Renewable Energy and Energy Storage

Renewable energy and energy storage are added bonuses that can set the final touches to make your home Greensmart well into the future. If you have been following our articles in Style Magazine over the last 10 months you will have realized the basics of the home build need to be done correctly in the first place (the bones of the house) because no amount of photovoltaic modules and storage batteries will make up for inefficient and poor design in the first place. If you have selected a correctly-orientated allotment, positioned your home appropriately and followed the comprehensive design process we have suggested in these pages, your home will have a wide exposure to the north and this northern facing roof will be ideal for the placement of photovoltaic modules to generate the maximum renewable energy for storage and your daily use. The home that we have hypothetically constructed following the lessons we have learnt over the last 10 months could easily be the most energy efficient home in your suburb. The power you now need to run your home will be significantly reduced — up to 60% less than the standard mass-produced project homes that will have been build around you. Photovoltaic modules and energy storage are evolving at a great rate, therefore it is important you investigate the most up-to-date alternatives best suited to your circumstances and speak to an expert — as we have suggested from day one with all aspects of the home build. Here’s a couple of things to determine before you proceed. Check that extra photovoltaic modules can be connected in later without the replacement of the entire system. Also, if you are looking at energy storage, check that extra units can also be simply and easily added. Bear in mind, your future energy requirements may increase with the growing acceptance and evolution of improved electric cars — as just one example of future demands on your home’s ability to save and generate power. Another possible source of renewable energy is the wind. Wind generators or turbines use the wind to turn a rotor that drives a generator. These are more suited to non-urban areas as the turbine needs to be mounted on a tower and emits some noise in operation. A typical tower required for a wind turbine needs to be 15 to 20 metres high so again this may be difficult to achieve in an urban environment. The advantage you will have with a truly energy efficient design is that it will always be energy efficient. It will never change or deteriorate with time.