We need electricity for lighting, heating, cooling and many other purposes. In our online world, the need to stay connected means that we need electricity to keep our devices and gadgets charged and running.
Use LEDs
Compared to incandescent bulbs and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights), Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are safer, greener and cheaper. They use up to 80% less energy than their less eco-friendly counterparts. If you want to take a proactive step towards reducing your carbon footprint, LEDs are the way to go. Unlike CFLs, LED bulbs don’t have mercury in them. Unlike incandescent bulbs, they don’t have a filament which will burn out. Their source of illumination is the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. LEDs also have a very long life. Even if you used them 8 hours a day, LEDs could last for more than 17 years. LED is an all-round winner when it comes to lighting choices. It consumes less power, saves energy, saves money, lasts long and therefore creates less waste. Some provincial governments offer tax incentives for using LED lighting. All you have to do is screw on the LED bulbs for an energy efficient solution. Learn more about making your home more energy efficient.
Install solar panels
Solar panels convert the energy found in sunlight into electricity. They are a clean and efficient energy alternative. However, most homes and businesses are connected to electricity grids that use alternating current (AC) electricity. As solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, they need to be attached to an inverter to convert the DC into AC. Solar systems can be sized to generate surplus electricity, which is fed back to the grid. You can trade this surplus power back to your utility provider using a reverse meter and make money or balance your bill.
The biggest misconception about Solar System is the need for batteries which is a myth. Using the reverse meter, you come back to the grid at night balancing your energy consumption. Solar is simple: put it on your roof, a pole or the ground and receive free power from the sun – that simple! However solar is very complicated and there are a lot of options based on efficiency of the system, budget, shading, warranty, long term maintenance and installation procedures. Ensuring you use a knowledgeable company to design and install a system is key for something that is supposed to last 25 + years when you purchase a quality system. Learn how to build a solar panel.
Get Tesla’s Powerwall
If you have solar panels installed for your home, your main concern is how to harness the sun’s energy after sunset. Well, Tesla Motors has the answer. It’s new home battery, Powerwall, charges using electricity generated by solar panels so that you can use it in the evening. You can also set the battery to charge when the utility rates are down in provinces that use “SMART” meters. It’s a great way to use solar energy throughout the day and also create a backup in case of power outages.
Powerwall is a compact battery that you can install on any wall within your home. Tesla uses its established automotive battery technology in Powerwall’s lithium ion battery, so it’s safe, economical and requires little maintenance. The battery comes in 7 kWh daily cycle and 10 kWh weekly cycle models. You can also install multiple batteries in larger homes. So what does this mean for the average Alberta household? For the average person, we have a very stable grid in Alberta and no “SMART” meters in our homes to trade power back when it is expensive. For this reason, although energy storage and management is the way of the future globally, it is purely about energy security for now not about return on investment. This means you need to increase your budget after solar power to ensure you always have access to emergency power. Any solution can be customized to meet your personal or business needs.
Join a Community Solar
Community solar is the next step in harnessing solar energy. It is a shared renewable energy arrangement which allows multiple people / businesses in one specific area to invest in the solar panels. The energy generated by such a solar farm or garden will be credited to the investors, who will also receive tax benefits for their use of sustainable energy. The credit and tax benefit depends on the proportion of the investment. These farms are operated by governments, non-profits, cooperatives and other companies. A centralized solar farm is not affected by tall buildings, trees and zoning restrictions. It will also have a professional team taking care of maintenance. The best part is that people who are not property owners can also participate in this clean energy initiative. You don’t need your own roof; you can invest in a community solar system and reap the benefits for yourself and the planet.
Learn more about RenovationFind accredited companies that offer fully customized and installed Energy Efficient Products in Edmonton.
