Most of the time, the cheaper options for the things we consume are bad for the environment. Fast fashion, for example, focuses on low-cost and speedy delivery of clothes that are inspired by catwalk looks and celebrity styles. But the production of these clothes increases clean water pollution and carbon emissions. On the contrary, the clothes produced in eco-friendly ways are pricier because it’s more difficult to manufacture them.
But if you want to be environmentally-conscious and cut costs at the same, it’s entirely possible with the use of renewable energy at home.
Using Renewable Energy to Power Up Your Home
For decades, researchers have looked into and developed plenty of ways to utilize renewable sources of energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the use of coal to produce energy decreased for the sixth year in a row in 2019 while renewable energy consumption increased for the fourth consecutive year.
In earlier years, renewable energy was only used by larger entities, such as energy companies and businesses. Thanks to tireless innovation, though, the use of renewable energy sources is now more accessible, even to ordinary homeowners.
If you want to incorporate renewable energy into your home, here are a few ways you can do so:
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Use sunlight for natural light.
The most effortless way you can incorporate renewable energy into your home is by taking advantage of natural light from the sun. That doesn’t require any installation or alteration to your home’s structure. Just open your curtains and let the sunlight in. It works best if your home has enormous windows and if you live in an area with long days and short nights.
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Install solar roof panels
One of the first renewable energy sources that became available to the public is solar energy through the use of solar panels. These soak up the sun’s rays and convert them into energy that can power your home, from your lights and appliances to your heating and cooling systems. The best thing about solar panels is that they are not intrusive—you can simply put them on your roof—and they have become more affordable. So, with a little initial investment and maintenance cost, you can enjoy free electricity as long as the sun is shining.
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Invest in a wind turbine
Live somewhere windy, like by the coast, near open plains, or on top of a hill? Then your address might be ideal for the installation of a wind turbine. A wind turbine is a source of clean energy, and, as long as the wind is strong and steady enough in your area, it can produce electricity for your needs. The only downside is the initial cost since wind turbines can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. But after a few years, you can get a return on investment and virtually free electricity so long as you keep your turbine.
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Convert to solar water heating
If you’re still using gas or electricity to heat the water you use at home, you’re wasting money. Solar-powered water heaters are the more economical and eco-friendly solution. These water heaters are similar to solar panels, but instead of producing electricity, they heat a reserve of water, which can be pumped through your pipes for your showerheads and faucets.
As technology continues to advance, renewable energy sources become more accessible. Take advantage of them to save on costs and live a greener life.
