The type of renewable energy used in a residential home will depend greatly on several factors including location of the home, average number of sunny days per year, average wind conditions and average temperature.

If the home is located in an area that receives plenty of sunny days during the summer and winter months, solar energy may be the best type of renewable energy. Solar energy can be converted for immediate use in the home or stored in batteries for use in emergency situations.

Some homes overproduce energy in the summer and under produce in the winter. These homes may benefit from a connection with the local electrical company power grid. When energy is overproduced, the electrical company may offer credits to the homeowner. In the winter months, these credits can be used to pay for the supplemental power needed to make up for the loss of solar output.

Wind energy can also be considered the best type of renewable energy if the town or city is relatively windy. The top cities in the United States for potential wind energy harvesting are Dodge City, Kansas; Amarillo, Texas and Rochester, Minnesota. The average wind speed in these cities every year is about 13.5 MPH. The placement of a small wind turbine with an attached battery to collect the energy could be useful as a supplemental energy source.

Hydropower and the Residential Home

The oldest form of alternative energy is hydropower. If the home is set on land with a moving water source, hydropower is a viable option. Hydropower units are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. The energy can be fed directly into the home for use, or stored in collection batteries if overproduction is an issue. The smallest stream can produce hydropower energy.

Choosing the Best Type of Renewable Energy

The choice of a renewable energy source will depend on several factors. The first, inevitably, will be the cost of construction and maintenance. Solar panels are less expensive than wind turbines and the upkeep is relatively easy and inexpensive. For cities that boast fewer sunny days and more wind, the upfront cost for a wind turbine may be a better option.

Combining two alternative energy sources is also an option. In places like Las Vegas, Nevada, a solar panel will constantly receive energy from the sun and with wind speeds increasing in the winter months, there will be a constant source of alternative energy for the home. Adding hydropower to the equation is often the final step in taking a home off the grid.

The homeowner will need to take a careful look at how much power they really want to produce. Going off the grid, or relying solely on alternative energy for home electricity requires much more focus, planning and money. The return on investment can be huge; however, as the energy costs in the home will all but disappear. Alternative energy production units can last 25 years or more which is more than enough time to see gains from the installation.

Author Bio: M.S. Rochell is the owner of http://www.Go-Green-Solar-Energy.com which offers education and inspiration on the benefits of going green with solar energy, DIY solar power, and affordable solar energy solutions. Visit to learn more about which type of renewable energy may work best for your home, and to receive our free Affordable Solar Energy eBooks.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: type of renewable energy,examples of renewable energy,renewable solar energy