I’ve always had a desire to learn about alternative energy, partially to do my part in cutting down on carbon emissions, but mostly to find a way to eliminate our family’s monthly hydro bill. Wouldn’t it be nice to cut back or eliminate your monthly bill? Whether you’re building a new home or have decided to retrofit your existing, you can join the global trend by investigating alternative energy sources.

Create enough electricity and you may be able to sell the surplus back to your local hydro supplier. In Ontario there is a program in place called FIT that makes this possible.

Solar Energy Renovations

Solar energy for home consumption is described as the radiant light from the sun captured in a technology that stores and distributes it through a predefined medium.

Solar Panels are used to capture the source, strings of batteries are used to store the energy, and your home’s existing electrical wiring provides the distribution medium.

Conversion kits from DC to AC are available through most electricians that have an eye on the future. There seems to be experts popping up in most regions, several in the region I live in.

Storage batteries have dropped considerably in price due to the recent demand. New technologies used to produce foil have made the solar panels more readily available and are becoming more affordable. These factors all contribute to a faster return on investment and make getting off the grid a more viable option, even for existing homes.

Alternative Renewable Energies

Wind turbines are also a viable option for alternative power but have obvious knocks against this energy source. Most turbines make noise of some sort, require a certain amount of wind, and you need a Building Permit to install. Properties with less than an acre are unlikely to get that permit. To be a complete system, some wind products are supplemented with a solar component.

So now the biggest question is, does the panel array go on the roof or on a self-support pole? Do your homework, study the options, and call your Alair Homes Partner to help answer any questions or point you in the right direction.