Conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels are limited resources that will run out in a few decades at the current rate of consumption. With increased awareness of this issue, consumers across the world are shifting to more natural sources of energy, even for spaces with small energy requirements such as homes. Read on to learn all about what these alternative energy resources are and different ways to generate electricity in homes, so that you can take a step towards green energy solutions.
What is Alternative Energy?
Energy generated from renewable energy sources in an eco-friendly manner can be termed as alternative sources. Conventionally, fossil fuels have been the main source of energy for most human activities over the last hundred years. However, these are formed under the earth over millions of years of weathering and are thus exhaustible. Their extraction process also has negative impacts on the environment. However, alternative energy sources are sustainable, infinite and renewable, forming a key aspect of eco-friendly house construction and living.
Benefits of the Use of Alternative Energy Sources
Some of the most important advantages of installing alternative energy resources in homes are:
- Sustainability: The use of clean energy systems does not harm the environment or put any stress on it. Instead, it harnesses the power of existing natural and infinite sources to fulfill human requirements in a sustainable manner.
- Reduced Utility Bills: Eco-friendly energy sources installed in homes can reduce the reliance on government or local organisations to meet daily energy requirements, significantly reducing (and even nullifying) energy bills. Any excess power generated by these sources can also ordinarily be sold to the local power grid, providing more monetary advantages.
- Financial Benefits: The government and municipal authorities in many regions provide financial incentives like reduced interest on loans, subsidised goods and lowered taxes for installing clean energy sources. Despite the possible higher initial investments on these sources, such incentives can lead to long-term financial benefits.
What are Alternative Energy Sources?
Although clean energy systems have typically been more feasible for large-scale projects, improvements in technology have made them practical even for small homes, promoting sustainable building practices. A few of the different ways to generate electricity in houses are:
Solar Green Energy
The sun is the biggest producer of energy in our universe. Solar panels absorb and convert the sun’s photovoltaic energy into electrical energy that can be used for heating, lighting and other domestic purposes. Historically, solar panels functioned best on large rooftops in sunny areas. However, new technological advancements have made it possible for even small 1’x1’ sized panels to be effective in regions with cloudy climates, thus making solar panels a component of most green buildings.
Biomass
Vegetable peelings, leftover food and other types of kitchen waste are a part of every household. Collecting all of this organic waste and burning it in a controlled manner can help in generating electricity. Green energy production through biomass is one of the cheapest ways of producing electricity, although it can sometimes lead to air pollution.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
The earth stores heat energy at different levels of its depth. Geothermal heat pumps harness this heat energy and convert it to electrical energy for domestic usage. Such pumps can be set up near geological hot spots determined by thorough soil exploration. Although this system depicts an effective use of alternative energy resources, installing such pumps can be expensive and may not be ideal in plots with small areas.
Domestic Wind Turbines
Wind energy has typically been harnessed in large-scales on countryside hilltops. However, small wind turbines can be installed on top of roofs, poles or trees to generate electricity. Domestic wind turbines are clean energy sources that are simple to install, easy to maintain and cost-effective. However, they may not produce sufficient electricity in regions with low winds or buildings with limited heights.
Design Considerations for Green Energy Solutions
A few of the factors to be considered while selecting an alternative energy source are:
- Energy Requirements: Energy consumption varies in every household. A well-designed house with sufficient natural light and ventilation may require less energy, while a house relying largely on mechanical ventilation might need more. The type, size and design of clean energy systems must analyse these requirements carefully.
- Local Climatic Conditions: India can be divided into six broad climatic zones. Warm and humid regions like Kerala may benefit more from harnessing solar power, while wind turbines may be more effective in cold and dry regions like Ladakh. Local climatic data and sun charts must be studied to make the right choice.
- Local Rules and Regulations: Government and municipal organisation rules in many regions mandate the installation of specific types, sizes and designs of eco-friendly energy sources. For example, in Bengaluru, it is mandatory for buildings with a floor area of 200 sqm or plot area of 400 sqm to install solar heaters that can effectively heat at least 100 litres of water everyday.
- Type of System: Electrical systems can be of two types- grid-connected or stand-alone. A grid-connected system can sell excess energy to or buy energy from the local supplier in case of inadequacy. On the other hand, a stand-alone system relies completely on the energy generated on-site. While a stand-alone system can be cheaper to install, it is important to analyse whether domestically generated electricity is sufficient for regular as well as emergency requirements.
One Step Towards Green and Clean Energy
The benefits of using renewable energy far outweigh its limitations. Besides, installing green energy production sources is an investment in the future of the world, and must not be considered as an additional expense in home maintenance. Building a green energy project is a small, but important step towards securing the future of earth. Brick & Bolt, a leading design-build construction company in India, strives to incorporate green energy solutions and assure regulatory compliance in its projects. To get expert opinions on the best alternative energy sources and guarantee its precise installation in your home building project, contact Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar 
Hemali Patel