Around 12% of energy consumption in the US was from renewable energy or ‘green energy’ sources in 2020.
That is a great step in the right direction, but it could be better.
Do you want to play your part in helping the environment, but aren’t sure where to start?
Read our guide to the best 5 green energy sources to get started on your environmentally friendly journey and save money.
Solar Energy
What Is It?
Solar power is the process of converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels convert photons (light energy particles) into electrons which become an electrical current when they pass through the solar panel cells.
How Can You Get It?
You can hire a solar panel company to install solar panels on your roof or in your backyard. Local governments are providing incentives such as ‘renewable energy systems property tax exemption’ too. Learn more about how you can save with solar.
Wind Power
What Is It?
Wind farms are made up of many wind turbines located in windy locations. Turbines face into the wind. As the wind blows over the blades, they rotate which spins a generator, creating electricity.
How Can You Get It?
You can install a wind turbine in your backyard. You just need to know the annual average wind speed in your area and your annual electricity consumption to figure out which size turbine you would need.
Hydro Electricity
What Is It?
Hydropower is the world’s biggest source of renewable energy. Power can be harnessed from rivers, streams, waves, and tidal energy. There is a wide range of systems designed for these energy sources. They usually involve a turbine that is turned by the water source which spins a generator, creating electricity.
How Can You Get It?
Your home needs to be situated near a suitable flowing water source such as a stream, river, or tidal estuary. Then you need a professional assessor to make an inspection and install a suitable system. You can also link up to an existing system in your area if applicable.
Biomass Energy
What Is It?
The production of heat, gas, and liquid fuels from natural materials such as wood and decaying material. This can include burning waste wood for heat, to producing biofuel from corn.
How Can You Get It?
The most common source of biomass energy in homes is a wood-burning stove. This is a simple solution for heating your water and your home, saving you money on conventional electric or gas heating systems.
Geothermal
What Is It?
One of the oldest forms of green energy, geothermal energy comes from the heat in the ground. People have relied on this for centuries for cooking and heating water. Modern systems
How Can You Get It?
You can hire a professional company to install a geothermal heat pump underground on your property to harness the Earth’s internal heat. The pump will move water through the system which is heated underground, pumped through your home, then back underground. Great for hot water and heating system.
Get Green Energy
We hope you now have some great inspiration to incorporate green energy into your home. If you found this post helpful, check out our other articles about solar power.
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