Editing Sustainable energy (section)

==Renewable Energy Technologies==

Single family dwellings can harness various renewable energy sources to generate electricity and heat, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

===[[Solar Energy]]===

'''[[Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems]]''' use photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity. These panels can be installed on rooftops or ground-mounted, and the generated electricity can power household appliances, lighting, and heating systems. Excess electricity can be stored in [[battery systems]] or fed back into the grid through [[net metering]] arrangements.

'''Solar thermal systems''' capture the sun's heat to warm water or air for domestic use. [[Solar water heaters]] provide hot water for showers, washing, and other household needs, while [[solar air heaters]] can be used for space heating.

'''[[Passive solar design]]''' is an architectural approach that optimizes the use of natural sunlight for heating, cooling, and lighting. By incorporating features such as south-facing windows, thermal mass materials, and shading devices, passive solar design can significantly reduce a home's energy requirements.

===[[Wind Energy]]===

'''[[Small-scale wind turbines]]''' can be installed on properties with sufficient wind resources to generate electricity. These turbines are typically mounted on towers and connected to the household's electrical system or battery storage.

===[[Geothermal Energy]]===

'''[[Geothermal heat pumps]]''', also known as ground-source heat pumps, use the stable temperature of the earth to provide efficient heating and cooling for homes. These systems circulate a fluid through underground pipes, transferring heat to or from the ground depending on the season.

===[[Biomass Energy]]===

'''[[Biomass stove|Biomass stoves]]''' and [[Biomass boiler|biomass boilers]] can heat homes using renewable biomass fuels such as wood, wood pellets, or agricultural waste. Modern biomass heating systems are designed to be efficient and low-emission.

===[[Micro Hydro Power]]===

For properties with access to flowing water, '''[[micro hydro power systems]]''' can be installed to generate electricity. These systems use the energy of falling water to turn a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity.