In 2020, US residential customers spent an average of $117.46 a month on energy. That’s almost $1,500 a year on electricity alone—a considerable chunk out of most people’s pay packets.
If you’re looking for ways to cut your utility budget to give you more money to save, invest, or spend, it’s time to consider your clean energy options. Best of all, you can reveal in the knowledge that you’re helping the planet at the same time.
Below, we highlight four ways to save money, go green, and meet your household energy needs.
- Cook With a Solar Oven
Are you tired of firing up your enormous oven every time you want to make a simple stew or pot of beans and rice? If you get a lot of sun in your area, invest in a solar oven.
These entirely off-grid, renewable energy ovens look sort of like a box with silver reflective wings. They work by reflecting sunlight into the central location inside the box. Place a cooking pot full of food in there, and it will slowly heat up.
You can purchase a solar oven or make your own for peanuts.
- Install Residential Solar Panels on Your Roof
When it comes to clean energy options, residential solar panels are probably the most well-known. Homeowners across the US’s sunniest states are clamoring to add an attractive, cost-saving array to their roofs.
While the initial costs might seem daunting, most installation companies offer payment plans. Plus, you can take advantage of both federal and state tax rebates on solar. Learn more about whether a solar array is suitable for your home today.
- Harness the Power of Water
If you live on a property with a rushing river or stream, you may be able to install a hydropower generator. You’ll just need to make sure your tributary has a drop of at least one meter. While this device may not power your entire home, you can at least switch some of your appliances or power needs over to it.
Some states also use hydro as their primary source of power. If you’re lucky enough to live in states like Washington, California, or Oregon, you may already have a source of clean energy at your fingertips.
- Install a Wind Turbine (or Buy Wind-Generated Electricity)
When it comes to clean power, you can’t beat getting it from the wind. Wind is such a popular choice for municipalities that wind accounts for well over 10 percent of electricity in 16 American states.
You can call electricity providers in your area to see how much wind power they pull into the grid. Switch to the provider using the most wind power. And if you live on a large enough property with substantial wind, you can even invest in a turbine of your very own.
Clean Energy Works—But You Need to Do It Right
Are you ready to invest in clean energy but unsure which option to go with? First, you need to consider your location, the natural resources you have in abundance, and your upfront investment capabilities.
Once you’ve decided which renewable energy options work for you, hunt around for deals, don’t be afraid to consider secondhand machinery, and be sure to get professionals on board for complicated installations.
For more advice on green living for homeowners, check out the other articles on our website.
