Whether you own your own home and are looking for ways to reduce the electricity bill, or you are looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, power is a hot topic for us all. Consider these six environmentally sustainable power alternatives to lower your impact, as well as those frustrating bills.
- Solar
Solar panels have become a very popular environmentally sustainable power option in recent times. Not only is this a great power alternative, but most providers offer a rebate on solar power in Australia. This means you are not only saving the environment by using renewable energy but saving some dollars off that energy bill. The solar panels themselves can be costly, however, usually this is recouped after the first few energy bills.
- Wind
Wind power was something which, even just a few years ago, probably didn’t seem all that feasible for your everyday consumer. Large wind farms were required, and unless you lived on more than ten acres, you probably couldn’t consider it.
Luckily, huge strides have been made in this space recently. Smaller more compact units are now available and have the ability to capture enough energy to power small to large appliances around the home. Wind is easily one the most environmentally sustainable energy sources we have at our disposal so make sure you explore these options.
- Water
More commonly known as hydroelectricity, this power alternative is a particularly useful one if you live remotely. With no disposable waste or output once constructed, hydroelectric plants are one the most popular renewable energies.
Hydroelectricity is another of the environmentally friendly alternatives that a short time ago probably didn’t seem that realistic for most. However, with the capability to build these plants in smaller versions on rivers or other local sources of water, the hydroelectric power option has become a fantastic, viable in the modern day.
- Mix it up
One of the more common ways to help the environment today is by mixing your power options up. For example, a fantastic eco-friendly option is solar and wind together.
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By installing solar panels which are powered by a wind generator, you not only save yourself a lot of money over the lifetime of the two sources, but you will also lower your impact on the environment. There are many ways to combine two renewable sources to increase the savings for everyone.
- Green Power
This one may not save you big dollars but it may incentivise the energy company you use to push renewable energy sources further. Some energy providers will allow you the option of paying a slightly higher premium for non-renewable energy, then put the equivalent of your usage into a renewable grid. It won’t save you in the short term, but may well save the environment in the long run.
- Batteries
Batteries use a chemical reaction to create fuel but, unlike other fuel sources, don’t require energy output to charge. Deep cycle batteries can be installed to absorb or store energy during the day to help power your home at night.
The advantage of deep cycle batteries is that they are rechargeable, meaning you could even potentially live “off the grid” and save yourself and the environment a huge amount.
Environmentally-friendly power alternatives are not necessarily commonplace in many discussions. But they do, however, have the ability to save the environment, as well as your back pocket. Next time you are discussing your impact and what alternatives you have, consider these six points.
