The state offers a range of excellent solar incentives as well as Minnesota energy rebates to encourage homes and businesses to explore solar power, meaning that investing in solar panels will not only let you be kinder to the environment, it could be good for your wallet too!

Minnesota Energy Rebates Explained

Minnesota has a long history of promoting eco-friendly policies, with its Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) dating back to the 1980s, and offers homeowners an excellent range of solar incentives and energy rebates.

In 2007, the state adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which mandated energy goals for utilities. The same year, the state legislature passed the Next Generation Energy Act which requires the Gopher State to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% between 2005 and 2050.

This led to a swathe of renewable energy incentives, particularly solar incentives, offered to consumers and businesses alike.

Furthermore, you can expect these incentives to remain in place for some time to come, especially when you consider that the RPS set the target of 10% of all retail electric sales to come from solar by 2030, but this rate is only about 3.5% at the moment.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best solar incentives available for Minnesota residents and other benefits of going solar if you live in the Gopher State. These incentives include federal incentives, as well as schemes only available to Minnesota residents and those living in the service area of specific utilities.

You can access net metering

Net metering is a fantastic solar incentive that’s available in various states, including Minnesota. The state was one of the first to introduce net metering laws in 1983, which apply to all investor-owned utilities (IOUs), electrical cooperatives, and municipal utilities.

This means that as a resident in the state, you get solar bill credits when you feed energy back into the grid. In Minnesota, you’ll be paid for your excess energy generation at least the average retail energy rate: it’s mandatory for all utilities to provide net metering for solar systems up to 40 kW, which covers almost all residential solar arrays.

However, the exact credit you’ll get depends on your energy provider – currently, Xcel Energy has the best net metering program for homeowners. Some utilities give monthly unused bill credits, while others accumulate the credits throughout the year and reimburse you for any remaining credits at the end of the year.

It’s a good idea to check how net metering works in your area, as this may affect how you choose to design your solar system.

You won’t need to pay sales tax

Another incentive that encourages Minnesotans to go renewable is sales tax exemption. You don’t need to pay sales tax when buying solar panels or other solar energy equipment in the North Star state!

The sales tax exemption applies to solar energy systems, defined as:

 “a set of devices whose primary purpose is to collect solar energy and convert and store it for useful purposes, including heating and cooling buildings or other energy-using processes, or to produce generated power by means of any combination of collecting, transferring, or converting solar-generated energy.”

With state sales tax currently at almost 7%, this could represent serious savings when setting up a large solar system. Contractors should automatically include this exemption of quotes and invoices, so be sure to check that sales tax isn’t imposed when you buy or install solar energy equipment.

You’ll also get an exemption on property tax

The Minnesota equivalent of property tax exemption is their Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption Policy. Under this policy, if your home’s solar system increases its assessed value, you won’t need to pay more in property taxes.

This policy aims to avoid homeowners being discouraged from investing in solar because it may lead to a property tax penalty. It also means that you can effectively boost the value of your home while saving on property tax.

However, keep in mind that property taxes will apply if you have a piece of land that is primarily used to generate solar energy.

You’ll get access to the Residential Clean Energy Credit

Of course, Minnesota homeowners also get access to the federal solar tax credit. Formerly called the investment tax credit (ITC), the Residential Clean Energy Credit could slash the costs of setting up a solar system by up to 30%.

Under the scheme, homeowners are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the entire cost of equipment, labor, and permitting to install a system, for solar arrays installed before the end of 2032. From 2033 onwards, the federal tax credit drops to a maximum of 26%.

It’s important to note that to be eligible for the federal tax credit, you need to buy your solar system outright. This means you can either invest in your system by making a cash purchase or a solar loan, but you won’t receive this credit if you decide to lease your solar panels.

Furthermore, to get the full benefit of this incentive you’ll need to have sufficient taxable income. On the other hand, tax-exempt entities may be eligible for a direct payment as a further incentive.

Minnesota Energy Rebates: you have access to local and utility rebates

A range of utilities in Minnesota offer attractive rebates to homeowners in their service area who install solar systems. These include Xcel Energy, Solar Sense and Dakota Electric, as well as some local municipalities.

Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Program

Xcel Energy is the state’s largest utility company and, if you live in their service area, you can access their Solar Rewards Program, where you receive an annual payment based on your PV system’s energy production. Funded by the Minnesota Renewable Development Fund, the program gives homeowners a performance-based incentive to produce more solar power.

