The world has reached a tipping point that we likely won’t be able to back away from. The Amazon Rainforest is being cut down at levels where it will likely be barren by 2030, CO2 levels are rising, the Arctic is on fire, Greenland’s ice sheets are melting, and so much more. Water scarcity in some parts of the world are at an all-time high, with some countries suffering from massive droughts and, in turn, starvation.
Resources are being plucked away at rates that are unsustainable, the world has passed the carbon threshold, and the world is only just starting to wake up to the implications. Thankfully, there are some leaders out there that are doing their part in helping the world, and though an individual will never be able to make as big of a difference as public policy restricting the biggest polluters (companies) from razing the environment for their own short term profit, the individual does have power.
With enough voices, companies follow. With enough voices, governments enforce new laws. By investing in your own renewable energy options for your home, you invest in that sector, in your future, and you show everyone the benefits of green energy.
Why Invest in Renewable Energy Options
Renewable energy options are the best choice when it comes to significantly reducing your reliance on the electrical grid. With electricity prices expected to double over the next fifteen years if they are kept at their current rate, relying on your own power is the best choice moving forward.
Green or renewable energy provides tons of benefits to your home. It’s important to find renewable energy plans in Texas or in your area that suits your budget to enjoy the following benefits:
Reduced Utilities
One of the obvious reasons for investing in renewable energy options for your home is that, over time, the cost savings will add up, and they will add up massively. What’s more is that energy costs are only expected to rise as demand grows, so even with renewable electricity becoming more popular, you can expect your average utilities cost to go up, and in some estimations almost double what you are paying now.
Potential to Sell Back Excess Energy
Another option when you produce your own renewable electricity is that you might be able to sell some of it back. This is best done during peak hours, as you can get the maximum amount of money for your electricity. Though this pales in comparison to the cost savings, you will make sure it can do its part towards adding up the financial benefits of investing in renewables.
Increased Home Value
As more people come to realize the benefits of powering home with your own renewable energy power, so too will properties that have this feature go up in value. In some places, new builds are even required to have solar energy included on the roofs, so new homeowners can start to benefit right away and have the cost absorbed into their mortgage. For current homeowners, there are many subsidiary options out there to keep costs low, and you can always contact your loan provider if necessary.
Bank On Smart Technology
Several companies reduce their energy production costs using smart technology, which allows them to pass on the savings straight to their customers. Similarly, you can maximize the use of smart technology to make renewable energy more affordable. In addition, smart energy technology makes you more aware of your energy use and become an informed consumer.
Environmentally Friendly
Enormous greenhouse gasses are generated in power plants, such as coal-burning power plants. On the other hand, renewable energy sources will enable you to reduce yourcarbon footprint, which is good for the environment.
With the deregulation of the energy industry, consumers have the power to select the best energy provider to make a difference. Consumers can choose energy companies that use green energy sources and offer renewable energy plans to help the environment.
Good Image
Using renewable energy is a great way to establish afavorableimage in your neighborhood and the entire community. Whether you’re a local leader or an ordinary law-abiding citizen, you can become a role model and influence others to care for the environment and secure your children’s future by using renewable energy sources.
Types of Renewable Energy Options
There is a variety of renewable energy options and plans for homeowners. Renewable energy plans in Texas is one of the options for Texas renewable energy plan which is affordable and backed by unmatched local support. Renewable energy option depends entirely on your property size and what exists on that property. If you have a river running on your land, for example, then you could invest in hydropower. If you have a large farm, you can invest in wind energy, and so on.
Renewable
There are three main options when it comes to 100% renewable energy for the household.
Solar
Solar is a very good options for most households, as they can use their roof to collect the energy that they need. So long as these solar panels are combined with an efficient battery to keep the energy, you don’t use for peak-hour use (nighttime), you can significantly reduce or eliminate external energy reliance.
There is also the possibility of selling back the electricity that you don’t use to the grid.
Investing in solar panels, however, should never be a simple decision. You need to really understand the pros and cons and what solar power can do for your specific property. If you are moving from the US to the UK, for example, then solar panels UK subsidiaries, buybacks, and costs are going to be different than your Californian based solar panels. Therefore, it is always important to know your options and to be 100% happy with your decision before you invest.
Micro CHP
A micro combined heat and power (CHP) system is a new system that offers a dual function. It produces heat and some electricity once powered up and can be a decent option for those who are looking for low carbon alternatives.
Wind
For those with large properties that don’t have many or any neighbors to bother, wind energy can be the way to go. The reason why these aren’t often adopted by homeowners is due to their size, cost, and how loud they can be. They are best for commercial farms where the owner lives on the property.
Low Carbon
It is not always possible to choose the 100% renewable option, but before you start using coal, it is important to remember that not all non-renewable fossil fuels are the same. Natural gas, for example, is quite efficient and produces far less CO2 than other options.
Hydro
If you are lucky enough to own a property with rushing water, you might be able to set up your own personal hydro-station for your home. As these are not common, however, you should expect high upstart costs.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is not perfect, but it is better than coal and, for properties that are far off the grid and don’t get a lot of sunlight, it can be your only option. By choosing the energy source that produces the least amount of CO2 out of your options (especially in comparison to burning wood fires, you are doing your part for the environment.
Renewable Ways to Heat and Cool Your Home
Having renewable energy production on your property is not the only way that you can keep costs low and power your home. You should also look into investing in alternative ways to heat and cool your home and water.
Solar Air Conditioning and Water Heating
You can use solar panels to directly heat water or use it to power air conditioning units.
Air Source Heat Pumps
The best way, however, is definitely to use the energy you have gained from your solar panels to power an air source heat pump, which draws in air from the outside to heat a liquid that pumps and then compress. As the liquid is compressed, it produces heat that can be used to draw hot air out of a home (air conditioning) or push it into your home (heating). It can even be used to heat water.
Alternative: Switch to Renewable Energy Sources
If you cannot invest in these options right now, then a good alternative is to switch energy providers. In fact, switching energy providers is a great step to take, regardless. This way, if you run out of energy produced by your very own solar panels, the energy used to power your home will still be green and clean.
Our governments have just 12 years to put in place harsh restrictions, policies, and frameworks if we are to set society on a path towards a green, sustainable future, but you don’t need to wait that long to start making a difference right now. Improve your home’s value, reduce your utilities, and enjoy a more mindful life because of it by investing in green energy solutions in your home today.
Article Submitted By Community Writer