Since the earth’s finite natural energy sources are rapidly depleting, it is now time to look for new means of providing energy for our homes. Luckily, various renewable energy sources have been developed, and we can now use green energy solutions in our homes. In case you have not already, it's time to catch up on the basics of renewable energy.

Why Use Renewable Energy Sources?

If you want to help minimize fossil fuel usage, one of the best ways is to start using renewable or green energy sources. Because of our present oil and coal consumption, future generations will surely experience lack of energy sources in years to come. Studies show that humans have already consumed more than half of the entire oil supply believed to exist, therefore, it is expected that time will come that these energy sources will vanish completely. Based on the rate of the world’s present consumption, oil will become extinct in the next three decades. That is why we should start developing and using alternative energy sources; and we should all start in our homes.

The Most Common Forms of Green Energy Solutions

• Wind Power - produced by using a mill or turbine that utilizes wind in order to make kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is then converted into electricity. This form of renewable energy is very cost-effective; it can save you up to 90% off your usual electricity bill. Although the cost of the power-generating turbine is quite expensive, operating it will cost virtually nothing. You can even earn money from the excess energy your wind turbine produces; alternatively, you can store the excess power in batteries for future use.
• Solar Power – generated by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. Although expensive, solar power home kits are capable of providing continuous power for homes. A typical home kit may cost more than $10,000, but tax credits and things like the solar hot water rebate programs can help compensate the cost. Additionally, like with wind power, you can also sell the excess generated power to electric companies.
• Hydro Power – if your home is near a running water source, such as a brook, river, or stream, then you are lucky to have another alternative source of energy. By utilizing micro-hydro turbines, you can have an energy source that supplies non-stop power to your home. Unlike wind or solar-powered energy sources, hydropower solutions are not affected by changes in weather. It is the cheapest alternative as well, costing between $1000 and $3000 for a generator.

Turning to Green Energy Solutions

Because people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact non-renewable energy brings to the economy and especially to the environment, we are now starting to realize the importance of switching to alternative energy sources. Even if we are not deeply concerned about our impact to the environment; surely, we cannot ignore the fact that our present non-renewable sources is costing us more than we expected. At the present, watching our expenses closely, including our power bills, has forced us to shift gears. And maybe in the near future, we will totally change our ways and use the safer and more affordable green energy solutions.

Mark runs solar hot water QLD, an Australian business that supplies and installs solar hot water systems to home and businesses across the state of Queensland.

Green energy image courtesy © Thaut Images - Fotolia.com