The utility company will pay you per $0.07/kWh of solar energy you produce for up to 10 years. You need to get in early, as once the program budget is fully allocated for the year, funding is not guaranteed, and you’ll need to join a waitlist.

SolarSense

The good news: this rebate covers up to 60% all of the costs to install your solar system, up to a maximum of $10,000. The bad news: it’s awarded via a lottery, so luck will need to be on your side!

To qualify, you’ll need to be a homeowner under the Minnesota Power utility and meet certain requirements in terms of system size and type, as well as the installer you choose. You can check if you’re eligible here.

Dakota Electric Association

Dakota Electric Association offers a one-time rebate of $500 to its customers who install home solar. Be careful though as, unlike some other utility rebates, you’ll need to submit your application and receive approval before you install your home’s solar array.

St Louis Park Solar Sundown

Under the city of St Louis Park’s Solar Sundown program, residents can receive a subsidy of between 4% and 6% of the total cost to install solar in their home. However, it’s only open to existing homes: homes and additions built within the last 12 months don’t qualify.

Shakopee

If you live in Shakopee and are connected to Shakopee Utilities, you could be eligible for a solar rebate of up to $1000. Like many similar programs from public utilities, the funding is limited and quickly gets fully-subscribed, so be sure to apply early to avoid joining the waitlist!

Austin, Owatonna, and Rochester Public Utilities

If you live in the cities of Austin, Owatonna, or Rochester, you’ll be able to access a solar rebate from your local public utility. These three cities offer a $500 rebate to all homeowners (as well as businesses) who install PV solar systems with 2 kW DC capacity or more.

You can also get a rebate of $15 per square foot of collector area for your solar hot water system in any of these cities. Just be sure to submit your application within 30 days of installation, and you’ll need to sign a net-metering and interconnection contract with the public utility.

Brainerd Public Utilities

If you’re in Brainerd Public Utilities’ service area, you can access a rebate of $0.50 per watt when you install a PV solar system in your home. The maximum rebate is $2,500, and only applies to systems up to 40 kW, which covers the vast majority of residential solar systems.

Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program

The City of Minneapolis’ ‘Green Cost Share Program’ includes solar incentives, but not for normal residential properties. The city’s solar rebate is only available to commercial, industrial, nonprofit, part of the City’s 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program, or multifamily properties, the latter being complexes with three or more units.

Single-family and duplex properties can apply to the program, but only as part of a solar group purchase of five or more properties, of which 20% need to be environmental justice or income-qualified.

If your property meets any of these criteria, you may be eligible for a solar rebate from the City of between $0.20 and $0.40 per estimated annual kilowatt hours to install solar.

New Ulm Public Utilities

Finally, New Ulm Public Utilities offers solar rebates for their residential, commercial, and industrial customers installing new PV systems between 0.5 kW and 40 kW. You’ll need to sign a net metering and interconnection agreement, and you can then apply for a rebate of $1 per nameplate watt.

What about energy rebates in Minnesota?

Minnesota also offers a range of energy rebates to encourage homes and businesses to adopt more energy-efficient practices and switch to natural gas. These rebates can help you save some cash and give you an extra incentive to go green.

The rebates offered to private residences and individuals include:

Heating system rebates

The state offers rebates to existing homes that are at least two years old when you upgrade your heating to a more energy-efficient system, such as a natural gas boiler, energy-efficient fireplace, or install an advanced, programmable thermostat.

The rebate you’ll be eligible for will depend on how efficient your new system is: for example, a natural gas furnace with 92% AFUE efficiency will get you a $250 refund, while one with 97% could be awarded a $500 rebate.

Water heating rebates

Minnesota will give you a rebate when you update the water heater on your existing property to a more energy-efficient system. As with the heating system rebates, the rebate amount depends on the efficiency of the water heater you install, as measured by its Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) and ENERGY STAR® rating.

Insulation and air sealing rebates

Minnesota Energy Resources offers rebates for installing insulation and more effectively sealing your house from external airflow, as this prevents the loss of hot and cold air, making your home more energy-efficient.

The scheme is available to existing homes that are more than two years old and use natural gas heating, for insulation installations and air sealing work done by a Minnesota Energy Resources’ authorized contractor.

