that if you convert your home or business entirely too solar and (or) wind power, and are on the power grid with an intertie system, you can sell back your unused electricity to the utility.
Do your research. Going off-grid is a major step, but a great investment in your home or business. Doing your research is to also deal with people face to face. Talk to contractors who do this type of work. Talk to people who've gone off-grid themselves.
PV Systems: Two types
Standalone: These require batteries.
Intertie: This works in conjunction with your utility grid.
Stand-alone PV Systems, with batteries, are excellent to use when no power grid is available. For those individuals concerned about losing power in their homes - as might happen in the aftermath of a hurricane, or a violent storm, a stand-alone PV system makes an excellent back-up generator. It is quieter than a gas-powered generator, and needs no ventilation, and doesn't emit any pollution.
Wind and Water Power: Windmills and hydro-power generators are also great sources of energy. Unlike solar energy, windmills and water power are available at any time of the day or night.
Wind power Advantages:
Wind power can be generated anytime.. Wind is available almost everywhere
The energy can be stored in batteries for later use.
Water power Advantages:
Water power generates more kilowatts per cost than any other energy source. Batteries are typically not needed. Power can be generated day or night, in any weather. Hydro-systems are relatively maintenance free.
Well I've discussed a little about adding solar and wind power systems on to existing homes, however. Apartment buildings and businesses are also getting into the act. May, 2009 in San Diego, an apartment building has just opened. It's the first 100% solar-powered affordable housing with 42-units. A model for Green Living of the Future.
Russ Miles
Russ Miles
