u have decided to begin using an alternate energy source. That is great. But, which one is the right one for you? To start, you must take a look at the area in which you live. What is the climate like? What is the general landscape like? What problems might you encounter with each different alternate energy type?
Knowing and analyzing what type of renewable energy source you need is the first step. Renewable energy comes in all forms. Take some time to really study which one is best for you.
Solar energy is a great non-polluting, renewable energy resource for many people. However, if you spend most of your time in the house staring at the dismal gray sky and wishing that you could walk outside without stepping on a worm, then it may not be right for you. Even with fairly decent sunlight, without an adequate storage method, you are only going to have energy during the daylight, when you probably do not need as much to begin with.
Wind energy is also non-polluting (discounting the noise pollution) and renewable but is not going to be effective in areas where there is not a lot of wind for those areas that are sheltered or blocked in any way. Wind farms need fairly open spots to be set up in, and even the smallest turbine set up must be placed above the tree line to be effective at all. Again, a proper storage system is necessary or you will only have intermittent energy.
A hybrid of the two works better, but again only in those areas where sun and wind are both going to happen with any regularity. And, you would still need the energy storage method, one that is capable of converting energy from either source for storage.
Finally, cost is a consideration to keep in mind. Photovoltaic systems can cost up to $50,000 and even with government subsidies to offset some of the cost, it may be far beyond many budgets. Other systems are available, but they may not be as effective and may not provide enough energy for your home's needs.
Wind energy systems are generally considered to be more cost effective, but again may not be right for your area. They are also not as simple to operate as most people assume unless they are kept small. Remember, however, the smaller the system, the smaller the energy output will be.
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