Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally and do not run out, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, hydrogen and marine energy. Using renewable energy sources for your home electricity and heating can have many benefits for you, your community and the planet.
Here are some of the main advantages of switching to renewable energy sources:
Saving money: Renewable energy sources can help you save money on your energy bills by reducing your dependence on fossil fuels and grid electricity. Some renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are cost-competitive with traditional energy sources and can even generate income by selling excess power back to the grid. You may also be eligible for tax credits, rebates or incentives for installing renewable energy systems in your home.
Reducing carbon footprint: Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants that contribute to global warming and climate change. By using renewable energy sources, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help mitigate the harmful impacts of fossil fuel combustion on the environment and human health. For example, a 25 percent by 2025 national renewable electricity standard would lower power plant CO2 emissions 277 million metric tons annually by 2025—the equivalent of the annual output from 70 typical (600 MW) new coal plants.
Saving the planet: Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible and do not deplete the Earth’s natural resources like coal, oil and gas. Using renewable energy sources can help preserve the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations. Renewable energy sources can also enhance the reliability, security and resilience of the nation’s power grid by reducing the risk of power outages, cyberattacks or natural isasters.
Reducing the need to use valuable resources like coal and gas: Coal and gas are finite resources that will eventually run out or become too expensive to extract. Using renewable energy sources can reduce the need to use these valuable resources and avoid the negative impacts of their extraction, transportation and combustion. These impacts include land degradation, water contamination, habitat loss, human rights violations,
health problems and social conflicts.
Creating economic development and jobs: Renewable energy sources can create economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. Renewable energy industries can also stimulate innovation, research and education in clean energy technologies. Renewable energy sources can also expand clean energy access for non-grid-connected or remote, coastal or islanded communities.
As you can see, using renewable energy sources has many benefits for you, your community and the planet. If you are interested in switching to renewable energy sources for your home electricity and heating, you can start by doing some research on the available options in your area, comparing different providers and prices, and contacting a qualified installer or contractor. You can also check out some examples of renewable energy projects that other homeowners have done to get some inspiration.
If you are thinking of going green and using solar power, try SolarQuote for a free no obligation quote putting you in direct contact with the top solar panel installers in Essex.