Did you know? Every hour, the sun delivers more energy to Earth than humanity uses in a year.
Harness the power of nature with residential renewable energy systems. Solar panels on your rooftop can turn abundant sunlight into electricity, significantly cutting down your energy bills. Wind turbines, perfect for rural homes, transform breezy days into clean energy. Micro hydro systems convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into power, an ideal solution for properties with a stream or river. These technologies not only reduce your carbon footprint, they also provide a reliable power source during grid outages. By installing renewable energy, a savvy investment that pays for itself over time, you will increase your home’s value. And your home will be a part of the solution for a cleaner and more sustainable planet.
Examples
1Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
Convert sunlight into electricity using panels typically installed on rooftops, the most popular choice due to high efficiency and decreasing costs.
2Solar thermal systems
Heat water or air for domestic use, leveraging sun’s energy, an efficient supplement to traditional heating methods.
3Wind turbines
Convert wind energy into electricity, often used in rural areas with ample wind.
4Micro-hydro power systems
Generate power from small streams or rivers, suitable for properties with access to flowing water.
5Ground source heat pumps
Extract heat from the ground, a highly efficient way to heat and cool homes.
Pros
- Cost Savings: Renewable energy systems can drastically cut or eliminate energy bills. Over time, these savings often exceed the initial investment, especially as fossil fuel prices rise.
- Environmental Impact: Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing your carbon footprint. This is a significant benefit compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources.
- Energy Independence: With renewable energy systems, you’re less dependent on the grid, insulating you from power outages and price hikes.
Cons
- Upfront Costs: Installation and equipment can be costly, though many jurisdictions offer incentives to offset this. The payback period can be several years.
- Geographic and Climatic Limitations: The efficiency of solar and wind systems depends on location and weather conditions, which may limit their applicability.
- Aesthetic Impact and Space: Some people find solar panels or wind turbines visually unappealing. Additionally, they may require significant space, especially for wind turbines.
Cost
Solar PV System:
1New Construction
Costs may range from $15,000-$25,000 after federal tax credits, depending on system size. The premium over standard practice can be about 10-20% but can be offset by energy savings over time.
2Existing Home (Contractor)
Costs can vary between $15,000-$35,000, depending on system size, roof condition, and location.
3Existing Home (DIY)
While DIY can save on labor costs, the overall cost could still range between $10,000-$20,000 for the system and necessary safety equipment.
Wind System:
1New Construction
Costs typically range from $20,000-$50,000, making it a premium of about 20-50% over standard practice.
2Existing Home (Contractor)
Costs usually vary between $30,000-$65,000, depending on turbine size and site specifics.
2Existing Home (DIY)
While DIY can reduce costs, you could still expect to pay between $15,000-$40,000.
Micro Hydro System:
1New Construction
Costs can vary widely depending on site specifics but may range from $5,000-$15,000. The premium over standard practice can be significant due to the uniqueness of the installation.
2Existing Home (Contractor)
Costs can range between $10,000-$20,000, depending on the flow rate and head height of the water source.
2Existing Home (DIY)
The cost can be reduced to $5,000-$10,000 but requires extensive technical knowledge.
Hiring Pros
- Research Professionals: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Request multiple quotes: Request multiple quotes from different experts to compare costs, installation methods, and equipment quality.
- Review past clients: Review past clients’ testimonials and online reviews to gauge the experts’ professionalism, work quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Verify license: Verify that the expert is licensed and insured in your jurisdiction, ensuring they meet all local legal requirements for renewable energy installations.
- Inquire about warranties : Inquire about warranties on both the equipment and the installation work, understanding the coverage and duration to protect your investment.
Do It Yourself
- Get Informed: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Seek multiple quotes to compare costs, installation methods, and equipment: A competitive bid helps to get the best price and service.
- Check references and reviews: Past clients’ experiences can provide insight into the professionalism, work quality, and customer service of potential contractors.
- Verify license: Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured to avoid liability for any on-site injuries and ensure they meet local installation standards.
- Understand the warranty: A good installation company will offer warranties on the equipment and their work, providing long-term protection for your investment.
Tips for Renters
For renters seeking a renewable energy-equipped rental:
1Use online platforms
Use online rental platforms that filter properties with renewable energy systems, such as www.apartments.com.
2Ask about utility bill arrangements during viewings
Properties with renewable energy systems often have lower utility costs.
3Consider the property's orientation and surroundings
South-facing properties with fewer obstructions are more likely to have effective solar panels.
Convincing Your Landlord:
1Highlight the financial benefits
Highlight the financial benefits, such as government incentives, increased property value, and potential for stable, long-term tenants due to reduced energy costs.
2Provide information
Provide information about local installation companies and cost estimates to demonstrate feasibility.
3Emphasize the environmental benefits
Emphasize the environmental benefits and the growing appeal of eco-friendly properties to prospective tenants.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Prioritize site analysis and system placement
Understand the site’s solar access, wind speed, or water flow (for hydro). This will allow you to maximize the system’s output by optimizing its orientation and placement. Utilize tools like the PVWatts Calculator (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/) for solar or local wind maps for wind systems.
2Consider aesthetics and integration
While performance is vital, aesthetics shouldn’t be ignored. Design the system to blend seamlessly with the building’s architecture and surroundings, enhancing its acceptance.
3Plan for future expansion
As technology improves and energy needs change, the renewable energy system may need upgrading or expansion. Ensure your design allows for this flexibility.
For the Builder:
1Hire certified professionals
Especially for solar and wind systems, hiring NABCEP-certified professionals or equivalent can ensure a quality installation and avoid costly mistakes.
2Use quality materials
Don’t cut corners on equipment. Higher-quality panels, turbines, or other components often perform better, last longer, and offer better warranties.
3Ensure proper safety measures
Installation of renewable energy systems can involve working at heights or with high-voltage electricity. Make sure all safety regulations are strictly followed to prevent accidents.
1Prioritize site analysis and system placement
Understand the site’s solar access, wind speed, or water flow (for hydro). This will allow you to maximize the system’s output by optimizing its orientation and placement. Utilize tools like the PVWatts Calculator (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/) for solar or local wind maps for wind systems.
1Hire certified professionals
Especially for solar and wind systems, hiring NABCEP-certified professionals or equivalent can ensure a quality installation and avoid costly mistakes.
2Consider aesthetics and integration
While performance is vital, aesthetics shouldn’t be ignored. Design the system to blend seamlessly with the building’s architecture and surroundings, enhancing its acceptance.
2Use quality materials
Don’t cut corners on equipment. Higher-quality panels, turbines, or other components often perform better, last longer, and offer better warranties.
3Plan for future expansion
As technology improves and energy needs change, the renewable energy system may need upgrading or expansion. Ensure your design allows for this flexibility.
3Ensure proper safety measures
Installation of renewable energy systems can involve working at heights or with high-voltage electricity. Make sure all safety regulations are strictly followed to prevent accidents.
Resources
Books:
- “Wind Power For Dummies” by Ian Woofenden.
“Solar Electricity Handbook: A Simple, Practical Guide to Solar Energy” by Michael Boxwell.
Websites:
- Clean Energy Solutions Center: https://www.cleanenergysolutions.org/
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: https://www.nrel.gov
- The American Solar Energy Society: https://www.ases.org/
- U.S. Department of Energy – Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. Solar Energy Technologies Office: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office
