Alternative energy sources for your home are growing more popular every day. For economic reasons and to support the growing need for green energy sources that reduce pollution, alternative energy benefits home owners and the environment. These sources can also provide back-up power capabilities in the event of an emergency. Alternatives range from solar energy, wind powered energy, and even water turbines.

Whether you are looking to supplement or completely replace traditional, on-the-grid power sources, there are several strong alternative energy sources to choose from in your home. Your selection will in part depend upon your energy needs, and of course, on the basis of where you live. Wind powered energy that requires a windmill installation will not work in the middle of an urban environment, while solar power is good to go green with virtually anywhere, but works best in an environment with plenty of sunshine.

The most popular trio of alternative energy sources currently available for home owners include solar house designs and solar panels, hydro and wind.

One of the most important considerations in your alternative selection is how much energy you need daily. You should realize that some energy loss is inevitable on top of actual usage, through wires and batteries. So be sure to estimate energy needs as approximately a third above your own calculations for use.

Hydro Power

Hydro is a low cost source, and can be combined with a solar energy system as well. Popular hydro turbines feature multiple nozzles that allow homeowners to set the energy flow level. Hydro power is based on the idea that moving water will turn a turbine, which turns a generator, which produces electricity. And it all begins with the energy contained within moving water. Home owners choosing hydro will need to determine the distance vertically between the intake and turbine – or head; the flow, or how much water comes down stream and the length of the electric transmission necessary between the turbine to the home or a bank of batteries it is powering. Your home’s head and flow determine all aspects of a hydro system, including cost, and must be determined before moving forward with installation.

Solar Power

Combinable with hydro sourcing is solar, which functions best if installed in a climate that’s sunny and dry. The number of peak sunshine hours available in your community should be considered before installing solar. A good solar system allows users to collect as much as seventy percent of sun energy that reaches it, and can then effectively transfer the energy to you. Home loans are increasingly available for the installation of solar and solar/hydro systems. On-grid or utility interactive solar electric systems generate solar energy; route it to your electric utility’s grid, and off set electrical cost and use. Often, the utility will credit your account for extra solar power produced. Although they are most often used in rural or remote areas without grid service, off-grid solar-electric energy can be used anywhere, and operate without the electric utility providers assistance to handle all of a household’s electricity.

Wind Power

Wind power is an erratic resource, unless you live in an area that is windy enough to sustain electricity production generated by a windmill tower. And of course you need to work within zoning laws when establishing your own tower. So, wind driven power sources often work best in a rural area.

Another energy alternative is known as Biomass Energy. Biomass creates electricity from sources such as waste products, wood, and alcohol fuels. Most commonly, such a resource uses plants that the home owner grows specifically for this purpose, such as the Miscantus. If you have a green thumb and the property size to basically grow your own fuel, this innovative alternative energy source may also be worth considering.

Regardless of which type of alternative energy source you choose, in the long term you’ll save money, and assist the environment by going green.

Madison Parker is a security expert whose passion for both personal and home safety has led her to create a database of home safety tips and advice at her Home Security blog found here.