Alternative Energy Ideas for Earth Day

What Is Alternative Energy and How Can the Planet Benefit?

Today, many homeowners are looking into ways to use alternative energy to save on their electric bills. Alternative energy is a way to generate energy that does not eliminate natural resources, use fossil fuels or nuclear power. It doesn’t increase the carbon footprint left on the planet, and it can save homeowners money each year. 

Some of the most common forms of alternative energy include: 

• Wind
• Solar
• Biomass
• Tidal power
• Biogas
• Geothermal
• Low-impact hydroelectricity

Alternative energy creates energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions and reduces certain forms of air pollution. It also reduces the dependence on imported fuels and creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and other industries.

Using Solar Power

Many homeowners are utilizing solar power to save money on their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Solar power uses the sun to create thermal or electrical energy to power homes and businesses. It’s the cleanest and most abundant form of alternative energy available. 

Homeowners can use solar power to create a comfortable home environment, heat water, generate electricity, and provide light. There are three main ways to use solar energy: photovoltaics, solar heating & cooling, and concentrating solar power. 

Photovoltaics creates electricity from sunlight with an electronic process and can be used to power just about anything. Both solar heating & cooling and concentrating solar power utilize the heat generated by the sun to provide the heating of space or water. It can also run electricity-generating turbines. 

Is Wind Energy Worth It?

Home wind turbines have a blade, pole, and generator. The blade will spin when the air passes through it, just like an airplane wing. They convert kinetic energy to mechanical power so homeowners can use the energy to use lights, heating, appliances, and more. Depending on the size and geographical location the homeowner lives in, the turbine can generate enough power to eliminate an energy bill completely. 

Homeowners should try to measure how much wind goes through their property and if it’s enough to justify purchasing a turbine. If there it is, turbines can produce anywhere from 400 watts to 100 kW. They create 100% renewable air, use no fossil fuels, and many can be financed by the government. 

Homeowners should check with their local zoning department to ensure they can install the turbine on their property. Additionally, some noise may come with the turbine that could disturb neighbors. Lastly, the efficiency and effectiveness of the turbine largely depend on the weather. It’s almost impossible to predict how much money will be saved each month. 

Additional Alternative Energy Resources

Alongside alternative energy resources such as biomass and tidal power, geothermal is another popular option. Geothermal energy comes from the heat under the home and is dispersed through pipes that connect everything. The pipes will be dug around 200-500 feet deep into the earth. 

Geothermal can replace conventional oil, natural gas, or propane furnaces. These items need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, whereas the geothermal system lasts over 50 years with little to no maintenance. These systems aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it in the long run, especially if homeowners are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and not have to deal with HVAC maintenance. 

About Edison Electric, Inc.

Edison Electric, Inc. is based out of Minneapolis, MN, and is locally owned and operated. They have been in business since 2007 and dedicate all of their services to homeowners. They offer upfront pricing, hassle-free scheduling, coupons on their website, and on-time service guaranteed. Call now for electrical services!

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