subject: Top Ten Tips For Domestic Renewable Energy [print this page] If you're thinking about taking steps towards cutting your energy waste and consumption but aren't sure of the alternatives, don't worry. There are plenty of renewable energy sources out there, just ready and waiting to help you do your bit for the planet. Better yet, many renewable energy services will actually save you money on your heating bills, making it a smart choice for your bank account as well as the right thing to do for the planet.
Solar power is perhaps one of the best known forms of renewable energy. This system typically involves the installation of solar panels on the roof of a house, and the energy harnessed from the sun can be used to provide power for the home. In the UK and Ireland, solar panels are most often used to heat water and the home. The two most popular types of panels are solar thermal panels and solar PV panels.
Wind turbines are fast becoming a viable solution for individual properties, and a small or medium sized turbine can provide your home with an excellent source of renewable energy. On the other hand, by swapping your oil or gas boiler for a condensing boiler, you'll typically be able to make savings of up to 30%.
A couple of other options for minimising your effect on the environment include improving your insulation - as this is a key way to cut the amount of energy wastage your home suffers - and installing heat recovery ventilation. This is a ventilation system that uses a heat exchanger to absorb heat from the air being passed from the house. This heat energy is then transferred to the fresh air coming into the property.
Under floor heating is another efficient choice for maximising the amount of heat the home receives for the minimum amount of energy usage and can be retrofitted as well as easily installed in new builds or renovations.
If you'd like to cut your water usage, then installing rainwater harvesters on your property could be the ideal choice. In this way, you'll be able to collect rainwater and greatly reduce your need for mains water supplies. While this water is not suitable for drinking or personal washing, it can be used for flushing toilets, in washing machines, watering the garden or washing the car. You could also consider a water treatment system to make the most of your supplies.
Another type of renewable energy is a system using biomass. This means making use of renewable materials like wood chip and wood pellets to provide a heat source for your home. You'll need to install a boiler capable of converting biomass materials, but biomass renewable energy is a particularly popular method of heating your home in a more sustainable way.