Final thoughts

There are a range of solar incentives and Minnesota energy rebates available to residents and businesses in the Gopher State. These range from sales and property tax exemptions to rebates offered by various utilities and municipalities, and mean that it’s never been a better time to go green.

With so many great incentives in place, if you live in Minnesota you can offset the cost of installing a solar system, allowing you to start enjoying the cost savings of running your home on renewable energy, not to mention doing your bit for the environment!

Planning on installing a solar system? Take a look at our posts on monocrystalline vs polycrystalline PV panels, solar output, and how solar panels work in cold weather.

Choosing the right company to do your solar installation can be hectic with so many market options. If you live in Maryland, however, don’t overthink it.

Here’s a full rundown of some of the best solar companies in Maryland to evaluate for your home.

The best solar companies in Maryland

Having the right information about your installer is paramount when installing a solar system. You need the facts, to avoid ending up with disappointing service.

Many companies claim they are the best in the solar business, but which are actually the best in Maryland?

If you live in Maryland, you don’t have to do any more guesswork. Through intensive research and evaluation of numerous customer reviews, here is everything you will need to know about the best solar companies in Maryland.

1. American Sentry Solar

American Sentry Solar is undoubtedly one of the best solar companies in Maryland. The company installs high-quality solar systems for both residential and commercial spaces,  For four consecutive years, the company has appeared in the “Top 500 Solar Contractors” in the U.S.

With over 20 years of experience and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Maryland, American Sentry Solar is an installer you can trust.

Launched in 2009 as part of American Design and Build, American Sentry Solar has installed solar panel systems in thousands of homes. The firm enjoys popularity both in Maryland, Texas, as well as Delaware.

So what has earned the company their great reputation?

American Sentry Solar offerings

One of the best solar companies in Maryland, American Senty Solar make the entire solar installation process easy for customers: they handle all paperwork, from filling out all customer tax incentives and rebates to any needed building permits and even dealing with the local utilities for you.

Most of their solar system installations take only 2-3 days, and they provide a warranty of 25 years on their solar panels. In addition, their customer service team is responsive, helpful, and experts on all-things solar.

What their customers have to say

Customers who have encountered American Sentry’s services have described it in various positive ways. In their over 160 five-star reviews, most say that the firm is dependable, awesome to work with, and they make the installation process quick and painless.

Since the transition to solar energy may be unaffordable for most people, the firm also offers its customers multiple payment options. The company even helps their customers register for loans with various payment plans.

Therefore, if you are looking for the best solar companies in Maryland, American Sentry Solar is a great option to consider. Their glowing customer reviews and wide range of service offerings make them one of the best options.

2. Lumina Solar

Lumina Solar is a clean energy company based in Baltimore, Maryland. The company services customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Lumina Solar is committed to providing solar energy solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also save their customers money.

Lumina Solar offerings

If you are worried about the transition process, Lumina Solar has your back to make the process as simple as possible. Under the Lumina family of companies, they can handle all aspects of the process, from consultation to installation.

Their solar experts will walk with you from the initial stages of assessing your energy needs and enlighten you on how solar energy will help you save. They will answer all your questions and tackle any uncertainties you may have.

During their visit to your home, they will collect information that will help their design team to create a tailored system for you.

In the second stage, they assign you a personal customer success manager who handles all necessary permitting and paperwork. The firm ensures every requirement or demand from the local utility company is all tackled. As for you, all you’ll have to do is relax as you wait for them to do the installation.

Then your solar system will be ready for operation within 4-8 hours. However, your system will only be connected to the grid after you receive permission to operate (PTO) by your local municipality.

What their customers have to say

With over 260 five-star reviews online, Lumina Solar has many satisfied customers. Their customers describe their service as professional, pleasant, and competent.

Customers were also pleased that the process moved along smoothly, despite the coordination required to install a solar system successfully.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a Maryland-based solar company that will provide excellent customer service, value for your money, and timely installation, Lumina Solar truly is one of the best solar companies in Maryland.

3. Solar Energy World

Solar Energy World is another company that had to be included on our list of the best solar companies in Maryland. Headquartered in Elkridge, Maryland, Solar Energy World offers complete solar solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

The firm serves not only Maryland but also other states like Florida, Washington DC, Virginia, and more. Many refer to the firm as the number one Maryland-owned solar installer.

Besides undertaking thousands of existing Maryland solar projects, Solar Energy World has an average of 80-90 new solar installations every month.

