Make Your Own Electricity
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Making your electricity through small renewable energy systems is now a viable option for many home owners and small businesses. Although it may take some time money and research in order to find what’s right and will work for you, there are many people who have taken this step and now enjoy energy independence through clean renewable energy sources. In addition to the added security and reduced energy costs, you also have the satisfaction of doing your part to safeguard and protect the environment you and your family live in.
Stand-Alone Energy Systems
Many renewable energy systems are capable of supplying some if not all of electricity needs. People who use the electricity from their systems instead of electricity supplied from the grid (by power providers, i.e. electric utilities) are using what we refer to as stand-alone (off grid) systems. This can be particularly useful, but not limited to, people who live in remote locations.
Hybrid Power Systems
Others choose to connect their renewable energy systems to the grid and use them to reduce the amount of conventional power drawn from the grid. A grid-connected system allows you to sell any excess power you produce back to your power provider. This is commonly referred to as net metering. Net metering can be done with any type of renewable energy system, as long as it produces electricity.
Some of the renewable energy technologies available for use today are as follows:
- Small solar electric systems
- Small wind electric systems
- Microhydropower systems
- Small hybrid electric systems (solar and wind).
The first step you need to take before purchasing and installing a small renewable energy system is to analyze your electrical load (the amount of electricity you consume). Failure to properly do this can result in getting a system to small or to large for your needs, resulting either in lack of power or in the case of to large a system extra costs that weren’t needed in the first place when investing in a small renewable energy system. As part of this step you will find out whether its economically feasible for you or not. If you have no idea how to go about checking these points, you can always contact a professional, there are many electrical companies now specializing in renewable energy systems and capable of providing you with a free analysis of your electrical needs.
Should you wish to install such a system yourself, you will also need to research the local codes and requirements for installing a system. But a local company might take care of this step for you. Silicon Solar is one such company.
If you’re the type who takes active part in designing a new home, you should work with your builder and your contractor, to incorporate your small renewable energy system into your home design. Doing this right from the beginning will allow for the best possible cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for your entire home.
