Are you interested in possibly generating your own electricity? We have the Top 9 Alternative Energy resources for you to consider.
Are soaring electric bills and rolling power outages making you want to unplug from the power grid and provide your own source of electricity? I don’t blame you.
Before we moved off-grid, our electric bill was looking more like a mortgage payment!
With the electric companies going unchecked or ungoverned, they have doubled the cost per kw just in the last year!
Homeowners and renters are having to choose between staying warm and having the heat on, or buying groceries.
It shouldn’t be like that. Especially in the land of plenty where there is more than enough to go around. Not to mention we have enough resources here in this country to be completely self-sufficient.
Looking For Alternative Energy Resources? We Have The Answer
Are you looking for an alternative to traditional energy sources? There is an abundance of renewable energy sources available today.
Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, that should be taken into consideration when selecting the right fit for your needs.
Whether you plan on using alternative energy as your main source, or a backup source, it’s always best to have a plan B AND C.
Here are some of the top 9 alternative energy sources for you to explore.
#1 Solar Energy Is Effortless and Affordable
Solar energy is one of the most popular alternative energy sources. Due to its affordability and sustainability, it makes solar a #1 choice.
It’s already used by many homeowners for everything from generating electricity to heating hot water. Solar systems are an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.
In addition, solar technology continues to advance and become more efficient over time. Making solar an increasingly attractive form of renewable energy for the future.
In fact, we use solar as our primary source of electricity on our off-grid homestead. Our solar system provides for all of our household and homestead needs.
We installed our system ourselves and it didn’t break the bank.
Compared to the $400 a month we used to pay the power company, after the first two years of installation, it has already paid for itself.
Of course there are advantages and disadvantages to having solar, but it is perfect for our family.
You can see a picture of our solar array below.
#2 Wind Is A Proven Alternative Energy
It is pretty windy where you live? Wind energy may be the perfect alternative for you.
Wind energy is a renewable, emissions-free and abundant alternative energy source. Turbines are used to convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical or electrical energy.
The power generated from wind is clean and sustainable. Not to mention affordable when compared to other forms of energy generation.
You can even use wind turbines in your own backyard to generate electricity for your home!
In order to see if wind energy would be a good alternative for you, check to see what your average wind speed is. You can find wind speeds with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
You will need no less than an average wind of 7 MPH to generate enough electricity for your home. However, wind energy is advancing daily. They are making better technology that can generate electricity with as little as 4 MPH.
Eventually, we want to add wind to supplement our solar array. The only time our solar doesn’t provide for our needs is when there is a storm.
We typically have an abundance of wind during a storm so it would make sense to use wind as an alternative energy source.
#3 Hydroelectricity As An Alternative Energy Source
Do you have access to flowing water? Hydroelectricity could be your answer for alternative energy.
Hydroelectricity, also known as hydropower, is a method of transforming the energy contained in moving waterfalls into electricity.
It works by channeling the flow of water down an artificial tunnel and into a turbine which then spins to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric power does not rely on fossil fuels or other non-renewable resources and can be used to provide clean, reliable power for large cities or small communities.
According to one of our alternative energy resources, all you need is a drop of 6″ of constantly flowing water in order to provide for your basic electrical needs.
Hydroelectricity is another popular DIY project for those who are multi-talented. I’ve witnessed some guys taking a car alternator, a plastic drum, and an old golf cart battery and generating electricity from a small creek.
#4 Geothermal Energy- Mother Earth Has It All
If you think about the earth that has been around for thousands of years, it can provide everything we need, including energy.
Geothermal energy is produced from the thermal energy beneath the earth’s surface, and is a renewable source of power that has been used for centuries by humans.
It can be harnessed to generate electricity in various ways, such as through geothermal heat pumps, hot water springs and other geothermal resources.
Additionally, it can be used to warm homes with the installation of geothermal heating systems. This type of renewable energy can reduce both energy costs and emissions when compared to traditional methods of generating electricity.
We have tapped into some of our geothermal energy of sorts. We use the core temperature of the earth to cool our home. Additionally, we did this without expensive or fancy equipment.
Although installing geothermal energy can be expensive, there are still ways to harness it that won’t break the bank.
#5 Biomass Energy- Use Poop For Power
Biomass energy is an alternative type of renewable energy made from organic materials which are a byproduct of farming, animal husbandry, forestry and other activities.
It can be used to generate electricity through burning it in boilers or power plants, or for thermal purposes systems, such as heating buildings.
This form of renewable energy has the advantage of being able to be stored easily for later use; it also offers the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provides job creation opportunities in many rural communities.
Biomass energy is both economically viable and sustainable, making it one of the most popular alternatives to traditional forms of energy production.
A simple example of using biomass energy that we have used in the past, is to install a water line, such as an irrigation line, under a compost pile.
As the compost breaks down, it creates heat. You can use this generated heat to warm water in the line.
#6 Wave Energy- Use The Power Of The Ocean
Although wave energy will only appeal to a select few, because you need a large moving water source, such as the ocean, it is a powerful and viable alternative energy source.
Wave energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the motion of the waves and turns it into energy that we can use.
The motion of the ocean creates kinetic energy that we can use to power turbines and generators.
We have witnessed examples of wave energy at work but unfortunately, we no longer live by the ocean.
#7 Nuclear Energy- Renewable? Or Recyclable?
Although nuclear nuclear energy is not renewable (nor feasible or affordable for the average man), it is recyclable. Nuclear is also considered to be a low-carbon energy source.
It is considered a fissile energy, i.e. one that results from the fission of atoms within the nuclear reactor, which produces a powerful chain reaction that can be used to supply the power grid continuously.
Some examples of Nuclear Energy are
- Light Water Reactors.
- Advanced Reactors.
- Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
- Versatile Test Reactor.
- Small Modular Reactors.
Nuclear energy really gets a bad rap because of its name. We immediately associate it with nuclear bombs and think of it as something that is destructive.
However, when considering alternative energy resources, it is close to the top in terms of providing electricity for the masses.
#8 Introducing Hydrogen Energy
If you’re like me, you probably have never heard of Hydrogen energy. Basically it’s a clean fuel that produces only water.
Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.
Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources. Today, hydrogen fuel can be produced through several methods. The most common methods today are natural gas reforming (a thermal process), and electrolysis. Today, hydrogen fuel can be produced through several methods.
The most common methods today are natural gas reforming (a thermal process), and electrolysis. Other methods include solar-driven and biological processes.
From Energy.gov
Unfortunately, the use of hydrogen energy for residential homes is not available. However, it is a top priority for alternative renewable energy resources for commercial use.
#9 Tidal Energy – Using The Motion Of The Ocean
Much like wave energy, tidal energy uses the tides and the currents to generate electricity. Tidal is a renewable source of energy. As long as the ocean still moves, it will never run out.
If you live in the middle of the mountains like we do, in a landlocked state, this isn’t something you could consider. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t educate yourself on the vast amounts of available natural resources.
Although tidal energy is still in its infancy, there is great potential for its use. Unfortunately, the ‘powers’ that be, don’t see a lot of profit in investing in tidal power plants so few exist.
Which Alternative For Energy Source Is Best For You?
Agreeably, not every energy resource I mentioned can be used by us. Although I do feel it necessary to educate ourselves to the possibility of their use.
As I mentioned earlier, I strongly suggest investing in a backup for your backup.
The Power Grid isn’t dependable, even renewable energy isn’t always 100% dependable. Things break and nature is a beast.
In order to truly have your household function without interruption if the grid goes down, have a backup plan.
