Why Installing Renewable
Energy Sources in Your
Home is Important
America has had high expectations for
the switch to alternative energy sources
from the beginning when global
warming first became a national
discussion. Goals such as 100%
renewable sources by 2020 set forth by
prominent politicians were over
ambitious and unachievable. We have
seen a stall in the switch to alternative
energy sources and it is up to the middle
class to give it a kickstart.
The residential sector of the United
States is responsible for approximately
1/5 of energy consumption in the
country. With some alternative energy
systems having the capability to reduce
energy consumption by up to 90% there
is room for improvement. If a new
normal of alternative energy sources can
be pushed forward a real difference can
be made by normal people.
This all starts with you. Switching to an
alternative energy system can be
confusing at times, but this brochure is
here to introduce you to the world of
renewable energy systems and help you
begin your journey into it.
Additional Resources
A calculator that can quickly estimate Residential
your savings with a solar syatem.
http://www.energysage.com/solar/calcul
Renewable
ator/ Energy Systems
A quick guide about how to choose the
exact solar panels for your home.
http://news.energysage.com/how-to-
choose-the-best-solar-panel-for-you/
This is a government websites that goes
over some of the technicalities of the
process such as regulations.
https://energy.gov/energysaver/planning
Sources
-home-renewable-energy-systems/
"Project."Solaripedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr.
2017.
"ScottHydroElectric 24/7 Clean Hydro
Power."ScottHydroElectric. N.p., n.d. Web. 11
Apr. 2017.
"Four Solar Panel Solutions for Your
Home."Energy One. N.p., 29 Feb. 2016. Web.
11 Apr. 2017.
"Energy consumption estimates by sector."
U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA -
Independent Statistics and Analysis.
Accessed April 04, 2017.
Huso, Deborah. "Solar Panels Are Cheaper
Than Ever, So Why Aren't You Getting
Them?"Realtor. N.p., 23 Apr. 2015. Web. 11
Apr. 2017.
Parker Graham
9201 University City
Charlotte
Blvd. NC,
UWRT 1103
28223

Misconception of
Alternative Energy
Systems
There is a stigma surrounding
alternative energy sources that may
have prevented you from getting a
system earlier. This is alternative
energy systems are only for the rich.
Which is just not true. The White
House has introduced several polices
to increase affordability of these
systems. Which has resulted in steadily
declining prices over the past decade
It is also important to realize these
systems are an investment. They will
pay for themselves over time (usually
within 10years) and eventually
essentially produce free energy for
your house.
It is almost always an economically
sound decision to invest in an
alternative energy system for your
house, and a decision this brochure
should help you to make.
Hydropower
Solar Panels
A lesser known system great for
Solar panels are the most well known homes in wooded areas where solar
of all the alternative energy systems panels are not an option, that has the
for a reason. They are easily potential to be the most economical
accessible and one of the cheapest alternative energy system.
options.
Requires a water source nearby
In North Carolina the average cost for (i.e. stream, creek)
a 6kW system ranges between
$12,900 and $16,300.
Varies in costs, $20,000 to
$100,000
The average household should expect
to break even in just 7.5 years.
Can be very difficult to install
Also, over the course of 20 years the
homeowner should expect to save
upwards of $20,000.
The ideal house for solar panels will
have maximum surface area facing
South, minimal shading, and minimal
obstructions on the roof.
Solar panels are a great option for Wind Turbines
almost every home but finding the
One of the most efficient options on
exact model for your home can be
the market with the potential to
tricky so I have shared some very
reduce energy costs by 90%.
helpful websites on the back of this
brochure. 10kW system costs $48,000 -
$65,000, but can pay for itself in
just 6 years.
Requires regular maintenance
Ideal for homes with >1acre of
land