January 14, 2011
Residential Renewable Power 101: First Things First
If you were to ask people who are switching from buying power off the grid, to generating their own green power, by far the biggest reason they will generally give is price. Now of course environmentally speaking, it's the right thing to do, but the fact of the matter, is that it's now less costly "in the long run" to buy the equipment to generate renewable power then it is to simply buy power from a local source.
It's a plain fact. Also it's only going to get worse over time, and the reasons are all quite basic. The era of huge hydroelectric power projects has long since ended and it's certainly no secret that crude oil prices only continue to rise. At the same time, in spite of the fact that coal is abundant in the UK, and the US, it's not cheap either and coal fired plants spew too much green house gas, so they're costly to run cleanly.
So today more folks than ever before and you may be one of them are rushing towards energy independence by way of solar and wind powered green domestic energy systems. Systems that deliver free power after the original expense is over and done with. At the same time though, there is a to-do list of things that should be tended to prior to, and as you look towards having your own system installed on your home.
The first item on your agenda should be a comprehensive energy use audit of your residence and most likely that would also include things like extra insulation in your attic, new seals on door, and windows, additional attic vents etc. You see, while a home green energy system does offer a new level of energy independence, it also brings with it some new use limitations.
For instance you're most likely going to run into actual "area" and financial limitations when you start mapping out for your solar system, and even then the sun only shines during the daytime. Or, even with a wind driven turbine, unless you are extremely blessed in that area, the wind doesn't blow full time, 365 days a year.
Once you begin producing your own renewable energy, what you'll find is that your entire perspective on electricity in general will begin to change. As an example if you produce any type of surplus which is highly probable on certain days, it will be sold back to your local utility provider which is definitely a huge change of how you relate to them in general.
Another thing to think about is your roof, if in fact you plan on mounting your system up on top of your home. This is all too often an aspect that far too many homeowners fail to take into account but you may want to consider having a new roof installed along with your solar panel system, for a few good reasons.
Now what is called the "flush mount system" for installing solar panels is one of the better options if the pitch on your roof is above 3 & 12. Flush mount systems keep the panels "snug down" against the roof for maximum wind protection and they're the least problematic as it pertains to leaks. Do be aware though that this system can only be installed as a new roof is installed.
Want to find out more about solar home power, then visit Sandi Feris's site on how to choose the best solar power homes for your needs.
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