Cost Effective 100% Renewable Electric Home
A 100% renewable electricity home is a priority in today’s society, however the large upfront cost of most independent energy systems (Solar or Geothermal typically) puts the idea of 100% renewable out of reach for many, myself included. I will summarize what I found when I set out to make our home in Minnesota 100% renewable and on a budget!
Renewable options
Cost breakdown
Summary
Renewable Options:
Rooftop or ground mount solar - By far, this is the most common selection, this involves installing solar panels and the supporting electronics on property.
Geothermal - A less common selection but is also installed on property. Geothermal uses the steady temperature from a few layers into the earth.
Utility Program - In my opinion, the most underrated option available are the renewable options offered directly through utility companies.
Cost breakdown:
Solar - $20-40K USD/one time - A major benefit to this option is you’re mathematically 100% renewable. You end up getting paid by the utility company for any excess energy you produce. In our Xcel Energy territory we could produce 115% of our total yearly usage. In other words, some months we’d pay a small dollar amount, while others we’d receive a credit. The panels and equipment should be covered under extended manufacturer warranty and lifetime production commitments.
Geothermal - $30-50K USD/one time - In many cases this makes all heating and cooling 100% renewable by using the consistent temperature of just below the earth surface (usually 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Utility Program - $120-160/year - Subscribe to a solar or wind program through your electric utility. This is normally zero upfront cost and comes with a short term commitment.
Summary:
When I set out to make my home renewable, the options were clear and it was easy to choose the Utility Program because of the low risk and low upfront investment. Enrolling in the Xcel Windsource program was an immediate change we could make to shift our usage to 100% renewable.
