Every day, we use energy in so many different ways: cooking food, heating our homes and buildings, and powering numerous electrical appliances. The way we produce energy affects us all because it has a significant impact on the environment. Even small changes in the types of power plants used for electricity generation can have substantial benefits such as reduced global warming and air pollution.
The most affordable energy sources all have pros and cons. For example, renewable energy is considered more environmentally friendly than nonrenewable sources such as fossil fuels such as coal and oil. However, technologies used to produce renewable energy, such as wind turbines and solar panels, are typically more expensive.
Here are some of the best affordable energy sources that you can choose from to get you started.
Solar energy
Solar energy is one of the most affordable energy sources for homeowners living in remote areas not connected to the primary electric grid. The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased over time, making them more accessible to households with limited resources. They can heat water or rooms, generate electricity, and even provide backup energy during a blackout.
Solar energy is clean and environmentally friendly. It works by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. If you want to find the cost of solar panels in Scotland, then you may need to do some research. That said, solar energy is known to eliminate the air pollution caused by fossil fuels, not to mention the noise and visual impact. Using solar panels also means less greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the planet.
The cost of designing a solar photovoltaic system varies depending on the type and size of the unit, the location where it is installed, and other external factors. In Scotland, a solar panel can cost from £1500 to about £4000. However, the costs vary from country to country according to different variables.
Soon, the cost of solar panels is expected to continue falling. Therefore, more households will afford this type of energy source as it will help people save some money.
Hydropower
Hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and affordable ways to generate electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, an agency of the Department of Energy, called it the “largest source of renewable energy by capacity in the United States” and says hydropower accounts for 49% of all renewable electricity generation. And it’s big business, providing 17% of the nation’s electricity.
But hydropower is also one of the oldest technologies around, first harnessed in ancient Greece for irrigation. So what are today’s leading low-cost energy sources? On the one hand, hydropower is relatively inexpensive, but it’s not the only alternative being considered by utilities. Some are opting for other energy sources, while others create hybrids that combine multiple forms of power generation into one grid.
Natural gas
Natural gas is one of the cheapest, most reliable energy sources available for homeowners. It is a clean energy source that can be used in three main ways: space heating, water heating, and clothes drying. It’s also an essential fuel for industrial processes like food production and chemical manufacturing.
As a home heating fuel, natural gas is one of the most efficient energy sources available, making it cheaper to run than other heating fuels like oil or electricity. Learn more about dual fuel generator here.
This high-efficiency rate stems from several factors: natural gas heaters are often more compact, modern designs need less airflow for combustion, and less heat is wasted when transferring the energy from the heater to your home’s air.
Careful homeowners can use this energy source with minimal environmental impact, too. Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide by volume than other fuel types, which is better for the environment. With proper maintenance, natural gas appliances will continue to run efficiently and safely for a long time, too.
Wind energy
Wind energy has been around for hundreds of years, but it is only recently that wind energy has been used as a more affordable energy source for homes.
In the United States, on average, having solar panels installed can cost upwards of $14,000. This is an enormous investment and a lot to take on, especially starting in your life. There are other options out there that won’t take as much of a toll on your bank account, or looking at it another way, have financial benefits for you down the road.
Wind turbines generate electricity from wind because they can turn wind power into mechanical energy. They achieve this using blades attached to a rotor that spins around an axle. The wind turns the blades, setting the rotor in motion and rotating an electrical generator to produce electricity.
The cost of turbines can vary depending on their size and power output, but one turbine could range from $13-15000 for a compact unit that will produce up to 300 watts of energy.
Biomass
Biomass is a renewable energy resource that can be used to create affordable heat and electricity for homes. It is the organic material composed of recently living organisms, usually referring to plants or plant-derived materials. Biomass has been transformed into an energy source by using various technologies, which are being developed constantly to become more efficient.
Biomass is considered a renewable resource because it is constantly being replaced by new growth in plants and trees. As biomass originates from many regions worldwide, it can be an affordable energy source for all households. Bio-energy production reduces greenhouse gas emissions and uses waste materials that would otherwise require expensive disposal through landfill sites.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal is an energy source that is generator at the core of the earth. This energy pushes towards the surface in different ways, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and other geological phenomena. The issue with this energy source is that it’s not easy to harness or use to power any household appliances. This means it’s not the most affordable energy source.
However, other forms of geothermal energy can power homes and make them more affordable than ever before. These include geothermal heat pumps and geo-exchange systems.
The need to compare energy sources for your home is greater now than ever before. As the prices of fossil fuels continue to rise, homeowners are left with little choice but to look into alternative options. If you are looking for an affordable way to heat or cool your home, the above ideas should have given you enough information to make the right choice.