Picking between the more common forms of green power system to install can be a somewhat daunting process. There are a set of factors to consider. First, what kind of property do you live in? If you have no yard space, there are still options in passive solar, but you are not likely to be able to install other forms of generators (although installation on the roof may be possible if you have access). Second, it’s important to consider what resources are available where you live. This is easier, but should take some evaluation.
Your Property
Most of the power systems that we associate with green power- specifically solar panels and wind turbines- require outside space. Few properties have streams running through them, but if you are lucky enough to have such a property, there are many options for building micro-hydro systems. In all cases, there are options. If you have no outside space, you can look to the roof- while not ideal for wind (not impossible, just not ideal), it is a great place for a solar array. If you only have inside space, there are still passive solar systems that can be installed, such as window boxes relying on passive solar technology or windows based on the same technology.
Where you Live
A second key consideration is simply where you live. Some areas lend themselves to solar power due to large amounts of sunshine. This is great if you live in in the Southwestern US. On the other hand, if you live in a cloudier climate, you may want to look to wind systems. In truth, where there is less sun, there tends to be more wind. It is also worth noting that you need not live in the perfect climate in order to install green power. Solar panels may function better in Phoenix than Chicago, but they will still get sun in Chicago.
Backup
Power systems that rely on nature are never full proof. In truth, this has probably been the largest roadblock in the implementation of green power around the world. You know the coal plant will always work- not so with a wind turbine. Thus, at home, you need a backup plan. Most people will choose one of two options. Either, you tie the whole system into an existing electrical grid or you have a backup battery bank. Although it seems sort of pie-in-the-sky, the latter system can be as reliable as the former. Regardless, before installing a green power system, consider what option you will use to prevent yourself from being without power entirely.
Finances
Green power is, in the long-term sense, a money saver. However, you need a certain amount of money to begin your project. If your budget is constrained, consider one of the many online guidebooks that can show you how to build your own generators for as little as $150.
While that initial investment may be high, in the long-run, green power is a money saver. Most government offer tax incentives to those who build green power. In some cases, there are grants available- either locally or from your national government. Utility companies will often do this. Either way, in the US and Canada, you can claim a tax break based on having an “energy efficient property” every year- saving you a lot of money for many years to come. And this is without considering the money saved every month by cutting out power bills. A well-designed system will prevent you from ever paying for power again- and you may even find yourself making money by selling your electricity back to the power company.
All this financial advantage means one thing, however. When you save money, it is because you are using less non-renewable energy. Thus, you can measure your impact on the climate by how much money you save. Given this, if you can manage time or money, there is a tremenous advantage to building green power- you can save money while saving the planet.
Good luck building!
Damon Westchester is the editor of build-green-power.com.
Tags: alternative energy, climate change, Energy Savings, green power, solar power, wind power