Its high level of installations around the Washington and Maryland areas earned the company a spot on the Solar Power World’s top list of the best solar rooftop installers in 2015 in North America.

In addition, their employees and installers are overseen by NABCEP-certified solar experts and certified master electricians. Solar Power World is a member of the Howard County Green Business Council and a partner of ENERGY STAR.

Solar Energy World offerings

Solar Energy World simplifies the solar install process with their 6 steps for success. This process covers everything from the initial consultation through installation, permitting, and secure remote monitoring once the system is installed.

The company is usually able to complete installations within 2-3 days, depending on the size of your home’s system. In addition, they will complete all solar tax credits and rebate paperwork for their clients to ensure they can fully reap the benefits of going solar.

What their customers have to say 

Solar Energy World has received hundreds of glowing reviews, praising the company’s expertise, efficiency, and quality of solar systems. Some even described the entire process as painless!

Notably, clients were appreciative that the team took the effort to patiently clarify terms and processes around installing solar energy for the first time.

For a reliable solar installer with a solid track record, knowledgeable experts, and efficient products, consider Solar Energy World.

4. Tesla Energy

The next solar company on our list is Tesla Energy. After acquiring SolarCity in 2016, Tesla has become one of the best solar companies in Maryland and beyond.

Homeowners across the U.S. are excited by their advanced and innovative technology that can help households operate more sustainably.

Tesla Energy offerings

The Tesla team takes care of everything from installation to permitting to powering-on your new solar system.

The new solar roof tiles that they introduced into the market in 2016 completely revolutionized the appearance of solar panels. Tesla offers invisible glass solar panels and all-black solar panels that blend in with any roof and optimize electricity production.

The Tesla system comes with integrated battery storage that stores the energy produced during the day, for your use at any time.

Their solar systems seamlessly integrate with the Powerwall home battery. This integrated battery system stores your solar energy for backup protection, so your power will stay on when the grid goes down.

After customers place an order, their process is unique: their team will gather remote aerial imagery of your home, design your system, take care of any necessary permits and schedule your installation. By employing NABCEP-certified project supervisors and managers, the company ensures that its clients receive top-notch customer service.

What their customers have to say

While some Tesla Energy customers note that their post-installation customer support is lacking, the majority of their clients were satisfied with the process.

Many reviews appreciated the Tesla team’s efficiency, professionalism, and timeliness. One client even noted that the total time from their initial inquiry to approval to go online was only about eight weeks.

Tesla’s innovative electric technology is unique and one of the most sustainable options for homeowners today. All-electric homes have many benefits, and Tesla’s offerings allow homes in Maryland to take advantage of many of these.

5. Sunrun

Another of the best solar companies in Maryland is Sunrun. Founded in 2007, Sunrun Inc. has its headquarters in San Francisco, California and aims to make the use of solar power affordable. With over 240k customers, Sunrun serves more than 22 states and has deployed over 1600 megawatts.

Despite their California headquarters, Sunrun is willing and able to serve residential properties all over the U.S. In fact, the company has installed over 285,000 solar and battery systems in 20 states.

Sunrun has become one of the most trusted residential installers in the U.S., comprising multiple teams of skilled staff who will ensure that you receive the best services.

Sunrun offerings

Their solar systems are customized with hi-tech photovoltaic solar panels that ensure optimal production and service. Sunrun starts by evaluating your property, and works to determine the best solar system for you. They then design your custom systems, install your solar panels and any backup batteries.

Sunrun customers can either lease their custom solar panel systems, purchase them through flexible solar financing, or pay for them outright.

Sunrun partners with companies like LG, LONGi, and Tesla to offer their customers high-quality solar panels and batteries. They also maintain a partnership with Costco, so members of the discount club get certain price reductions.

What their customers have to say

Many Sunrun customers noted being pleased with the money their solar system has helped them save on their electric bill, and appreciate the speedy and professional installation process.

While working with Sunrun does have many benefits, customers have raised concerns about their experience that are important to consider. Customer reviews report poor customer service and slow responses on follow-up maintenance.

However, suppose you’re looking for a solar installer with experience across the US who can offer customized panel solutions for your roof. In that case, Solarrun could be a good option for you.

