If you are searching for ways to be more environmentally friendly, you’ve come to the right place! You all know I love organic and fresh stuff – my favourite brand is bondi wash – and I’m back again to talk more about sustainability! We are always looking for ways to be more sustainable on a budget, and in terms of both of these – renewable energy investments are a great option. You will not only save money but create a more environmentally friendly home (who doesn’t’ like an eco-friendly home? I buy beach homewares for that reason!). Tax incentives are good too if you are looking at using alternative energy.
Here are a few ways you can power your home with renewable energy
Install a wind turbine
These can produce a huge amount of energy and they are a good option for those who have a large home and high energy consumption. You will need to do some research to see if a turbine is the best option for you (but consider the savings that could benefit you). The thing with home wind turbines is that it can take a few years for you to see the profits. It will all depend on the wind speed in your area. You need to ensure that you check the intensity of the wind to see if this is a good option, as you may live in an area that is not practical for wind power. This option is probably better suited to those living in rural areas, due to their conditions and size. The wind turbine should be able to generate enough energy to cover your home electricity needs. Note that you will need to get planning permission before erecting a wind turbine!
Solar panels
If you have just normal or basic energy needs, then you can switch over to solar panels! This is a very practical option for many families in Australia. Installing only a few panels means you can generate most of the power for your home for basic use. You can even generate extra energy that can be stored or even sold into the national grid, which will save you even more money. Ensure that you are using a professional company to install the panels for you. If the panels are installed poorly then they can damage your roof and create other problems.
Hydropower
Your location will play a huge role in determining whether this Hydropower is a good option for you. If you have flowing water on your property or nearby, then it is something that you can consider. Hydropower works by diverting water through a turbine which will then generate power. The amount of energy the turbine can create will depend on the water stream, but can produce plenty of power with the right amount of water. But you will need to invest in a hydropower generator which will need to be installed by a professional (unless you are experienced with them). Hydropower is a flow that is continuous and, unlike wind and solar energy which will vary, hydropower is more stable and will always give you the same input, whether it’s raining outside or whether the sun is shining.
Solar Water Heating
Solar panels are not the only way that you can harness the power of the sun for your household needs. Solar water heaters will use the power of the sun to directly heat the water. The water then passes through different radiators where it can be used for your everyday hot water needs. It can be expensive to heat water, so by using solar heat you can reduce your household cost. It is an easy renewable energy source to bring in.