Renewable Energy: How to Make the Switch

Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is in the news more and more often these days as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. But how exactly do you make the switch? This guide walks you through the process of ditching your old energy sources for renewable ones, from picking which type of renewable energy to use to what the costs might be to how much you can save in the long run.

 

Solar Panels

Despite having a reputation for being expensive, solar panels are actually rather affordable. While they typically cost more upfront than other energy sources, their operating costs are nothing in comparison. If you’re hoping to generate your own electricity with renewable energy, solar is a great place to start! Plus, if you have your own roof that doesn’t get much shade, it’s one of your best options for renewable energy! For those who want all of their electricity coming from renewable sources, it might make sense to just buy an entire system. However, if you're just looking for an eco-friendly option for some of your electricity (maybe leaving one or two items plugged into another power source), then look into small setups such as solar-powered lights or smaller panels and batteries.

 

Electric Cars

If you have a reliable source of electricity and live in an area with a charging station, then driving an electric car could be a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint. The average American household spends about $2,000 per year on gasoline; converting to a fully electric vehicle means you'll be spending less on fuel. You might also qualify for local tax incentives or rebates that can lower your purchase price or monthly payments. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (which can run either on gas or electricity) are another option, but may not provide as much savings as pure EVs. Remember, no matter what type of vehicle you drive, make sure it has an EPA sticker showing its miles-per-gallon rating—that’s how to tell if it's efficient.

 

Invest in Batteries

Solar batteries allow you to store excess solar energy for use at night. For those living in an area where electricity costs are high, such as New York City, installing solar batteries is a no-brainer. For those on a tight budget, though, waiting until your battery bank is full enough so that you can take advantage of net metering (selling your excess power back to your utility) may be a good strategy. With battery technology improving rapidly and costs coming down, it’s worth considering whether storing renewable energy makes sense for you—and what types of batteries make sense. Here’s how they stack up. 1. Nickel Cadmium Batteries

2. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

3. Lithium-Ion Batteries

4. Flow Battery Storage Systems

 

Building a Self-Sufficient Home

While a self-sufficient lifestyle has plenty of upsides, it’s not right for everyone. Most of us want access to energy 24/7—and that means relying on non-renewable sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. But with some careful planning and hard work, you can build your own self-sufficient home that incorporates renewable energy systems. A well-designed solar panel system can produce more energy than your family uses in a year—so you could potentially produce enough electricity from solar power alone to make your house independent from conventional utilities. This setup doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking either; many do-it-yourselfers are building their own renewable energy systems as cost-effectively as possible.

 

Making an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Sustainable

The first step in creating an eco-friendly lifestyle is figuring out you're why. Is it environmental protection? Health concerns? Something else entirely? Once you’ve established your motivation, it's time to make some decisions. Decide how much you can afford (or are willing) to spend on renewable energy sources and what type of plan is right for you. Do some research and see if there are any local or state incentives available for going green—like tax credits, rebates, or green energy suppliers. If possible, add solar panels or a wind turbine; these items produce a steady stream of energy that should help offset more expensive purchases like high-end appliances.