The use of renewable energy sources in homes has been gaining popularity over the last couple of decades. Components of renewable energy systems are becoming more affordable. People are looking to reduce their dependency on the national electrical grid supplies and by extension, reduce their energy costs.
Small island states in tropical regions are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The governments and people in these regions are growing more concerned with these issues and are seeking ways to be more responsible.
Investing in a renewable energy system to produce electricity for your home is definitely worth consideration when building or renovating your home.
Renewable energy is the energy that is obtained from sources that are naturally self-replenishing. They are energy sources that are essentially inexhaustible and mainly occur in our natural environment. Hence, they are considered clean energy sources.
Traditionally, our energy has come from the burning of fossil fuels. These include gas, coal and oil and they are finite, having an exhaustible supply. The burning of these fuels produces harmful gases like carbon into our atmosphere, which contribute to global warming and climate change.
They are several types of renewable energy sources that can be harnessed to produce electricity or heat. Some of the most popular forms include:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) converts sunlight into electricity.
Solar thermal energy uses heat from the sun to heat water.
Wind energy uses the wind to turn turbines which generate electricity.
Biomass energy is produced when organic or biological materials like wood and other plant or animal-based materials are used to produce electricity.
Hydro energy uses the movement of water, as in a river or ocean, to drive turbines that generate electricity.
Geothermal energy taps into the natural heat of the earth underground and can generate heat or electricity.
Most of the options of renewable energy sources mentioned may be more effectively handled at a governmental level. Though microsystems may be available, sources such as biomass, hydro and even wind energy may be more effective when done at a large scale.
However, they are some renewable energy applications that are feasible as a homeowner.
One of the most popular sources of renewable energy used in the tropics is solar energy. Tropical countries have an abundance of sunlight all year.
Many homes across these regions primarily use solar thermal energy to heat water. This is particularly prevalent in Barbados where I live, which is one of the leading countries in the world to use solar water heating (per capita).
Though the use of solar photovoltaics is not as common in residential projects, they are many instances of these in commercial and institutional applications across the region.
However, there has been a reduction in the cost of equipment and material for PV systems. This along with the push of many countries to become carbon neutral and 100% renewable, there is likely to be a significant increase in PV systems being installed across all industries.
The roof of most homeowners in tropical regions will become valuable real estate for harnessing solar energy, particularly in small tropical islands, where land is scarce.
Wind energy is another renewable source that can be considered when planning your project. According to where your home is located, you may be able to take advantage of reasonably consistent breezes.
For example, in Barbados and the Caribbean, our wind mainly comes from the east. Hence, homes on the windward coast may be able to capitalise on wind energy using turbines.
However, wind turbines are not necessarily as effective or efficient as solar arrays. They need consistent wind speeds, greater maintenance and can be noisy and unsightly. Also, according to their size and height may determine how much energy they generate.
They are two main systems that can be used in managing the electrical energy produced by renewable energy sources. These are by grid connection or by stand-alone, off-grid systems.
This allows you to be tied to the main grid in your area. If the electricity you generate is less than your usage, then the rest can still be provided from the grid. However, if the power generated by your renewable energy source is greater than what you and your family require, the surplus can be sold to the grid management system.
In areas where you may not have a connection to a reliable grid, then you could use an off-grid system. This requires you to provide your own electrical storage for periods when your renewable energy system is not producing electricity.
If you are thinking of implementing renewable energy strategies into your new or existing home, here are a few things to consider.
Each country will have its own requirement and restrictions on how to go about installing renewable energy strategies.
They may be restrictions on what size system you are allowed in terms of wattage. Special application and licensing procedures may also exist.
Become familiar with your country’s regulations and guidelines. Seek professional assistance to guide you through this process.
It is a good idea to ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible. Employ strategies and devices that reduce your energy consumption.
This is critical in an off-grid system but good practice in any application.
In a grid-connected system, having an energy-efficient home could reduce the electrical energy required from the grid or increase what is sold to the grid.
It is best to obtain professional assistance in designing and installing your system. The electrical supply to your home is an important aspect of your project. It should be professionally designed and installed to ensure the safety of your family and the protection of your home investment.
As we are also susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, using a professional installer would allow for a better, more resilient installation that will not be swept away in the next hurricane.
The use of renewable energy will become more prevalent in the coming years. It is an environmentally responsible approach to take and may also achieve long-term energy cost savings.
They are several types of renewable energy sources but the most feasible in tropical climates may be solar. You can use either a grid-connection or off-grid system, according to your situation.
If you are looking to install a system, seek professional help in guiding you through the various requirements and proper installation.
Implementing renewable energy into your home project is a great idea and an amazing step towards being part of the movement to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our children.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Find out all the major principles of designing a house in the tropics.
Or explore more of the other topics in this series.
Site Orientation: The orientation of your home on its site dictates how well it responds to passive design principles.
Shading Strategies: Reducing the solar heat gain in your home can create a better thermally comfortable home.
Passive Ventilation: Natural or passive ventilation is one of the primary concerns of a tropical home.
Wall Materials and Construction: In hot, humid climates, your wall materials need to perform various functions.
Roof Design: Choosing the right roof in hot tropical climates is essential to minimize heat gain.
Exterior Spaces: Making outdoor spaces and nature part of tropical homes is ideal.
Water and Energy Efficiency: With climate change, renewable energy and water resource management are crucial.
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