| Residential off grid power solutions allow you to | | | | shaded by mountains, solar energy may not be |
| generate your own power for use in your home. | | | | appropriate. In addition, homes that have very |
| This can save you money and is good for the | | | | short winter days or weeks of cloud cover may |
| planet. There are some options, and one may be | | | | not work well with solar energy. The system |
| more appropriate for your particular situation than | | | | needs a battery storage system to provide |
| the other. Your choice can allow you to have the | | | | power for the night. |
| electrical conveniences of a modern home without | | | | Wind systems require more property than solar |
| a power bill and knowing that you are not | | | | systems. In addition, the system needs to be |
| contributing to the pollution caused by corporate | | | | elevated about one hundred feet in the air to |
| generating plants. | | | | minimize disturbances from buildings or trees. This |
| Off grid homes typically rely on solar energy or | | | | also allows it to take advantage of any prevailing |
| wind energy to meet the needs of the home. | | | | winds. The wind system will rely on a battery |
| Both systems have some disadvantages and one | | | | storage system that helps to regulate the power |
| may be more appropriate than another for your | | | | that is sent to your home. |
| your particular situation. There may be times | | | | While less common than either solar or wind |
| when you are unable to generate using your | | | | power systems, small hydroelectric systems can |
| chosen method so you will want to have a | | | | provide power for the home. Since water falls |
| backup system that will provide the energy that | | | | day and night, this system is good for a backup |
| is needed. | | | | instead of a hydrocarbon powered generator. |
| If you live in an area where there are many days | | | | Whatever residential off grid power solutions you |
| of sunshine, solar power may be appropriate. It | | | | choose will help you to do your part for the |
| can also be used in both rural and urban settings. | | | | environment and to lower your power bills. |
| If there is heavy tree coverage or your home is | | | | |