The cost of electricity is continually increasing, and there's growing concern about the environmental effect of power plants on mother earth. So, the question many people are asking is, what is the most affordable renewable off grid power source?
While most people want to adopt an off grid power source, they know little about starting. The good thing is that technology allows you to incorporate it into your property in town, and you need not leave the convenience of city life.
That said, let's learn five of the best off-grid power sources:
Solar energy is an excellent source of green energy, but most people find the cost of installation high and the solar panels not aesthetically pleasing. However, instead of solar panels, you can install solar shingles or solar roof tiles due to technological advancement.
The tiles are tough and look better than the usual solar panels. Instead of installing traditional shingles when constructing a new home, integrate them into the house design.
It will cost you between $20,000 and $50,000 to set up solar shingles on a 2,500 square foot house. The cost depends on the installation style and federal and state tax incentives.
While the initial cost is high, your monthly energy bills will drop about 40-60% or zero if you're fully solar. Keep in mind that this solar system can last up to 30 years, which means you'll recover the initial cost in a few years and enjoy cost savings for many more years.
Wind is another source of renewable energy, which you can use a wind turbine to tap. Like solar panels, wind turbines have been considerably reduced in size for residential installation.
Wind turbines are great for off grid power if you live in a windy region and have at least an acre of land.
You'll invest $50,000 to $60,000 to get a 10Kw wind turbine. Despite the cost, you'll enjoy 90-100% energy cost savings monthly. You will recoup the investment on average in 6 years.
Check for renewable energy tax incentives because they range from 12-30% if you live in a country where they are offered, including the USA, Korea, Ireland, China, Belgium, and Spain.
Geothermal energy originates from below the earth's surface and offers clean, sustainable energy around the clock. The energy is harnessed in geothermal plants such as The Geysers in California.
Harnessing geothermal power for your home requires a geothermal heat pump – a central system for heating and cooling. During the winter, the equipment uses the ground as a heat source and as a heat sink in the summer. You can easily integrate it into your HVAC system. It’s also an option for new construction.
How does it work, you ask? It transfers the heat leaving the earth during winter into your home. During summer, pipes filled with an antifreeze solution or water will cool your home. Hence, the geothermal heat pump acts like an air conditioner or heater based on the weather.
If you live near a stream or a brook, then micro-hydro electricity is a great off grid power source for you. Micro hydro power systems function by transforming running water flow into rotational energy, which is converted into electricity using a waterwheel, turbine, or pump.
A micro hydroelectric system is easier to build and cheaper than geothermal, wind, and solar. However, its application is limited to properties that have a stream, a river, or another running water source.
Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, a hybrid power system that sources off grid electricity from the sun and wind is ideal. Because your power grid does not depend on a single source, it is dependable, and you'll have electricity all the time.
A solar/wind hybrid system uses smaller solar and wind systems components. Hence, it's cheaper than using full solar and wind energy systems.
It will cost you $35,000 for a base hybrid system generating 7.5kWh daily and $65,000 for a 15.5kWh/day system.
Off grid power options are eco-friendly and cheaper. They offer a great return on investment as your energy bills will significantly drop.
You can enjoy alternative power sources for home electricity in your urban home since technology has advanced water, solar, geothermal, and wind energy. The systems are smaller, allowing you to set them up easily in your home, whether urban or rural.
While the upfront costs are high, you'll recoup the investment in a few years through energy cost savings. According to experts, technological advancement will make the systems more affordable in years to come.
Consult a professional to choose the best off grid power source for your home.