Renewable energy is sourced from natural resources, including the sun and wind. Energy from the sun can be sourced through solar panels, and wind from wind turbines. While many of the renewable energy options are expensive, they are cost effective in the long run.

Rooftop Solar Panels

In recent years, solar panels on rooftops have been increasingly popular. 

Before deciding on installing solar panels on your roof, you will need to check the condition of your outdoor roof. If your roof is in poor condition, solar shingles can be placed on top, where this becomes a replacement of your original roof. The solar panels are then installed over these solar shingles. 

A negative to relying only on solar panels to run your home is that the sun is required to be out in order for energy to be collected. 

Wind Turbines

Not everyone has the space to insert a 300 foot wind turbine in their garden, but if you do have an estate or a considerably large amount of land, then installing a small wind turbine may be an option you consider as a renewable energy source. 

Micro Combined Heat and Power

This type of power generates both heat and electricity at the same time. This system is typically powered by fuel, which is used to produce electricity that is used on-site. Whilst also producing electricity, this system generates heat that is used to produce hot water for heating too. If you’re looking for ways of conserving water at home, we have some tips for you in our previous post. 

Micro-chip systems are typically smaller in dimension compared to the common boiler. They can also be mounted to a wall or left to stand freely. This system works by taking energy from fuel, in comparison to burning it. This can result in using 50% less carbon emissions each year. 

Biomass Boilers

Another renewable energy solution for your home is the Biomass Boiler, which is low-carbon and used for burning biological plant resources, such as wood to generate heat and electricity. These boilers have an efficiency of up to 90%, which is much higher than conventional boilers that use fossil fuels. Biomass boilers are typically used to heat a single room.

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity works by using water from a small stream or river to generate electricity to function electrical items and lighting in your home. This energy is turned into kinetic energy using a turbine. This is then used to generate electricity. To note, to produce a large amount of energy, there needs to be great height and a large source of water. 

This type of renewable energy is of course not suitable for all homes, so you will need to check if your area is suitable.