6. EDGE Energy

Another great solar company that does it all is EDGE Energy. They deal with various forms of renewable energy including solar, wind, and geothermal. Some of the other activities the company undertakes include energy audits, green re-models, and retrofit projects.

EDGE Energy is popular for its efforts to help homeowners, businesses, and governments evaluate and implement different energy technologies. With over 45 employees, the company has been able to provide efficiency upgrades to more than 10,000 homes throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia.

The company hires project managers that are NABCEP-certified and recognized by multiple other industry associations. This way, customers can rest assured that the service they offer is exceptional and up to industry-standards.

In addition, the company installs solar systems with high records of conversion efficiency.

EDGE Energy is BPI accredited. BPI is an institution that helps set home performance’s technical standards. EDGE Energy is also an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau, which means it’s a company you can rely on.

EDGE Energy offerings

EDGE Energy offers SunPower panels that are American-made and whose quality is undisputed. SunPower’s M-series panel is the highest efficiency AC solar panel available on the market at 440-420 watts.

EDGE Energy is one of only 33 SunPower Master Dealers in the U.S. Their excellent reputation stems from their track record of outstanding installations, bumper-to-bumper warranty, and excellent customer service.

EDGE also offers an energy storage solution package that ensures that homes always have access to energy in case of an emergency. In addition, they offer free at-home consultations, zero-down flexible financing, and an app that tracks your solar system’s performance and savings.

They offer a 10-year warranty for their installations in addition to the 25-year SunPower warranty on solar panels. This is a great option for those looking for secure warranties on their solar systems.

What their customers have to say

EDGE Energy boasts many pleased customers who noted that their team was responsive in providing estimates and options and the people who did the work were professional and detail-oriented.

Their best-in-class solar panels, excellent installation track record and communicative team undoubtedly makes EDGE Energy one of the best solar companies in Maryland.

7. Celestial Solar Innovations

Founded on energy affordability, independence, and sustainability as their principles, Celestial Solar Innovations is another one of the best solar companies in Maryland. They are known to offer their clients quality solar installations and flexible financing options.

With financing of up to 100%, the company makes the transition to solar energy an easy, and affordable process for everyone.

Celestial Solar Innovations specializes in residential, as well as small commercial solar system design, financing, installation, and monitoring. The company joins the list of best solar companies in Maryland for its excellent services and reputation.

Celestial Solar Innovations offerings

Celestial Solar provides hassle-free and turnkey solar installation services throughout the entire state of Maryland. They start the installation process with home visits that includes a customized aerial solar snapshot and estimate for each system.

Their detailed financial analysis of the incentives, costs, and savings for each solar system helps homeowners understand the benefits of going solar.

Additional benefits the Celestial Solar team offers are submitting interconnection to the local utility, providing all engineering, drafting and applying for county permits, scheduling and overseeing all inspections, and providing all necessary paperwork on your behalf.

What their customers have to say

Celestial Solar has consistently received glowing reviews of 4 or 5 stars from satisfied customers throughout Maryland. Customers praise the team’s communication, expertise, and warranty of their offering.

One customer noted that their system was up and running successfully in only 3 weeks, from consultation to installation.

Therefore, if you’re looking to own a solar system and don’t know where to start, try Celestial Solar Innovations. As their client reviews state, you won’t be disappointed!

8. Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar is an American-based solar energy company based in Lehi, UT. The company offers solar energy solutions for residential homes across 21 states in the US.

Vivint Solar is among the best solar installers in Maryland who have been featured in multiple publications such as PV Magazine, THE VERGE, and Forbes.

Launched in 2011, Vivint Solar has served more than 10,000 customers across the U.S. with a large number of customers praising their services.

Vivint Solar offerings

Vivant is an all-around firm that produces, installs, and maintains solar systems in various states. In addition to solar batteries and inverters, they offer three varieties of solar panels: Hyandai, Longi, and LG. While each option has its own benefits, they are all reliable, efficient, and durable options.

The Longi panels, for example, feature field-proven bifacial modules that deliver added performance benefits and long-term reliability. LG panels, alternatively, have a greater capacity for light absorption and provide high performance.

Whatever option you go with, the Vivant team is guaranteed a long, energy-efficient life for your solar panels. The company employs a 25-year warranty and allows clients to easily monitor your system’s production as well as your energy consumption through your phone or via the internet.

What their customers have to say

Despite over 200 positive reviews, some customers were disappointed with the Vivant team’s responsiveness when it came to customer service.

