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Written by: Kevin Gardner
Finding new sources of renewable can be challenging for homeowners. Unless you're rich, you're probably always trying to find new ways to save money . One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your monthly bills is to invest in renewable energy sources. You don't have to live next to a power plant or a solar-powered wind farm to make this a reality.
Renewable energy may allow you to eliminate your monthly utility bills. The tax incentives from using renewable energy resources can make your home more cost effective. There are natural resources that can provide many things for your home, from body heat to solar power. Here are three unique ways to power your home with renewable energy.
Body Heat
One of the best ways to use renewable energy is for body heat. transportation real estate company in Sweden called Jernhusen has found a new way to use renewable energy from the body heat of the millions of commuters who visit Stockholm Central Station every day. The excess body heat is then converted into hot water. The water is then pumped into the heating system to keep the nearby building warm.
According to a BBC News report , this new heating system lowered energy costs by 25%. Jernhusen wants to shift its focus on other environmental projects that power industrial buildings, homes, and offices. The company wants to focus mostly on industrial building that will require the use of solar energy panels rather than converted body heat. Clearly, you don't need millions of people to produce your own renewable energy.
Your clothing and accessories can be enough to generate body heat. The U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory designed its own energy-harnessing jacket from silicon nanowire technology. This jacket requires the use of body heat to charge smartphones and other mobile devices. Body heat can be used to power airplanes, cars, and more.
Rooftop Solar Panels
Speaking of solar panels, this is the most common method when it comes to renewable energy. Solar panels and renewable energy are a package deal. While solar panels are typically installed on rooftops, you can also install them in your backyard. You can generate over 10 watts per square foot depending on the direction and the latitude of your solar panels.
Just a few square feet of solar panels can be enough to power your entire house. If your roof needs to be replaced, you should consider investing in solar shingles. Solar shingles replace your traditional roof shingles. Elon Musk's SolarCity has already announced the development of their solar shingles.
How efficient are solar panels ? One downside to solar power is that it only works when the sun is out. This is an ideal solution if you happen to live in a sunny climate. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time powering your home when the sun is down or it's cloudy out. You'll have to invest in an additional type of renewable energy.
Solar Air Conditioning
The sun can be used to help cool your home during the hottest months of the year. This concept may seem strange to many, but that's the purpose of solar air conditioning. This new concept includes some of the same principles of solar water heating but converts the hot water into an air conditioning system. CSIRO is one example of one company that released an air conditioning system that provides cooling, heating, and hot water.
This concept uses heat from the sun as well as a desiccant and evaporative cooling technology. Since air conditioning cost as much as the heating in your home, using hot water from the sun to cool your home can save your money. It'll also help save the environment in the end. Why use traditional air conditioning if it's only going to cost you hundreds of dollars each year, especially if you use a central air conditioner and you reside in a hot climate?
The hot water can also be used to heat your home and provide hot water. Keep in mind that there are different types of solar air conditioners, each that come with their share of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your setup, you can get the added benefits of solar water heating with air conditioning.