CAN WE GET ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN OUR OWN HOME? - ENVIRONMENT - 2025

In our own home we can obtain alternative energy in various ways. The most common include solar panels and other types of generators and energy storage units that can be installed inside homes, always taking into account local regulations and standards.

The systems and sources of renewable or alternative energy that are used in homes generally have lower emissions of harmful gases to the atmosphere, since they are usually produced thanks to the action of natural forces (the sun, wind, or water).

These power generators in turn are used to power all the appliances inside the home.

The most popular ways to get energy in homes include the action of the sun, wind and water.

On the other hand, they involve the use of batteries to store the energy obtained and autonomous or network operating systems that allow the use of electricity in a specific place in the house or in all of its facilities.

Despite the great benefits that this type of system offers, they are generally expensive and difficult to install or operate.

However, the prices in the market for these systems are becoming lower and easier to maintain, with the aim that being able to produce alternative energy in homes is possible for more people.

Ways to get alternative energy at home

Solar panels on the roof

This is a common and obvious method of alternatively obtaining energy in homes, as it only involves installing solar panels on the roof of the house so that your face faces the sun.

This is an alternative that allows the homeowner to remove their conventional roof and install the panels with the help of the company that produces them.

It also has the potential to generate at least 10 watts per square foot, therefore, any home could meet its energy needs by making use of a few square meters of solar panels.

The best way to go from having a regular roof to one with solar panels is to change the normal one when it has finished its life cycle.

In this way, the homeowner can decide if he wants to exchange his roof for complete solar panels or individual solar tiles.

Companies like Sun Tegra or SolarCity offer these types of products so that households do not have to invest money in generating electricity in a conventional way.

Wind turbines

Wind turbines are most commonly found on wind farms or on floating platforms offshore.

However, an alternative way to benefit from this system is to install it on the land surrounding the property or inside it, so that it can supply energy to the home.

There are some negative aspects related to the installation of wind turbines, such as the noise they produce, the space they occupy and that their use is limited in some areas.

However, its installation and subsequent use can become a great asset for the home, since unlike solar panels, wind turbines can generate energy more efficiently and constantly.

Solar Furnace

On some occasions, people do not have the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof of their houses, so they decide to use other ways to generate energy in an alternative way. One of these ways is by building a solar oven.

The construction of these appliances is simple and the benefits they offer are high, since a conventional electric oven tends to consume a lot of energy.

Using the sun to heat or cook food passively is a good way to make a first investment in the field of renewable energy for the home.

The principle that allows these devices to work is the concentration of the sun's energy in a space in such a way that it is trapped there to heat food.

Generally, these ovens are made of homemade materials and work even when the electrical power of the home is disconnected.

Water energy

This is the least common way of obtaining alternative energy in the home since it requires the existence of a stream of water.

On some occasions, individuals can use water sources such as rivers or small streams to generate movement in a turbine designed to produce the energy necessary for all the appliances inside the home to function.

There are different ways in which water energy can be used. The most elementary includes the use of a vertical waterfall, in such a way that the water can be channeled so that it flows in a controlled way through a turbine.

The amount of energy generated will depend on the amount of water that falls and the distance it travels vertically.

The installation of a hydropower generator is complicated and requires the help of a professional so that it can function properly.

People with some kind of engineering knowledge are probably in a position to build their own turbine.

Despite the limitations that this alternative energy source may present, once it is put into operation inside the home, the advantages it offers are immense, since the energy production derived from it is constant and stable. In this way, the home will always have energy.

Solar water heater

Solar energy is not only used to generate electricity. The sun's energy can be used to heat reservoirs of water that can then be pumped through radiators to heat the home or water pipes for domestic use in showers and faucets.

This system is less expensive than traditional systems that use electricity or gas to heat the water.

On the other hand, it is easier and less expensive to install than solar panels in case these are not a viable alternative.

References

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4. Stapleton, G., & Milne, G. (2013). Your Home. Obtained from Renewable energy: yourhome.gov.au.
5. Thompson, A. (October 26, 2016).. Retrieved from 7 Ways to Power Your Home With Renewable Energy: popularmechanics.com.
6. University, C. (2005). Cornell University. Retrieved from Sustainable and Renewable Energy Home: energyandsustainability.fs.cornell.edu.