The Best Types of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is a hot topic–it seems like every day, there’s a new story about how renewable energy is taking over the world. But what does that mean for homeowners and businesses? And what are the best types of renewable energy to invest in for your home? In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about renewable energy. We’ll start by discussing what exactly renewable energy is, and then we’ll dive into the different types of renewables available. From there, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each type of renewable, and help you decide which one is best for your home or business.

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is exactly what it sounds like: energy that can be renewed. Unlike fossil fuels (like coal and oil), which take hundreds or thousands of years to form, renewables can be replenished in a matter of days or weeks. There are many different types of renewables, but they all have one thing in common: they emit far fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, making them much better for the environment.

Types of Renewable Energy

There are many types of renewable energy, but the most common are solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. In many of these cases, excess renewable energy can be sold back to the grid. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Solar Energy

Solar energy is perhaps the most well-known type of renewable energy. Solar panels use the sun’s rays to create electricity, which can then be used to power your home or business. Solar panels can be installed on your roof, or in a solar farm.

Pros: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has very little impact on the environment. By installing solar panels, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Solar energy is also very versatile and can be used to power your home or business, or even to heat your water.

Cons: Solar energy can be unreliable, as it only produces electricity when the sun is shining, which can make it a less attractive option in regions that experience frequent rain and cloud cover. Additionally, solar panels can be expensive to purchase and install but there are many government incentives available to offset the cost.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is another popular type of renewable energy. Wind turbines use the wind to generate electricity, which can then be used to power your home or business. Wind turbines can be installed on your property or a wind farm.

Pros: Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has very little impact on the environment. Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity, or to power your home or business. Additionally, wind energy is very versatile and can be used in many different types of applications.

Cons: Often, the best places for wind turbines are remote, and some home or business owners may find they are not in an area that is particularly well-suited for wind energy. At the same time, some wind turbines make noise, which could be a disturbance to both the property owner and neighbors. Additionally, wind turbines can be expensive to purchase and install but there are many government incentives available to offset the cost.

Hydro Energy

Hydropower energy is a type of renewable energy that uses water to generate electricity. The flow of water is used to turn turbines, which then generate electricity. Hydropower plants can be either small or large scale. Small-scale hydropower plants are typically used to power homes or businesses, while large-scale hydropower plants can generate enough electricity to power entire cities.

Pros: Hydro energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has very little impact on the environment. Hydropower plants can be used to generate electricity or to power your home or business. Additionally, hydro energy is very versatile and can be used in many different types of applications.

Cons: Hydroelectric dams can sometimes affect the migration of wildlife, like fish who use the water source to spawn. Drought can also affect the electricity generated as lower water levels could reduce the electrical output or halt it altogether.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that uses steam from hot water reservoirs deep below the Earth’s surface to turn turbines, which then generate electricity. It is typically a reliable source of energy and the infrastructure has longevity.

Pros: Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has very little impact on the environment. Geothermal power plants can be used to generate electricity or to power your home or business. Additionally, geothermal energy is very versatile and can be used in many different types of applications, and is not dependent on the weather.

Cons: Geothermal energy is often location-dependent, requiring geothermal reservoirs over 100ºC. This is often found along tectonic boundaries, such as the active fault zone in California. Drilling into the rock can also trigger earthquakes as hot water or steam is released from the ground.

When deciding on the best type of renewable energy for your home or business, there are many factors to consider. The types of renewable energy available, the cost of installation, the maintenance required, and the reliability of the power source are all important factors to consider. Ultimately, the best type of renewable energy for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Price to Compare can help you find what is the best renewable energy plan for your home. You can compare going renewable to your current energy plan here.