What should homeowners consider when switching to renewable energy?

August 15, 2022August 17, 2022 Duncan

Emily Newton on homeowners considerations for renewables — Image: 123rf

Emily Newton, editor-in-chief of Revolutionized Magazine, writes on some of the most important factors for homeowners to consider when making the switch to renewable energy.

Sustainability is becoming a more prominent topic and more homeowners are considering switching to green power. Technological advancements and tax credits have also made it a more feasible option for more people. In many ways, there’s never been a better time to power homes with renewable energy.

Renewable energy sources are more accessible and efficient than ever, but implementing them still requires thorough planning. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when switching to renewable energy for homeowners.

Available renewable energy sources

The first thing to decide is what kind of energy source is best. Different renewables’ efficacy varies across locations, as does their availability. Homeowners should look through their options to see which technology they can use and, if they can access multiple, which is best.

Solar

Solar photovoltaics (PV) is perhaps the most well-known renewable energy source. Panels currently produce just 3.3% of total power generation in the US, but they’re the fastest-growing electricity source and one of the most affordable. They were once prohibitively expensive, but costs have fallen by 82% in the past decade.

Solar PV is also one of the most accessible renewable energy sources for homeowners. Rooftop panels are fairly common and since every neighbourhood experiences sunlight, every home can generate at least some power from PV. That said, some areas get more direct light than others, making them better candidates for solar.

Rooftop panels are the most straightforward way to access solar energy, but they’re not the only one. Large solar farms are becoming more common, and homeowners who live near one may be able to purchase power from the grid.

Wind

Another way to power homes with renewable energy is through the wind. Solar may be the first renewable that comes to mind, but wind power is the biggest source of green energy in the US.

Most wind power today comes from utility-scale wind farms, but smaller solutions are becoming more common. Homeowners can install small turbines, typically ranging between 400 watts and 20 kilowatts in size. These devices are getting smaller and quieter as technology improves.

One downside to wind power is that it’s less accessible. Average annual wind speeds in the area should be at least nine mph to generate enough electricity to be worth the investment. Homeowners also need enough vertical space to construct a turbine without anything blocking the way.

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Geothermal

A more unique source of renewable energy for homeowners is geothermal power. These systems use the Earth’s constant underground temperature to heat and cool homes without fossil fuel-generated electricity.

Geothermal heat pumps operate according to the same principles as refrigerators. A system of coils moves refrigerant throughout the house to cool or warm a room. However, unlike refrigerators, these systems use ground temperatures and air to move the fluid, using minimal energy.

Geothermal systems don’t power the entire house, but heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy consumers in homes. Switching these systems to a sustainable alternative can substantially reduce homeowners’ carbon footprints.

Energy needs

Homeowners should also consider their electrical needs as they narrow down their available energy sources. Knowing how much power they use on average can help them determine the size of the system needed. Different technologies provide varying levels of electricity across locations, so it’ll also help find the optimal power source.

Homeowners should look at their electric bills in detail to see how much energy they use, as well as peak usage hours. Wind and solar produce more power at some times than others, narrowing viable solutions. Solar may not be the best option if most of a home’s energy consumption happens at night.

Renewable energy becomes more viable when homeowners find ways to reduce their power consumption. They should look for areas where they may waste power or can switch to greener alternatives as they look at their electrical use. These savings will help make renewables of any kind a better investment.

Costs

As with any upgrade, homeowners looking to power their homes with renewable energy should also consider the costs. Green energy prices keep falling, but installing the necessary equipment is still relatively expensive upfront.

Solar is typically the cheapest option, costing between $11,144 and $14,696 for an average-sized house. Geothermal systems run between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on their size. A single wind turbine can cost as little as $3,000, but homeowners can expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 to power their entire home.

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Tax credits and other savings

Upfront costs are high, but powering a home with renewable energy often means long-term savings. Homeowners looking at different systems and their budgets should review how much they can expect to save from energy costs and government incentives.

Federal, state and local governments offer incentive programs like tax cuts and rebates for renewable energy projects. New Hampshire offers up to $10,000 as a rebate for some systems and many other states have similar programs. Homeowners should check which credits they can achieve and their requirements to make the most cost-effective decision.

Homeowners that use their own renewable energy systems instead of buying green power from the grid will also reduce their monthly electricity bills. They should calculate how much they’ll save with different sizes and technologies to find the best option. In many areas, renewables can pay themselves off after a few years.

Local regulations

Homeowners should see if any local regulations limit their renewable installations. Governments typically encourage renewables but may also restrict their development in some areas. For example, in the US, federal guidelines require zoning approval and permits for wind energy to protect migratory birds and other endangered species.

People may face neighbourhood-specific zoning requirements on top of federal and state regulations. If local codes don’t say anything about renewables, it’s best to bring the issue up before constructing anything to avoid conflict.

Homeowners can further narrow their options for renewable energy with these regulations in mind. They can then find the best solution for their needs.

Power homes with renewable energy

Renewable energy for homeowners is a considerable investment. Like any home project, it requires careful planning and budgeting to make the most of it.

Homeowners and contractors who consider all these factors can find optimal green power solutions. They can then reduce their carbon footprints at minimal costs and disruption, protecting the environment while saving money.

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