You might be surprised to learn the average American spends around $133 per month on electricity. This can vary drastically depending on certain circumstances, such as the size of your home and the city you live in.
The good news is there are steps you can take to drastically lower your monthly utility expenses. It’s possible to use solar panels and wind turbines to achieve energy independence, but there are certain aspects you’ll need to consider before you move forward. Let’s explore the key information you need to know.
How It Works
As the name implies, setting up both a solar panel system and a wind turbine system allows them to synergize and cover each other’s weaknesses.
You must configure these systems in a way that allows them to seamlessly interact with each other. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get the right results. You even run the risk of causing major issues, such as inefficient energy usage.
The Major Benefits
There’s no shortage of benefits this type of hybrid system can provide. Understanding these will help ensure you leverage them appropriately. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Cost Savings
This is one of the most important benefits you can take advantage of when installing solar and wind turbine systems. Under the right circumstances, you can eliminate a large portion of your utility bill.
While these systems cost a large amount of money, they end up paying for themselves in the long run. You can invest the money you save into other areas of your home to further boost your quality of life.
Improved Property Value
You can’t overlook how effective these systems are at improving your property’s value. Not only can you sell your home and land for more money, but you’ll also have an easier time attracting buyers. This is an amazing opportunity for those who plan to eventually sell their property.
There’s no set amount that a hybrid system will increase your property value by, but it’s generally more than you spend on the system. You should think of the money you spend on solar and wind energy as an investment in your home’s future value.
Carb Footprint Reduction
It’s common for people today to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Not only does this help protect the environment, but it can also come with tax incentives in certain circumstances.
One of the most notable ways people can reduce their environmental impact is by using renewable energy. Solar and wind are the premier options to achieve this. Even small energy systems go a long way toward reducing your consumption of nonrenewable energy.
Protection from Grid Issues
In rare cases, your local electric grid will experience issues that prevent residential homes from receiving power. This comes with no shortage of issues, especially since so many people work from home these days.
Having access to wind and solar energy protects you from problems like these and allows you to keep the lights on in your house. Solar and wind systems integrate battery storage to maintain a reserve energy supply for emergencies.
Depending on your system’s size, this could last for days. Reserve energy also isn’t dependent on weather, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.
Who Are They Best For?
Hybrid systems are best for those who can accommodate them. You’ll need to have plenty of space for wind systems, but solar panel systems don’t require as much.
The ideal candidate for using both of these systems concurrently is someone who has a decent-sized home and a large amount of surrounding property. They should also live in an area that has plenty of sunshine and wind.
Getting Started
The best way to get started is by working with professional installation services. It’s impossible to configure these systems on your own unless you have substantial experience in the industry.
When looking for someone to hire, explore their past reputation. This will provide valuable insight into the experience you’ll get from working with them.
Pricing is one of the most important attributes to consider. It’s never recommended to choose the cheapest option you find. These will likely fall short of your goals.
However, it’s also not a good idea to go with the most expensive choice. There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding how much you pay, and overspending won’t always get you better results.
Somewhere in the middle of the price range can help you meet your goals without stretching your budget. Do they have examples of their past projects?
Take time to browse their site before moving forward so you know what you’re getting into. A red flag you can’t ignore is a company that doesn’t have any evidence of previous projects. While this doesn’t guarantee they can’t provide excellent service, it’s a risk you shouldn’t take.
You can check out this resource to learn more about reliable residential solar in Fort Collins. With enough vigilance, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the right choice for your needs.
Energy System Maintenance
Although these systems rarely exhibit issues when configured correctly, you’ll still need to maintain them. It’s best to inspect your system every six months to identify areas of concern.
Many of these can be resolved if caught early. For instance, there could be a problem with the system’s energy storage that causes it to operate inefficiently.
Left unchecked, this problem could evolve into something far more serious. You’ll need to work with a professional to maintain your system properly.
Attempting to do so on your own will likely cause damage to the components. Safety issues could also arise, such as the risk of electrocution.
Don’t Overlook Solar Panels and Wind Turbines
Leveraging solar panels and wind turbines can go a long way toward reducing your monthly utility costs. Under the right circumstances, you have the potential to cut your bill down to a fraction of what it should be.
Our blog has many lifestyle articles that can help you make better decisions in the future. Be sure to check them out today to see what you can learn!
