4 Ways to Power your Home with Renewable Energy
Are you interested in saving money and helping the environment at the same time? One of the best ways to cut your monthly bills is by investing in renewable energy, not from the power plant, but in your own house!
1. Rooftop Solar Panels
Depending on your latitude and the orientation of the panels, you could generate 10 or more watts per square foot. A typical house consumes at least a kilowatt of power, so a few square feet of solar panels should be enough to power most or all of your needs. The initial investment might be a little high, but typically you can get it paid for by reducing your electricity bills within 3-5 years.
2. Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are most commonly found in wind farms or floating offshore, but if you have enough real estate you can install a small wind turbine on your property to power your home.​
​
There are a few downsides to a wind turbine that make them less popular in residential areas. They can be ugly and make a lot of noise. They take up space, and depending on where you live, local laws and zoning regulations may outright forbid it.
3. Solar Water Heating
Solar water heaters use the sun to heat a reserve of water, which can then be pumped through your radiators or out your faucets or showerheads. This system is much cheaper than using gas or electricity to heat your water and is easier to install than solar panels.
4. Solar Air Conditioning
Air conditioning uses more electricity than almost anything else in your home. Air conditioning can cost you a substantial amount of money every year, especially if you have central air and you live in a hot climate. Using hot water to cool your home can save you money and help the environment. As a bonus, the hot water produced for air conditioning can also be used for other applications in your home.