However, many customers praised the team’s expertise, cleanliness and quick install time. They reported that the Vivant team explained contract details thoroughly and worked efficiently.

If you want to enjoy a simple solar installation process that saves you money and features industry-leading solar panels, Vivint Solar is a great choice.

Conclusion on best solar companies in Maryland

Though there are many options to pick from when it comes to solar installers, the best solar companies in Maryland set themselves apart with their excellent customer service, expertise, and industry-leading solar technology.

Before moving forward on your solar power journey in Maryland, be sure to find the right payment option for you, whether it be leasing or purchasing your solar panels. Your wallet–and the planet–will thank you for it.

These companies will undoubtedly allow you and your family to enjoy efficient, green renewable energy and power your home for less money.

With the world so eager to move from non-renewable energy sources to clean and green energy sources, anaerobic digestion has become one of the main areas that many countries are focusing.

Before we explore the various pros and cons of anaerobic digestors, let’s first define what it means and highlight a few facts about anaerobic digesters.

What is anaerobic digestion?

Anaerobic Digestion is the process of treating organic waste and involves a series of biological processes in which organic waste is broken down using microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. The end product of the process is Biogas, which is a methane-rich gas.

Once the biogas is cleaned, it is taken to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, where it is used to generate renewable energy.

The byproduct of the process is often used as fertilizer. The whole process of anaerobic bio-digestion takes place in a tank called the Anaerobic Biodigester.

A biodigester breaks down organic matter using bacteria and in the absence of oxygen to capture methane gas released by the bacteria in the process.  Methane, which is the main chemical in natural gas, is trapped and can then be burned for heating and electricity.

One of the commonly known types of the digester is called a “wet biodigester”. They are used on farms around the world to digest liquefied manure. The anaerobic digestor process is similar to compostable organic matter. The output is just gas that can be used for power.

Facts About Anaerobic Digestors

Many people use wet digesters to produce methane from manure which is then used to light their stoves and other appliances. Here are some few facts about anaerobic digesters

• The digester disinfects the feedstock/ waste which goes through it, as long as the temperature is maintained above a required level for a pre-defined period.
• One of the most impressive facts about anaerobic digestor is that it produces gas, liquid and fibrous fertilizers which are very beneficial.
• It reduces the odor levels if run efficiently.

Here are advantages and disadvantages of anaerobic digesters:

Pros of anaerobic digesters

Here are some of the advantages to anaerobic digesters.

1. Consistent supply of power

One of the major pros of anaerobic digesters is that it can offer a constant power supply to the universe. Since there is a continuous production of the waste materials used for the digestion process, anaerobic digestion can ensure a steady source of electricity generation.

For instance, every cow is estimated to produce 2kwh – 3kwh of electricity daily, which in turn can be sent to the electricity grid. Anaerobic digestion also generates renewable energy that is in the form of biogas. These biogases will likely qualify for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs).

2. Renewable

Another advantage of anaerobic digestion is that it is a renewable source of energy since waste products from animals and humans are produced continually, and unlike non-renewable energy, it does not exploit natural resources.

The resources used provide a steady stream of inputs into the digesters.

See Related: 10 Biggest Pros and Cons of Nonrenewable Energy

3. Valuable by-products

Anaerobic digestion offers beneficial by-products. The by-products released in the process, which includes compost and fertilizer, can further be used in farms. The by-products can thus be used to create an additional stream of revenue. The liquid digestate that is produced in the process is a form of a fertilizer which is better in many ways than the standard chemical fertilizers.

Due to its high fiber content and the separated solids (ADS), it can also be sold as a horticultural potting mix or used as livestock bedding. The process produces both liquid and fibrous fertilizers which can be used in the farms or sold to create more income.

The effect of the compost is longer lasting than for untreated organic waste.

4. Odor reduction

Long-term exposure to pollution in the air can result in health complications and even death. The use of the waste products from the farms in the anaerobic digesters reduces the amount of odor that would otherwise be present if the wastes were left exposed to the environment. The anaerobic digestion process reduces smell to levels below unprocessed waste odor levels.

5. Improved water quality

Another advantage is that the process of anaerobic digestion helps to remove phosphorous and other metals from the waste products, which would otherwise contaminate water supplies if left unattended.

Passing the wastes through the digesters thus ensures an improved quality of water supplies.

