If you’re looking to purchase solar energy in a convenient and affordable bundle, you’ve arrived at the right place. Here, we’ll discuss the best places to buy 504 kWh of clean, renewable electricity that you can use at home.
Top 5 Renewable Energy Choices
You’ve undoubtedly heard of, and possibly even considered, going solar with solar energy. After all, it’s a popular and growing option among those interested in cutting back on their carbon footprint and saving money in the process. Though the technology and the economics of going solar have come a long way since its beginnings in the 1970s, and the initial setup and maintenance fees have come down, there are still a number of considerations that you need to make before purchasing or leasing a system.
With the right solar solution in mind, you can rest assured that your needs and concerns will be addressed. Here are the top 5 renewable energy choices for home solar power.
1. Solar Power From Scratch
If you’re looking to purchase or lease a complete solar-powered system, you have a few options. You can invest in a system that generates the same amount of energy as the sun produces annually. The good news is that you don’t need to run a high-priced utility company to generate this energy. The bad news is that this option is rather expensive.
Still interested? Perhaps you should consider another option that has become rather popular due to its affordability. With this option, you get the benefit of purchasing a ready-made system that was approved by the utility company. Due to the nature of this option, the output will vary slightly from one system to the next. But, as a whole, they tend to be rather reliable and can be counted on to provide energy when needed. This is why many people choose to go this route.
2. Purchase A Plugin Hilo
If you’d like to add solar power to your home without having to build an entire enclosure around it, you can purchase a Hilo plugin. This is a type of solar panel that plugs into the wall and provides electricity when connected to the grid. But, again, not all Hilo products are made equal. The quality varies from one product to the next. So, ensure that you purchase from a reputable manufacturer with a solid track record.
In some instances, you can purchase a less expensive version of the Hilo and still benefit from the same energy generation capacity. However, when compared to other options, the Hilo is a more expensive but arguably more attractive option. Especially if you’re looking for a one-time payment to obtain renewable energy for your home.
The downside to the Hilo? Like any other option, it requires a significant amount of maintenance and attention to keep it running smoothly. For this reason, many people who purchase this option as part of their home’s energy system end up upgrading to a better-quality Hilo at some point.
3. Purchase A Freestanding Enclosure
A freestanding enclosure is just what it sounds like. It’s a standalone unit that generates energy and stores it in on-board batteries. But, once again, not all freestanding enclosures are created equal. The good news is that you don’t need to run a high-priced utility company to obtain energy from one of these units. The bad news is that you will need to purchase one that was built with quality and durability in mind.
When looking at these types of solar power systems, consider the size of the battery. The larger the better. But, more importantly, ensure that the enclosures are built to withstand the elements. As a general rule, if you plan on placing this unit outdoors, make sure that the enclosure can handle the weather conditions. Especially if you live in a place where it gets cold, you don’t want to risk damaging the unit in any way. This, of course, also depends on how much power you need. The bigger the power need, the bigger the battery you’ll need.
The downside to the freestanding enclosure? Once again, the size of the battery. Too many people purchase smaller units and then upgrade later because they run out of space. Though this may be a costly mistake, it’s often times a result of not taking the time to think things through and consider all the implications and side effects of an upgrade. This type of unit is also rather bulky, which means you’ll need a lot of space to store it when it’s not being used.
4. Purchase A Battery-Powered System
Another option is to purchase a battery-powered system. These types of units are, as the name suggests, powered by rechargeable batteries. But not all batteries are created equal. The good news is that you don’t need to run a high-priced utility company to obtain energy from these types of solar power systems. The bad news is that it takes time to recharge the batteries and, as a result, you may run out of electricity during peak hours. Still, if you need energy now, this is a viable option and more affordable than some of the other choices. The downside to the battery-powered system? Once again, the batteries. It’s often said that the older the technology, the more likely it is to break down. Though this is generally speaking true, it doesn’t mean that all old electronics and appliances inevitably malfunction. But, knowing when these types of batteries wear out and need to be replaced can be difficult. Especially if you’re not tech-savvy or computer-literate. The smaller the unit, the less battery life you’ll get. So, if you plan on storing and using this product outdoors, make sure to buy a model rated for the elements. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with corrosion and other forms of damage that result from exposure to water and the elements. This can be very costly and, in some instances, completely impracticable. If you’re going to be storing energy for later use and the weather conditions are such that the sun doesn’t shine directly on the panel, you’re better off purchasing a freestanding or plug-in unit.
5. Purchase A Wind-Powered System
If you live in a place where the wind is always blowing, you have the option of installing a wind-powered system at your home. These types of units tend to be large and cumbersome, which means you’ll need a lot of space to store them when they’re not being used. But the good news is that you don’t need a lot of space to store them when they’re being used. The bad news is that they’re not very efficient and, as a result, not very good at generating energy. This is why many people choose to purchase them as a supplemental energy source when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t helping. The downside to the wind-powered system? Once again, the inefficiency of these types of units. Because they’re not very efficient at generating energy, it usually means you’ll need a lot of them to make a significant difference. Installing them on a windy day is also rather strenuous. The noise level can be high, and because they’re large, they’re not very easy to transport. In some cases, they can also become extremely dangerous if mishandled or operated incorrectly. As a result, many people who have them install insurance policies specifically to protect themselves from liability if they do damage to any other property besides their own.
In some places, you might be able to find a less expensive version of the wind-powered system. But, given their inefficiency and the fact that not all manufacturers build their products to be reliable when it comes to wind, it’s usually better to go for the more pricey option.
When choosing the location of your home’s energy system, consider how much room you have for it. If you have a good amount of space, you may want to consider purchasing a solar-powered system. If you’re looking for an energy-generating option that isn’t solar-powered, the wind-powered system may be a good choice. But if you need a unit that can store energy for later use, you’re better off purchasing a battery-powered system. Just make sure you purchase one that’s rated for the climate and the environment where you plan on using it.