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How to use hydroelectricity to power your home
Awareness about the severity of the climate crisis is on the rise. Wildfires, melting ice caps and vocal protests in major cities are making it hard for most of us to ignore the impact that we as humans are having on the planet. However, we have the power to change our ways and start to repair our planet through our lifestyle choices.
One big source of carbon emissions is energy usage. Traditional energy for the home is generated using dirty fossil fuels, which add to global warming. If we all switched to
clean, green energy instead, it has the potential to make a huge difference.
You’ve likely heard of solar power and wind power options for the home, but hydroelectricity is still one that falls under the radar when it comes to renewable energy. This is mainly because the conditions that are needed for this type of energy generation are slightly more unusual.
So what is hydroelectric power? And is it a good choice for your home? We take a look.
What is hydroelectricity?
Hydroelectricity is a type of renewable energy that uses the power of moving water to generate electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful pollution into the atmosphere, hydroelectricity is clean and emissions-free. Commercial hydroelectric power plants typically use a dam to store water in a reservoir. When demand for electricity is high, water is released from the reservoir and flows through a turbine, which spins a generator to produce electricity.
The size of the dam and the height of the waterfall determine the amount of power that can be generated. Hydroelectricity is a reliable source of energy that can provide power around the clock, making it an important part of the nation’s electric grid.
It’s also possible to
generate your own hydroelectric power at home, if you happen to have a running water source such as a stream or river on your property.
How can I use hydroelectricity?
Everyone can change their electricity tariff to a renewable energy option. Whilst it’s not possible to choose exactly what electricity comes into your home, unless you generate your own, going for a renewable energy tariff can mean that you increase the amount of green power in the grid mix. Currently, 30%-40% of the UK’s renewable energy is generated from hydro power.
If you have a suitable running water source, then you may be able to generate your own hydro power, so that your home runs completely off this renewable energy source. However, this isn’t just a case of having access to water – you will need it assessed by a professional installer.
They will assess how much water is flowing per second, and the head – the drop that the water goes down. They’ll also be able to talk with you about how the water changes over the year, as installing a hydro generator is not possible if the water source dries up in the summer periods. You’ll also potentially need to apply for planning permission and or/a licence.
What are the benefits of hydroelectric power?
- Low maintenance costs. Hydro systems are generally very reliable, so you won’t have to worry about regular maintenance costs adding to your bills.
- Long life. Hydro systems last around 40-50 years, with some lasting longer if they’re well maintained.
- Constant generation. Unlike solar, hydro generates electricity all day, every day as long as the water is running. That means that you’re getting the maximum out of your investment.
- Excess generation. Not only will hydro power your home when it comes to electricity, but it can also heat your home and hot water, making it an incredibly valuable source of energy.
- Fight rising bill costs. As with any home-generated renewable energy, hydro can help you keep your bills lower. As you are taking the electricity you generate and putting it straight into your home, you don’t have to suffer as national energy costs fluctuate.
To sum up
Hydroelectricity can be a great renewable energy source for your home, but it does need quite specific requirements if you’re looking at generating your own. If you’re struggling to get up and running, it could be worth looking into getting a community-based hydro generator instead.
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