Renewable Energy Tips To Help Transition to Cleaner Energy
Energy consumption is rising, with demand predicted to increase by 27% by 2040. What can we do to aid the transition to cleaner energy? Especially in the face of rising demand. And how can we best switch to more sustainable fuel? So, we need to think about actionable renewable energy tips. Practical tips each of us can do to help the transition.
Through the decades, our desire to power homes, factories, and more have caused us to damage the environment. We are using resources and depleting stores, and we need it to stop. As more homes and commercial properties are built, more energy is required. We can also add to this our need for more energy to keep up with our technology demands.
Slowly, we have become a society that is aware of the damage. We cannot continue to operate in this way. Our desires have to change. We still need to increase awareness. All of these can be supported if we implement some of the following renewable energy tips. We can make a difference by taking small but essential steps to use more renewable energy together.
We Can Do it On Our Own and Collectively
Too often, we think we can't make a difference alone. One individual who makes the change will play a small role overall, especially in reducing the global impact of polluting energy sources.
But that should not stop us. If we all make the switch with a million others, we can make a significant difference. Therefore, we should aim to consider the impact of renewable energy collectively6.
We must work together because global warming is something that impacts all of us. Every single switch we take away from carbon-polluting fuels is for the better. Therefore, collectively, we can do more to overcome global warming and reduce CO2 emissions.
We Need to Embrace and Switch
We should not stand around and wait for something to happen. Perhaps we should all be more proactive in helping transition to renewable energy wherever we may live2.
We're lucky that there are many different types of renewable energy available. This not only helps with energy-saving. Each increased use of renewables can help to reduce the harmful gases we emit.
Many people switch energy suppliers to save money. Or we buy energy-saving light bulbs to save energy at home. Alongside, let's all also consider the harm the energy we consume creates.
Some energy companies now even offer renewable energy at a lower cost than fossil fuel. In time, prices will likely decrease further as production scales, and costs fall further.
It is time that we start taking renewable energy seriously. It is here to stay, and we need to embrace it.
What are our top renewable energy tips to make the switch? Explore if you have a choice of suppliers. Look for local suppliers with credible renewable energy products. Both where you live and work.
Where the choice is practical, reject fossil fuels, switching your supply to renewable energy alternatives.
Encourage Governments to Move Faster and Be Accountable
Helpfully, renewable energy acceptance has come a long way in a short time. There are now government targets worldwide guiding the transition to more renewable sources.
In fact, a minimum of 67 countries now have renewable energy targets. Australia is a prime example of making the switch. By 2025, the aim is to rely on 50% solar power.
However, some locations may not provide a choice to switch your home supply to renewables.
Where this is the case, you can prompt change by writing to the government and councils. You can also consider starting a petition. Get as many people as possible involved; the more voices, the more likely you will be heard.
Knowledge is power. Do you know what renewable energy targets are in place in your country? Take a look and show your support for ambitious, proactive, and accountable transitions. Don't be afraid to be outspoken if the targets are not ambitious enough.
Support is Imperative
Support is vital when it comes to adopting new technology, especially where renewable energy is concerned. Many of us want to go green. In fact, there are whole communities that want to go green together3. They want to use clean alternative energy, yet they might be unsure how.
However, with the proper support and guidance, they too can see the benefits of renewable energy. With the right support, community projects can gather momentum. Knowledge and information can make a big difference.
We can seek initiatives, funding, and support to make a change. Today even artists are busy growing support through sculpture.
Homeowners and communities that live in areas rich in renewable sources have an advantage. Access to wind, sunshine, or water can make it possible for them to move to a greener standard of living more easily. This could be as simple as installing solar panels or wind turbines.
Show your support for projects and initiatives by getting involved, donating, or helping to share their message.
If we can educate, we can change opinions. Share your knowledge and renewable energy tips. Supporting people and projects make it possible to encourage and nurture change.
Often, a simple economic message can catalyze action. Essentially, in most cases, a switch leads to cheaper energy bills in time, saving energy drawdown from the grid.
Install Solar Power or Wind Power at Home
There are many factors that can determine whether generating your own renewable energy will work for you. If your home is shaded by trees then solar power is not going to work. However, if you are situated on an exposed hillside then wind power could be feasible.
There are a number of things that you will need to consider before you make a decision to install solar or wind power at home. This will cover variables such as the cost as well as the return on investment. Some places will even pay you for extra energy your home generation may "feed-in" to the grid.
The reality is that it is now easier to generate renewable energy at home. There are many solar energy companies that can install the latest technology. This can make your home energy-efficient and green.
There are grants available for you to take advantage of in the UK should you qualify. There are also a number of grants available in the US. This can help to ease the burden of the cost of installing renewable energy sources.
Do your research informing the right decision for you to benefit from renewable energy. If you can, prioritize investment in at-home renewable energy generation. You can become less reliant on the grid and save energy costs and money long term. You'll also be taking that important individual step to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Related: Read more on the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy & the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
Help People Switch
The future of renewable energy is exciting. We all need to work towards the same goal: reducing greenhouse gases. So, if you are passionate about it, why not get out into the community and begin to spread the word? If you have chosen to install solar power then inform people of the benefits.
