If you are reading this article, then you have either made the choice to harness a green energy source for your home, or you are at least considering the possibility. However, you might not be entirely sure so far what the appropriate choices are. The following paragraphs discuss some green energy sources you can use on your property, as well as the pros and cons of each of them.
Panels are a form of green energy production that you can use, coming either in solar thermal forms, or photovoltaic technology. Solar thermal panels generally require direct sunlight and heat a fluid to a boiling point where it can generate electricity. Photovoltaic cells can take the radiation of the sun and convert it straight to power, often stored in batteries.
The advantages of panel technology include the ability to harness a power source that is available almost every single day. Also, there is usually ample room for installation, as part or all of your roofing can be replaced with paneling. Also, once installed, the lifetime upkeep and maintenance costs of panels are very low.
There are drawbacks. Cloudy days might not mean electricity production, depending on your kind of paneling. Also, panels come with significant installation costs at the beginning, although some areas have offsetting tax breaks and even grants available. Locations in extreme latitudes might not have enough sunlight during the winter season to make this choice worth it, and the angle of roofing in relation to the sun’s height and angle do affect the efficiency.
Wind turbines have come far enough along that even residential property owners can make use of them now. Anywhere that sees a lot of wind can certainly benefit from having one or two of these. Plains properties and coastal areas have very reliable wind most days. Once installed, the upkeep costs are minimal, so it becomes an almost free source of electricity.
Wind turbines do have problems associated with them. Many residents or neighbors might consider them a visual affront to their community. Also, turbines have been known to draw and kill birds. The installation costs of them are also very pricey, and without the wide array of grants and tax benefits solar offers. Also, when the wind is not blowing, you are stuck with drawing off the grid.
Two other green energy sources that are available for select residential use are hydroelectric and geothermal power. Both have very specific geographic restrictions though. Geothermal heating requires very stable terrain that can be drilled into deep enough to find the Earth’s internal heat. Hydroelectric requires a natural source of running water through your property. However, if the conditions are favorable for either or both of these and you can afford the installation, they are a stable and continuous source of green energy that is far more reliable and constant than wind or solar.
If it is possible, harness three or even four of these choices in your home and land. Most days you can probably get all of your power from wind and solar, which means you can sell your hydroelectric and geothermal juice back into the grid, helping to recur the installation costs you put into it. Hopefully, this article has given you at least one idea that you can use.
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