Introduction
Among other really remarkable features of the growing number of pro-environment citizens, it would be mentioned that the most obvious one would be the installation of renewable energy devices in their households. However, this comes with a common problem that most homeowners of small spaces face-to-face: the question on the conflict between the need to be efficient in energy consumption, cost, and space. Here, we are going to discuss several possible and fairly affordable renewable energy devices that are ideal for small homes and gardens.
1. Portable Solar Panels for Small Houses
It is among the most used renewable energy equipment, but most people think that it will need huge rooftops. Well, good news to all as there are compact solar panel systems made to be used in small spaces.
- Flexible Solar Panels: Using lighter materials, flexible panels can be fitted on small rooftops or placed on balconies or mounted on garden sheds. Useful for small houses that just want to power simple appliances.
- Portable Solar Chargers: It’s a cool way of introducing solar power at home without necessarily implementing large expensive installations, helping charge small electronics like phones, tablets, or laptops.
2. Small Wind Turbines
While wind turbines are often associated with vast farmlands and industrial uses, they come in sizes suitable for home applications, so even people can install wind farms on small sites.
- Vertical Axis Wind Turbines: These are small turbines specifically designed to be erected in cities and towns where there is a shortage of open space. Such can be mounted on the rooftop or backyard.
- Low Wind Speed Turbines: The turbines built for operation in areas that have low wind speed and is ideal for application on mini-houses in the environment or regions where the wind is coming erratically .
3. Micro-Hydro Power Systems
To homes near the stream, or whose houses have running water, micro-hydro power systems can also provide electricity.
Small Systems: Micro-hydro systems are small-scale systems that tap into the energy available from flowing water, though they can be installed on a private property where the source of water is readily available. Though best suited to rural homes, the micro-hydro power system can be adapted for use in smaller-sized private properties where an available source of water is present.
4. Solar Water Heaters
While the name suggests it, a solar water heater is the most energy-saving appliance that saves a considerable amount of electricity usage in heating water. They are compact in size and can, therefore, be installed on small rooftops.
Flat Plate Collectors: These can be mounted on smaller roofs and come in perfectly to generate hot water for household use.
Batch Water Heaters: Simple system comprised of a tank that gets heated from the sun. Suitable for small houses as these water heaters will save a great deal on their energy bills.
5. Energy Storage Systems
After the production of renewable energy, that is, power is first stored with the highest possible efficiency that is specifically suited for small dimensions because the normal storage systems for energy are too large for dimensions.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: They are compact and very efficient and therefore ideal for a homestead that has limited space. They can store solar or wind energy to use during peak demands or during cloudy/windless days.
- Portable battery packs: They are very handy, compact, and light in weight to install. These packs can store renewable energy generated from solar power or a wind turbine. The surplus power will be used to carry essentials appliances in small-sized homes.
6. DIY renewable energy projects
For the DIY enthusiasts, there are several DIY renewable energy projects that can fit into smaller space.
Self made solar generators: This can be made in home by using a small solar panel and a battery, thus providing power to lights and small appliances.
DIY wind power kits: This kit is good for building a small scale wind turbine to experiment renewable energies with DIY-able parts included.
Conclusion
With small homes, you can integrate renewable energy devices and, in fact the best way to cut down energy spending and adopt a lifestyle of sustainable living. The scope of your energy solutions could be compact solar panels, small wind turbines, or even solar water heaters, among other options-all suited to your needs and space available. From there, one could use such devices to harness renewable energy without necessarily having a huge footprint.
