by Lenna Gonya

Created on: November 18, 2010

On the surface, alternative energy seems like the best solution for everyone’s energy problems. Certainly “getting off the grid” is an attractive idea, and one that most people would welcome. It is, but only if it can be done effectively, and economically.

Anyone who has ever looked into alternative energy solutions, such as wind turbines, solar panels, wood burners, and geothermal knows that the first problem is the initial cost of the materials. While prices have come down in the last couple of decades, the expense is still daunting, especially when coupled with the cost of having these professionally installed. Do it yourself options are available, but for many people this is simply not an option.

There are grants and tax reductions available in some states, however, the number of grants are limited, so in many cases, the bulk of the expense still goes to the homeowner. For many of these alternatives, the cost for a normal home, if you are planning on using this method as your sole source of energy, can run into the tens of thousands, and may not actually pay for itself in energy cost savings for several decades.

While progress has been made by many communities and states in accepting alternative energy sources, there are still some restrictions as to what methods you can use and where. Wind turbines are banned in many urban and suburban areas, as well as smaller communities.

In larger applications, where wind turbines have been proposed, objections from communities have ranged from everything from noise, to unsightliness, to wildlife endangerment.

What many people do not realize is that when you connect an alternative energy source to your power grid, you will still lose power if the rest of your area loses theirs. The only solution to this is a battery backup system, which requires further expense in buying enough batteries to successfully power your home.

Wood fired furnaces, which generally have a wood burner outside the home have been banned in many communities as well.

Alternative energy sources are not without maintenance. Solar panels, wind turbines, and every other source, do need repair, replacement of parts, and yearly inspection, mostly done by professionals.

Alternative energy is everyone’s dream, not only for the sake of conserving our natural resources, but for saving money. Someday, hopefully, the process of actually applying it to the average home will become more economical and practical.

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