Cars are sort of like large generators, and each one charges their own battery as they run, so you can take advantage of this by simultaneously using the battery as a power source for your small devices. This is a super-efficient way to make use of a vehicle. Some homesteaders who use vehicles have been known to use power inverters in their cars to charge smaller devices (such as cell phones, laptops and tablets) while they run errands. Plus, you can’t argue with the importance of reducing fossil fuel consumption! Power Inverters for Vehicles: Ideal for Charging Small Devices However, in the long run, the savings will pay off.

Unfortunately, geothermal systems have a larger cost upfront than some other types of renewable energy. The geothermal unit then uses the temperate water to heat or cool the air, which is circulated through the home in ducts. Water is pumped through piping in the ground, and circulated back to a geothermal unit in the home, which essentially replaces both the furnace and air conditioning unit. As a result, we can take advantage of this to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature, without having to burn fossil fuels.

The theory behind geothermal energy is that the Earth, below the frost line, has a constant and reliable temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a less common, yet effective way to regulate the temperature of your home. Geothermal Energy: Reduces Fossil Fuel Consumption The idea is that the heat from the sun is magnified by the cooker’s reflective and conductive materials, and then concentrated within its compact space, so it can heat food to safe temperatures. Regardless, living off the grid doesn’t have to mean boiling water to have a nice warm bath!įinally, using a solar cooker is a cool and interesting way to cook food by using solar power. Solar water heaters will also make use of the sun’s power to heat water for your home! These come in many different configurations, and some may be more effective than others, depending on where your home is situated. As with the energy produced by wind turbines, this energy can be stored in batteries for later use, and there can be kickbacks for sharing excess energy with the grid if you happen to be connected to it. Solar panels work due to photovoltaic cells that capture the light from the sun and turn it into electric energy. They can be costly to set up, but with green living gaining traction, governments will often offer rebates and incentives for green energy systems such as these. Solar panels are arguably one of the most common and readily available forms of renewable energy.

These days, solar power is increasingly popular, and the available ways to harness solar power are becoming more diverse. Unlikely to end up with a fried laptop after all!

Surge protection for your power outlets willĪlso help protect your devices in the event of a power surge, so you’ll be Think of a balloon: It has a limited capacity, and if we try to blow extra air into the balloon, it’ll just explode! Adding a small hole to the balloon allows for the overflow of air to escape without the balloon exploding, and this is sort of how grounding equipment works, too. Grounding equipment literally connects your system to the ground, as an “escape route” for extra electricity when the system gets overloaded for example, during a power surge from a lightning strike. Safety disconnects are particularly vital to protecting your system from a power surge arising from lightning-or even a power surge that comes from the grid, if you’re connected to it. This equipment will protect both your system and the people around the system. Safety equipment is also crucial when it comes to your ability to maintain your renewable energy systems, especially if you’re in a remote location.

Off grid heating