Grayden Sabol
PYSC 101-8W1
Final Paper
Renewable Energy for Individual Usage
Contents
Abstract ——————————————————————————————————- 2
Solar ———————————————————————————————————– 3
Wind ———————————————————————————————————– 4
Geothermal ————————————————————————————————– 4
MircroHydro ————————————————————————————————- 5
On-grid vs. Off-grid ———————————————————————————— 5 Tax implications ——————————————————————————————– 6
References ————————————————————————————————– 7
Abstract
This paper discusses the details of different types of renewable energy for individual home use. Each is detailed on how they operate, the cost of the system, ideal locations for this system, and issues with the system. The final sections are discussing the pros and cons of an off or on the grid system and tax benefits of installing these systems.
Individuals can outfit their homes with many times of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower. These systems can also be connected to the local power grid to reduce or negate electricity bills this is known as a power rebate. When Individuals are looking to invest in these forms of energy they should also look to their local governments because many areas offer rebates and tax credits for purchasing renewable energy components to help with the expense of purchase or installation.
Solar is the most popular form of renewable energy. Solar panels are formally known as parabolic dishes or troughs; they are plates covered in photovoltaic cells, “In a nutshell, these special batteries harness sunlight, transform it into energy, then send that energy to an inverter, which converts it into electricity to power the home” (Forbes). One of the first questions you must ask when looking at solar panels is would you rather purchase or lease, almost like getting a new car. When purchasing solar panels you are responsible for the cost of the system, installation, and maintenance however when leasing the 3rd party company in which you would be leasing would be responsible for these (Energysage). The tax implications will be discussed in a future section. Another big consideration is location, the best locations for these are areas with near constant sunshine, this makes locations closer to the equator the most effective areas for solar homes, the farther away from the equator the less efficient the system operates (Britishbusinessenergy). Another major consideration often ignored are surroundings when even if your solar panels are in direct line with the equator they will do no good if they are surrounded by trees, anything that could cast a shadow over the panels can deteriorate the efficiency of the system.
Wind Turbines are another widely available option, due to their simplicity. These turbines generate electricity in the exact same way a wind-up safety flashlight does by having magnets rotate around a coil to create a charge. There are two main types of wind turbines Horizontal axis and Vertical axis, horizontal at the most common with a fan like design while vertical work more like a toy top spinning (EIA). Wind turbines come in a huge range of sizes capacities ranging from 10 Watts to 3 Megawatts (EWEA). Most homes use small wind turbines up with a capacity of 100 Kilowatts or less (Windexchange Guidebook). Costs of a wind turbine are generally set as cost per kilowatt that averages to around $950 (Windexchange Economics). While most homes are not set in oceans or lakes for the strongest most consistent power, however, there are few places these systems wouldn’t be effective such as Central South America, Central Africa, and the Islands of Indonesia (Globalwindatlas). The most common question is what happens when there is no wind, put simply most wind turbines are highly elevated meaning even if there is little surface wind there will likely be wind above you, however, if there is no wind at all there will be no power produced.
Geothermal while it isn’t energy producing it is a significate energy saving method. This system is used to keeping a constant temperature underground to adjust the temperature of the house. It does this by drilling deep into the ground and using the cooler earth temperatures. This is done by cooling or heating water depending on the season and using this to heat or cool the air (Popularmechanics). The cost of these systems can range depending on the size of the home, however costs start at $20,000 (Energyhomes). Installing this system does require major excavation (comfort-pro). This system works in any location the only would be an adjustment to how far down you drill.
Micro hydroelectric is identical to standard hydroelectric yet on a much smaller scale. This works like wind turbines however, instead of wind rotating the turbine it is running water. Prices of these systems are not readily available due to the fact most of them are custom build depending on the location they can range between $1500 to $10,000 per Kilowatt with power lines to carry the electricity from $4000 to $10,000 per mile (altenergy). When trying to find a location for this method of power it is extremely difficult you need to have a home near running water which is not a normal occurrence. These systems can be on grid systems or off-grid these are long lasting systems that require little maintenance (Sundancepower). These are great for an off-grid living however, are not completely practical for every home.
On the grid systems have a ton of benefits to an off the grid system. On the grid systems, can give you the major advantage of still having full access to electricity, therefore if you use more than your system is generating you will not go through low voltage (homepower). Off the grid power systems work by storing energy in batteries which you then draw from however in periods of heavy power usage this method could leave a home without power. On the grid systems are less worrisome for this reason along with them if you have a small system it will only reduce your electricity bill without the need for swapping batteries around.
The tax benefits of renewable energy are constantly being renewed and adjusted. The standard rebate of purchasing solar water, solar battery, geothermal, or wind systems is 30% of the cost with no maximum until the end of 2019 then the rate will decrease (Energy). All of the tax benefits have requirements such as it must be an approved installed system for individual use it and for water solar plants the water must be not used for dwelling (Energystar). These systems also have a minimum power provided to be considered of ½ Kilowatt while wind turbines have a maximum of 100 Kilowatts (Turbotax).
In conclusion, there is a method of renewable energy for every home. Each has its advantages and disadvantages per -ocation cost and how they operate Even if not all systems work ideally in all locations there seems to be a system that will fit every location. While they are, all costly there is many financing options for each style. All operations require maintenance while some have less they all must be well kept for smooth operation and efficiency.
References
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Davison, Alan. “Producing Hydroelectric Power.” Solar Energy as Renewable and Alternative Energy, Solar Technology & Energy Information, www.altenergy.org/renewables/producing-hydro.html.
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