You have lots of options when it comes to the decision of how to power your home. First, you have solar panels. There are two main types, photovoltaic (PTCs) and solar thermal collectors (STCs). PTCs convert photons from the sun into electricity, and that energy is typically used to power appliances and heat water, not lighting. STCs are essentially the same thing, as they also don’t generate enough energy from the sun to light a whole home. However, STCs are the better option when it comes to heating water.
Windmills are another way to power your house. A wind turbine is quiet and is available in different sizes, depending on the required output. A small unit can attach directly to the roof and larger units require their own support post. A generator converts the energy from the rotating shaft into energy which can be used in a household to power electrical appliances, reducing electricity bills and reliance on fossil fuel energy generation. The output of a wind turbine is determined by the wind speed at the site of the turbine, which depends on the location, height, and nearby obstructions. Keep this information in mind as you look at the environment around you. It may not be the best choice if you live in a climate that doesn’t naturally produce wind often.