In fact, you could even begin a campaign or project to make renewable energy possible for your community. You could install a small renewable energy farm through crowdfunding clean energy projects or investments. This can help your community to make use of renewable energy.
So whether it is solar power or wind power, you can make it work. Renewable energy tips include communicating, engaging, and informing the transition. There's work to be done and collectively we can make it happen.
Make New Builds Energy Efficient
We are experiencing growth in many cities and other areas around the world. New housing, therefore, becomes essential. This allows us to make renewable energy part of policy informing the building process5.
Instead of traditional energy sources, we can now install more homes with solar panels or small wind turbines. As new homes use renewable energy it will help to reduce carbon emissions. And encourage others to make the switch.
If you have the chance and opportunity, don't just leave it to governments and developers. Demand drives the response of developers of modern housing projects, in particular.
Take the time to understand local policies. Many countries now require new builds to be energy efficient. If this isn't the case where you live consider policies from elsewhere and how they might inform your choices.
When buying look for homes that are already energy efficient or able to run off renewables. Or those that are able to be converted.
When building, look for greener energy-efficient materials. Where possible build in renewable energy sources from scratch.
Support Businesses that Use Renewable Energy
More businesses are now starting to make the switch to consuming energy from renewable sources. A simple renewable energy tip to bolster use is to support these businesses with your custom.
Many now use renewable energy as part of their manufacturing process. Maybe they use solar power to support their electricity needs. Whatever it might be, if more people support these businesses then it will encourage other businesses to follow suit.
What is also important is that you can also make a conscious decision about how your purchasing behaviors affect carbon emissions.
We can also think more broadly than business. Consider encouraging your local school to go solar. Or by working with other community groups.
Renewable Energy Tips - Is it About Balance?
There are many different types of renewable energy available. This includes solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydro among others. They all offer a feasible way of generating renewable energy.
Simply, we need to make more use of cleaner, greener energy sources. However, en masse, we cannot flick a switch and make the change overnight. So, while we continue to use more energy, how can we create a balance between renewable and non-renewable sources?
The technology that surrounds renewable energy is still relatively new. Despite this, as demand has grown efficiency and cost have both improved. Whereas the technology allows us to generate electricity, in most cases, we are still unable to move countrywide to renewables.
This is all down to capacity and is driven by demand. When demand is high, such as in the winter, then renewable energy can fail to have sufficient capacity. However, when conditions are right in the summer, it is possible to switch entirely to renewable energy. For example during warm weather, the UK has been powered coal-free on a number of occasions.
Balancing Energy Sources
Countrywide renewable energy generation more often than not needs topping up by non-renewables. By using the two sources together, we can reduce our need for standard energy sources4.
While renewable energy cannot entirely replace non-renewables right now1, it can complement it. As time progresses, technology develops, and the infrastructure grows, we can and should phase out the latter.
This balance has to be met with government backing and investment. Energy companies have to make it easier for customers to make the switch. They should also be honest about where the energy comes from.
You can help to encourage better information and transparency. Ask questions. Even better ask them on public channels such as Twitter or quora. Make your own individual commitment to renewables by switching suppliers wherever you can. We can all help to work the balance in favor of renewables short term by spreading the word.
Now Is The Time To Think About Renewable Energy
These renewable energy tips can help you to think more about renewable energy. We all must begin to make a change. If we can think about the decisions we make and encourage others to do the same then we can make a difference.
We can choose to embrace solar-powered technologies, spread the word, and support businesses that have ditched fossil fuels. We all have to begin to do something as it is all too easy to sit back and watch others. Collectively and alone, we can turn things around.
| 1 | M. Liserre, T. Sauter and J. Y. Hung, "Future Energy Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into the Smart Power Grid Through Industrial Electronics," in IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 18-37, March 2010. doi: 10.1109/MIE.2010.935861 |
| 2 | Staffan Jacobsson, Anna Bergek, Transforming the energy sector: the evolution of technological systems in renewable energy technology, Industrial and Corporate Change, Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2004, Pages 815–849, https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dth032 |
| 3 | Manuel Frondel, Nolan Ritter, Christoph M. Schmidt, Colin Vance, Economic impacts from the promotion of renewable energy technologies: The German experience, Energy Policy, Volume 38, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 4048-4056, ISSN 0301-4215, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.03.029. |
| 4 | Rolf Wüstenhagen, Maarten Wolsink, Mary Jean Bürer, Social acceptance of renewable energy innovation: An introduction to the concept, Energy Policy, Volume 35, Issue 5, 2007, Pages 2683-2691, ISSN 0301-4215, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2006.12.001. |
| 5 | Henrik Lund, Renewable energy strategies for sustainable development, Energy, Volume 32, Issue 6, 2007, Pages 912-919, ISSN 0360-5442, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2006.10.017 |
| 6 | Gordon Walker, Patrick Devine-Wright, Community renewable energy: What should it mean?, Energy Policy, Volume 36, Issue 2, 2008, Pages 497-500, ISSN 0301-4215, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2007.10.019 |
