The idea of affordable and reliable renewable energy options has captivated countless homeowners interested in generating their own energy. Alternative clean energy solutions can offer a multitude of benefits for homeowners who want to save money on utility bills, ensure a reliable source of electricity and do their part for the environment.
Why renewable and why now?
Perhaps one of the most compelling benefits of residential renewable energy is cost savings. Solar energy is the most popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint because it is becoming increasingly affordable.
Where conventional energy sources such as oil and gas often fluctuate in price and are inherently inflationary, solar power enables homeowners to reduce their utility bills and lock in savings over time. In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act provides tax breaks for homeowners who install better, cleaner energy solutions including solar panels, solar battery storage and EV charging stations. Many states offer incentives as well, making it even more economical to make the switch.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, moving to renewable energy offers the added benefit of reliability. Residents of California and Texas know all too well about the unpredictability of an aging power grid. Renewable energy systems such as solar power are much more reliable and can seamlessly pair with a solar battery to provide peace of mind during power outages.
And of course, renewable energy is far more beneficial for the environment. Solar panels, for example, harness energy from the sun to generate electricity. This significantly reduces your reliance on non-renewable energy sources like coal and natural gas, both major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, a leading cause of climate change.
When it comes to renewable energy what is the best choice?
There are many different forms of renewable energy available to homeowners, so how do you choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation? Let’s break it down:
Solar energy is of course one of the most well-known clean energy options. High-performance solar systems require very little maintenance and are very cost-effective, with most homeowners seeing a return on investment in just a few years.
Solar panels are easy to install and can be sized to produce the exact amount of energy your home requires. When combined with solar battery storage, solar is just about the most resilient form of energy available today.
Another alternative energy option is wind power. Wind turbines can generate enough electricity to power an entire home. For many homeowners, however, installing a wind turbine in a residential area can be a bit impractical, depending on the height of the turbine and the local homeowners’ association rules. Because of this, wind energy is typically procured through your local utility. However, those that want more control over their energy consumption and production may want to avoid this option. With technology such as solar power, homeowners can monitor just how much clean energy their SunPower solar system is producing at any given time right in the palm of their hand with the mySunPower® app. This enables them to choose when to conserve energy to help keep their utility bills low.
Geothermal energy is another residential renewable energy option that has been around for years. Geothermal systems use the earth's natural heat to generate electricity and warm homes. Like the sun, the earth’s heat is an inexhaustible fuel source. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) exchange heat from the air in the summertime with the cooler temperatures below ground through a network of underground pipes. In the winter, when the air inside a house may be colder than underground, the GHP takes heat from the heat pump’s fluids circulating in those pipes, concentrates it, and transfers it into the home.
The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has led more homeowners to make the switch to heat pumps. Rebates are available for those considering this eco-friendly option.
When it comes to generating your own clean energy, the good news is, you’ve got options. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, decrease your reliance on fossil-fuel energy sources, and save money at the same time, choosing renewable is the way to go.
SunPower is always here for you to answer any questions about solar. For more information, get in touch.
