The Many Choices Of Renewable Energy

Many residential and business constructions, new and old, have been converting to renewable energy for a few reasons. Mainly, to get away from paying the high cost of depending on the local area’s power grid. It gives these buildings independence, financial freedom, and acts as a supporting factor for the Going Green movement. 

What Are The 5 Renewable Resources?

A renewable resource, to put it plainly, is a supply that will either stay the same amount or replenish itself. The main five that are widely used for energy are wind, water, solar, geothermal, and biomass. The science behind it all has been revisited and redesigned by some of the world’s best engineers and they’ve learned how to harness the power of nature for a cleaner, brighter future.

• Wind When the wind turbine blades rotate, it creates magnetic friction within a housing. This friction is then sent to a generator that converts it into electricity. 
• Water or Hydroelectricity runs by the same concept as wind. The water runs through a turbine that spins a generator, thus creating power. 
• Solar is a bit different. Solar panels take in the sun’s rays through photovoltaic cells. Within the cells, the particles of light help release electrons from atoms. This, in turn, creates a flow of electricity.
• Geothermal takes the steam from under the Earth’s surface. The pressure behind the superheated water vapors spins a rotor within a coil. This turning motion disrupts the magnetic polarity and it is converted into pure energy.
• Biomass electricity is the combustion of chemicals stored in biological substances, such as plants. This process creates other eco-friendly fuels and gasses that are then used in tons of other applications. The electricity from this combustion occurs when those fuels are used to heat water that then moves turbines. Like wind, geothermal, and hydroelectricity; the polarity is disturbed, and the electrons are free to be converted from DC to AC currents to be shared. 

Choosing a Renewable Energy System

The best-fitting source of energy depends on the location and the amount of electricity needed to efficiently support the system.

Wind Turbine

To power the average house, three 1.5-kW wind turbines are required. As long as the area isn’t obstructed and there is an average wind speed of 14mph, wind turbines would be a perfect way to gain independence from a power grid. The sustainable resource of airflow is one of the cleanest ways to source power. The downside is the maintenance costs, only select locations can support the wind demand, and they’re not visually appealing while sitting in the vast open plains. The upside is that they are cost-effective, with a return on the investment that could potentially keep money in your wallet. 

Solar Power

Solar power is the most common energy source. New homes and larger building constructions have been turning to solar for the dropping cost of the equipment and installations. All that is needed is a clear view of the sky and 5 hours of peak sunlight per day. They are compact and, depending on the panels themselves, easily installed, maintained, and fixed if they were ever to fail or crack. During the bright summer and winter months, excess power can be stored or sold to the local grid. On the other side of things, the cloudy days and snowy times of the year tend to slow energy production. Engineers are currently figuring out how to get the panels to absorb the UV rays without needing a constant clear path.  

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity can only be achieved if there is a constant flow of water nearby. Installing a dam in the middle of Fenway isn’t recommended and would only be viewed as an art installation. In the Massachusetts area, there are less than twenty hydro facilities in operation. For residential use, unless there is access to a running body of water, electricity-generating dams cannot be built. The positive part is that it is clean, renewable, and inexpensive in the long term. 

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is another resource that is location restricted. There are a couple of ways of tapping into the underground renewable source. The most common is for heating and cooling. Although it is great for the environment, it is not cost-effective. It is still a young practice and only a few companies specialize in it. It has huge potential and has yet to be fully established. It is more sustainable than wind due to the resource always available to be tapped into. 

Biomass

Biomass plants have been around since the first steam engine. By burning plant-based coal, the steam was harnessed and used to power trains, cars, and boats. Today, they are used in houses and businesses to keep warm. With particular generators working alongside a biomass boiler. Heat and energy have become abundant. Using fuel like wood pellets, and EPA-sanctioned furnaces, the carbon output has dropped dramatically. Recently, Britain has improved upon their Biomass Power Plant, achieving a level of negative carbon emissions.

Looking into renewable energy for the home or business is a start to a cleaner future. With less of an impact on the environment and bank accounts, going green has never looked so good and the process keeps getting better every day. 

How Do I Choose a Reliable, Capable Installer?

Doing a little bit of research about conversion projects can help you decide. Look for a company that has experienced and specialized electricians. A business that knows the area and is staffed by the best. Since 2007, BD Electrical Services has supported the Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and Worcester areas. Their experienced licensed electricians have taken on some of the biggest new constructions and smallest remodels. Whether you’re unsure, have a few questions, or you’ve made the great choice to convert your electrical system to a sustainable and renewably sourced powerhouse, BD Electric can assess, design, and install your next eco-friendly project.