Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy is a major factor for a green home. The easiest way to do this is by using an electric provider that specializes in renewable energy, such as solar or wind power. If your area does not have a green
energy company, but you still want to make use of renewable energy, you can take matters into your own hands. Installing a solar or photovoltaic (PV) system can allow you to produce your own power to supplement the energy you get from the electric company. Depending on your homes location, the angle of your roof, and the presence of trees around your home, you may be able to pay off the cost of a PV system within a few years. In some areas, the electric company may even purchase the excess electricity produced by your system and put it back into the grid.

Wind energy is another option. The key elements to wind energy are wind speed, and elevation. Homes in areas with a lot of wind can have turbines installed on their roofs or on towers which will generate power whenever the wind blows. These turbines are installed with a special utility that adjusts whether the home draws its power from the turbine or from the electric company, and adapts automatically for when the wind is blowing or not. In some areas, wind turbines can produce between 50% and 90% of a homes energy usage.

Besides just energy producing systems like solar systems or wind turbines, another way to save energy is by using solar water heaters. These devices don’t generate electricity, but instead cause your home to use less by providing as much as 80% of your homes hot water needs, energy free. Homes with a pool can also install a solar water heater. These devices can be added to the pools existing circulation system and can keep the water warm all through the winter. Even if you don’t want to install a fancy solar heating system, a simple pool cover can go a long way toward containing the pool waters warmth and keeping it from escaping.

There are many other ways to make use of renewable energy, such as solar cooking or an old fashioned clothes line. For more information on renewable energy in Texas, visit www.InfinitePower.org.