Three Alternative Energy Solutions For Homes
November 20th, 2008

One of the hot topics right now is alternative energy solutions, or, “green” energy. Here are three alternative energy solutions, the benefits, and how they work.
Wind Power
Wind power is created by a turbine on a tall tower using the wind to kinetically make electricity. A wind powered generator, can save 50 to 90 percent off of an electricity bill and can offset 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases that would have been created by an electric company. They have very few moving parts, can be installed quite easily, and when your turbine produces more electricity than your home needs, the electric company is required by law to buy it from you, or the excess can be stored in batteries for later use in your home.
The cost for a generator can be quite steep, though. A small turbine can cost from $6,000 to $22,000, including installation. The cost can be paid for by government incentives and grants for those using and installing “green” forms of electricity, and the operating cost for a wind powered generator is basically nothing at all.
A turbine can be retro fitted to your home’s electrical system, so there is no rewiring that needs to be done for this alternative energy solution.
Solar Power
Solar power is made by converting sunlight into electricity using cells made from silicon, which, when exposed to sunlight, creates an electric charge. This process is called photovoltaics.
Solar home kits can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on your energy needs. Solar rebate programs or tax credits can help offset this cost. For example, the California Energy Commission has reserved $3.2 billion for funding solar projects throughout California. The money is doled out through cooperation with utility companies and businesses can get an automatic 30% federal tax credit for using this alternative energy solution. And, just like when using wind power, if you produce more electricity than you need, you can sell it to your electric company.
Hydro Power
If you are lucky enough to have a source of running water near your home, such as a river, stream, or brook, then hydro power may be an alternative energy solution worth looking into. Hydro power is formed by small water generators called micro-hydro turbines that are set into the water’s stream. These turbines can produce non-stop power no matter what the weather is like, unlike solar or wind powered alternative energy solutions. It is also the cheapest alternative. A home turbine system can cost as little as $1,000 to $3,000 dollars.

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