How to Harness Renewable Energy - Microgeneration Options for the Consumer

The term '˜renewable energy' refers to energy that is generated from natural resources. Such energy may be derived from sunlight, rain, winds, tides, etc. Nowadays there is a lot of talk about '˜going green' in every aspect of our lives. By going green, we help reverse the destructive effects of greenhouse gas emissions. These days, we can build buildings that are energy-efficient and are certified with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating.

As we rapidly deplete our fossil fuel reserves, we are contributing to the growing environmental pollution levels. Thus the use of renewable energy resources has assumed greater significance to have somewhere to turn to for alternative energy sources.

The benefits of using renewable energy are many. First, we are doing something good for the environment by not burning away fossil fuels and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Second, the cost of generating renewable energy seems to be lesser than that of conventional energy sources. But the initial cost of installing renewable energy systems may be slightly higher.

By using renewable energy resources, we also help create more jobs in the field. The development of renewable energy sources is the trend of the world's energy policies. The worldwide market for renewable energy is growing fast. For example, in Brazil, ethanol produced from sugar cane provides 20% of the country's requirements of automotive fuel.

It is not the case that only big commercial outfits are able to tap renewable energy sources. As a home user, you can install renewable energy production equipment in your own residence. This will help cut down on your energy costs and will also make your home appreciate in value.

Another benefit is that there are Government grants and incentive programs available to promote the commercial and residential use of renewable energy production equipment. The process of generating your own renewable energy (at a consumer level) is known as '˜microgeneration'. There are commercial appliances available today, like solar water heaters that promote the microgeneration concept. Solar photovoltaic panels can also be installed in homes to generate electricity.

In addition to harnessing sunlight as a source of energy, a community can use wind turbines to generate self-sustaining electricity. In addition, where there are running water flows, small-scale hydro units can be installed that use the energy of flowing water to generate power. These are very less expensive than a typical hydroelectric power project.

Equipment like biomass boilers can satisfy space heating and water heating requirements. Biomass fuels are renewable, sustainable and carbon-neutral. Using biomass fuel can be an economically viable option for heating projects in homes and industries. Typical biomass fuels are logs, wood chips, and straw. Equipment like wood pellet biomass boilers are currently being used in many areas of the world.

The term '˜carbon footprint' refers to the impact human activities have over the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse emissions produced. '˜Low carbon footprint' architectural designs are the in-thing for designing energy-efficient buildings.

In short, by using microgeneration equipment, we harness the renewable energy resources of the environment. This will save us and our planet in the long run.