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Free Energy......What's Needed?

What kind of extra equipment would i need to heat and light a 3 bed house to run solely off of sun/wind power?... I know about Solar panels and Wind turbines but are they expensive? Could i get a Government grant?.......has anyone converted their own house ? I live in a Council house..would i need planning permission to put the equipment up?

Public Comments

1. You would need a couple solar panels and I would not use windmills for one house because they are expensive and terrifying to clean. The windmill would really stand out in your neighborhood if you got a normal sized one because they are like 200 feet high or something. The windmills would be very expensive the solar panels probably reasonable considering how much you would save each year on the electric bill. There are a few people in my neighborhood that have solar panels on the roof and I would guess it works pretty well. There is also a person that converted his whole entire house to being eco-friendly and he had a great time doing the conversion and saved hundreds upon hundreds of dollars from the energy bills. If you have a gym in your house there have been businesses that use the friction from the exercise bikes to create electricity like a dam or windmill would. I would do some more research on the internet and see what you can come up with.
2. I just asked a question about solar and wind and if everyone really understands the importance of it. I don't know what state you are from, but my husband is certified in solar/wind in Michigan. All you need to do is submit your yearly energy bill for evaluation to someone who knows how to evaluate it. That will tell you what kind of system you need and if solar, either thermal or photovoltaic/wind systems would be best suited for your needs. In addition, a Site Evaluation is generally done. That looks at windows, roof, attic, basement, appliances, lights, furnace, air, etc., to make sure you are being energy efficient. We usually charge 100.00 for a resident and it is credited back if you decide to invest in solar or wind for your home. You can lease systems, as well. Again, be careful and don't just rent it because it was a good deal. It won't do you a bit of good if it isn't sized right/right type of system. I am telling you all this, so you don't make a mistake and just buy a system from someone, install it, and wonder why you aren't saving. It's like anything else that you do. If done correctly, you will save money. Depending on what state you live in, there are various tax credits, rebates, net metering, grants, etc. In addition, the federal government removed the cap for solar, so if your system costs, ex. 7,000.00, you would get a 30% tax credit. In addition, the monthly savings, any net metering cost, etc. In other words, you can save $$$. It is an investment. The payback period is relatively short with all the incentives. If you would email jim@alternativenergycompany.com we could answer more questions and possibly guide you in the right direction. You first must have someone speak with you about what kinds of energy you are currently using and how much you are using. It isn't a yes, you need thermal or wind. Wind turbines don't need to be installed on high towers. There are beautiful systems on 30 foot stands, that are silent, animal friendly, and are good for low and high winds. They can be installed anywhere, not just on poles. Thanks for letting me help and the long reply. Judy, Business Liaison for AlternativEnergy Company.
3. If you contact your Council housing department they will advise what you can do to the property. You are unlikely to be able to change your heating /hot water system, or attach a wind turbine to the house (they can cause noise and vibration damaging the building). but if you contact/join the tenants forum (there will be one and the council housing officer will put you in touch) then you can make a case for them to update their houses. You will probably have to talk to the local councillors to convince them to put up the money. There should be a council strategic housing team that administers grants and advise on suitable technologies. We have a group of bungalows where the old boilers need replacing and we are providing heat pumps. Generally most domestic electricity generation is going to cost more and be more environmentally damaging than buying from a renewable supplier over the grid. The Centre for Alternative Technology http://www.cat.org.uk have information and courses to help work out solutions for your individual situation. The first step is to always reduce consumption. As a council house it should be well insulated and glazed. Check you have A* appliances, turn off /get rid of Plasma TVs, phone chargers ... some energy suppliers will provide an energy monitor so you can track where you are wasting energy/money