What is the best type of alternative energy to invest in?

June 22nd, 2009

If I wanted to use some type of alternative energy (wind, solar, anything else you can think of) to power the things in my house, whats the best way to go to get the most energy out of it at the least cost? Or what would be worthwhile to have in the long run?

thanks for your time

Great question, but there isn’t just one renewable energy that gains the title of “best”. Micro hydro, solar, geothermal, bio fuel and wind turbines are all great, but it really depends on your home, neighborhood and your needs.
Micro hydro:
- Ideal condition: access to year-round flowing water and a permit to build a system
- Positive: produces power 24 hours a day
- Negative: if too much water is diverted it may damage the ecoststem
Solar:
- Ideal condition: south-facing areas with no obstructions
- Positive: tax incentives are widely available
- Negative: not all roofs can hold the extra weight
Geothermal:
- Ideal condition: large yard space for digging
- Positive: cuts down on electricity bills as it uses 25-50 percent less electricity.
- Negative: difficult to find experienced contractors
Bio fuel:
- Ideal condition: access to soybean oil or recycled restaurant grease
- Positive: it is a domestic and renewable source
- Negative: it costs more per gallon than conventional oil
Wind turbines:
- Ideal condition: a home or building with at least an acre of property
- Positive: wind energy can lower electricity bills by 50-90 percent
- Negative: there are no federal tax credits for homeowners yet

Here are a few articles that may help you locate what energy is the best for your needs.
In the Market for Alternative Energy

http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2002-05-01/ALTERNATIVE-ENERGY.aspx

Energy Efficiency for the Home, Saving Money for All

http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/2008-08/energy-efficiency-for-the-home-saving-money-for-all.aspx

Do Your Own Energy Audit
http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2008-01-01/Energy_Audit.aspx

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5 Responses to “What is the best type of alternative energy to invest in?”

  1. Comment by Natural Home
    June 23rd, 2009

    Great question, but there isn’t just one renewable energy that gains the title of “best”. Micro hydro, solar, geothermal, bio fuel and wind turbines are all great, but it really depends on your home, neighborhood and your needs.
    Micro hydro:
    - Ideal condition: access to year-round flowing water and a permit to build a system
    - Positive: produces power 24 hours a day
    - Negative: if too much water is diverted it may damage the ecoststem
    Solar:
    - Ideal condition: south-facing areas with no obstructions
    - Positive: tax incentives are widely available
    - Negative: not all roofs can hold the extra weight
    Geothermal:
    - Ideal condition: large yard space for digging
    - Positive: cuts down on electricity bills as it uses 25-50 percent less electricity.
    - Negative: difficult to find experienced contractors
    Bio fuel:
    - Ideal condition: access to soybean oil or recycled restaurant grease
    - Positive: it is a domestic and renewable source
    - Negative: it costs more per gallon than conventional oil
    Wind turbines:
    - Ideal condition: a home or building with at least an acre of property
    - Positive: wind energy can lower electricity bills by 50-90 percent
    - Negative: there are no federal tax credits for homeowners yet

    Here are a few articles that may help you locate what energy is the best for your needs.
    In the Market for Alternative Energy
    http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2002-05-01/ALTERNATIVE-ENERGY.aspx

    Energy Efficiency for the Home, Saving Money for All
    http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/2008-08/energy-efficiency-for-the-home-saving-money-for-all.aspx

    Do Your Own Energy Audit
    http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2008-01-01/Energy_Audit.aspx
    References :
    All content in this answer was provided with Natural Home magazine’s consent. For more articles check out http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com or the November/December issue of Natural Home magazine on news stands now.

  2. Comment by Eris
    June 23rd, 2009

    I believe that wind and solar are the best way to go. They both have initially large costs, but then no cost to maintain the power that it gives you. In some cases, the electric company will even pay you as you are putting power back into the grid. It can pay for itself in almost no time at all. It is better for the earth and you can live off the grid.
    References :

  3. Comment by LuapF2
    June 23rd, 2009

    Heat recovery system as this will work with any other heating system and save you up to 40% off your annual heating bill, which means it pays itself off faster than any other type of system. Reduces dust and pollen inside your house and benefits asthmatics also. Can be installed in any house that has access to attic, 1st floor stud walls and under floors.
    References :

  4. Comment by BettyBel
    June 23rd, 2009

    Solar energy, or Hydorpower, are the two best
    energies to invest in .
    Hydower power, converting salt water into engery .
    References :

  5. Comment by eco20-20.com
    June 23rd, 2009

    It is tough, the most promising is wind and solar as far as investment go. The biggest problem is that a lot of the more promising companies are all private. GE and some of the big guns have invested a lot of money in alternatives
    References :
    http://www.eco20-20.com