Energy

Types of regenerative energy

There are several different types of regenerative energy sources, which are also known as renewable energy sources. These include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass and biogas. All of these sources of energy can be used to power an off-grid homestead.

Solar power involves using the energy from the sun to generate electricity. This can be done using photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, or through the use of solar thermal collectors, which use the sun's heat to generate steam, which is then used to generate electricity - or the thermal collectors just heat water (that's in homesteads usually the case). Solar power is a good option for an off-grid homestead because it is widely available and can be easily installed on a small scale. 

Wind power involves using the energy from the wind to generate electricity. This can be done using wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. Wind power is a good option for an off-grid cabin because it is widely available and can be easily installed on a small scale. The only problem is: wind, and its availability at lower altitude. The higher the wind mill - the better. 

Hydropower involves using the energy from moving water to generate electricity. This can be done using hydroelectric dams, which use the energy of falling water to turn turbines and generate electricity, or using smaller-scale hydroelectric systems, such as microhydro systems, which use the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. Hydropower is a good option for an off-grid cabin if it is located near a source of moving water. Unfortunately we don't have that at Beyond Buckthorns - simply a lack of free flowing water. 

Geothermal energy involves using the heat from the earth to generate electricity. This can be done using geothermal power plants, which tap into underground sources of geothermal energy to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a good option for an off-grid cabin if it is located near a source of geothermal energy, such as a geothermal hotspot.

Biomass involves using organic materials, such as plant matter or animal waste, as a fuel source to generate heat or electricity. Heat from a wood stove is one of the example for using biomass. 

Biogas is produced when these organic materials break down in an oxygen-free environment, such as in a landfill or anaerobic digester. Biogas is made up mostly of methane and carbon dioxide, and it can be used as a fuel for heating or generating electricity.