A simple way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by your energy use is to buy Green Power. Green Power is electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and water power. As a result it does not produce greenhouse gases. Most electricity companies now sell Green Power, so it is worth shopping around to get the best deal.  

Off Grid Power

On-site power supply systems generate electricity separate to the main power grid.  These systems can provide a cost effective alternative for areas with high electricity connection fees, or allow excess electricity to be fed back into the main power grid system.  All remote area power supply systems consist of several basic components:

• Generation equipment such as photovoltaic modules (solar panels), wind turbines, micro-hydro generators, petrol or diesel generators, or ‘hybrid’ combinations of these types of equipment
• Control and regulation equipment—devices (such as circuit breakers) which control the flow and charge of electrical current
• Energy storage (batteries are a common storage device)
• Inverters which convert electrical current (between AC and DC) so that common household appliances can be used
• System voltage for example; 12 V DC or 240 V AC
• Wiring and electrical accessories including fuses.

The most common on-site power supply system is a mechanical generator—powered by diesel or gasoline.  These can be noisy, and are also subject to the changing price of oil.  Biofuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol have become available in recent years and are an alternative to fossil fuels.  Some of these can be used as a direct substitute, others require some modification of equipment.  Systems relying on renewable energy sources are also emerging.  Although these renewables often require a higher initial investment, the increasing price of oil and electricity is reducing the time taken to recoup such investment.  The use of biofuels and renewable energy have the added advantage of reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.  There are a wide variety of renewable energy supply systems to choose.  Some of the more common types are summarised below.

Solar Power

There are two main solar technologies—photovoltaic systems (solar panels), and solar hot water systems.  Solar panels take light from the sun and make electricity, while solar hot water systems take heat from the sun to heat your hot water supply.  Solar systems should be orientated to the north and tilted to generate as much heat or electricity from the sun as possible.  Both solar technologies have a number of benefits— they are quiet, clean and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from your household.  In some areas, your electricity company will also buy back power from you that is generated by these systems.  Rebates for installations of photovoltaic systems are available from the Federal Government—so check with your Local Council and energy retailer for more information.

Other Renewable Power Technologies

Other power generating equipment such as wind turbines do not emit any polluting gases.  Wind turbines harness the energy of the wind to turn a turbine to generate electricity.  Wind turbines can produce noise pollution, although a number of recent models are much quieter, and have moving parts that require maintenance.  They can produce electricity at a lower initial cost than solar power—so are worth considering, depending on your location, particularly as they can operate at night.  Hybrid solar and wind power is a good option for off-grid systems.

Remember to speak to your neighbours before installing your off-grid power supply.  Apart from making sure you won’t get them offside with your choice of power supply—they may have gone down this path themselves, and be able to give you some good advice, about suppliers and helpful contacts.