6. Greenhouse gases reduction

A primary reason the world is moving from the use of the non-renewable sources of energy is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer and expose the world to global warming. Anaerobic biodigester minimizes the amount of GHG gasses released by the farms into the environment by around 66%. The reduction of the gases earns the farm carbon credits which can be sold to generate extra revenue for the farm.

Businesses that are required to pay a carbon levy for their carbon dioxide emissions can also run their biogas plant to help them offset their levy costs against the carbon savings.

Passing the waste materials through a digester reduces pollution to the environment since the waste materials are used as feedstock for digesters. It is less likely to cause air pollution to the environment unlike spreading untreated organic waste in landfills.

Decarbonization is a huge component of the AD movement.

7. Reducing disease-causing pathogens in the manure

One of the most remarkable facts about anaerobic digesters is that the operating temperature of the anaerobic digester systems decreases the number of pathogens in the slurry which may cause diseases to the plants. It is also an advantage of anaerobic digesters.

See Related: Biofuel Pros and Cons Analysis

 Cons of anaerobic digesters

Here are some of the disadvantages to anaerobic digesters.

1. Expensive

Installation costs of the anaerobic digesters can be prohibitive since it requires some massive financing to set it up. The operating expenses and the maintenance cost are also costly which makes it difficult for farmers to acquire.

When anaerobic digestion is complete on a large commercial scale, it can require a high level of investment in large manure tanks and other process containers.

2. Limited to large farms only

The Anaerobic digesters are only economically feasible for larger farms. The EPA recommends that a farm should have at least 300 cows to be able to install and run the system. This limitation makes it difficult for smaller farmers with less number of animals to have these systems.

3. Time-consuming

Another con of anaerobic digesters is that the system operation and maintenance requirements are pretty much needed every day. It is estimated that it takes 30 to 60 minutes daily to ensure the efficient running of the system.

4. High land use

The more significant the amount of biogas you want to produce, the larger the farm you need for a large number of cows and large manure tanks. The residue from the process after manure has completed the digestion cycle, will also require a large chunk of land for storage.

5. Must have a reliable source and the process must run efficiently

The anaerobic digestion process must have a constant source of the raw materials (animal or human wastes) for the anaerobic digestion plant to be successful. It may require a farm to have many different reliable sources of feedstock materials, for example, a few cows.

These sources can be challenging to acquire. If the anaerobic digesters run inefficiently, it can cause odor levels which can be a nuisance.

Wrapping it up

Stimulating facts about anaerobic digestion is that it is a viable source of renewable energy and can serve the world needs for clean and green energy. Different sectors should join hands to create more room for it and to improve this cheap source of renewable energy.

Solaredge review: the best SolarEdge products

SolarEdge is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar power inverters and accessories for homes and businesses. They offer a range of PV inverters, power optimizers, smart modules, and batteries.

The brand aims to offer complete solar systems that you can easily manage through their smartphone app, so you can harvest the sun’s renewable energy to run your home, business, or even car, with SolarEdge’s EV charging solar system.

Here are our picks for the best SolarEdge products for your home or commercial solar system.

1. SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter With HD-Wave Technology

SolarEdge is a pioneer in single-phase inverters with HD-wave technology. These DC-optimized PV inverters allow you to manage your system energy, battery storage, and other smart energy products.

This single-phase inverter can deliver up to 99% weighted efficiency, helping you process as much solar power as possible and get the maximum energy from your solar system.

These types of inverters also have a lower heat dissipation than many alternative products, helping to optimize performance and reduce the risk of equipment failure or malfunction.

This means you can enjoy steady, reliable power without worrying about your electricity dropping due to the system overheating. You can also be confident that your equipment will last for years, so you won’t have the expense of costly repairs or have to invest in new equipment.

In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with the inverter, you’re covered by SolarEdge’s standard 12-year warranty, which you can choose to extend to 20 or 25 years.

The inverter is rated for maximum AC power output of 6000 watts and input of over 9000 watts, which is suitable for home solar systems with multiple solar panels. It has a powerful DSP processor, which helps to make the inverter small and lightweight, weighing just over 26 pounds, which is great if you want to install it yourself.

Unlike many comparable products, this inverter doesn’t have a display screen. Although you may be worried this makes it less user-friendly, the company says this reduces the risk of faults and increases the product’s life expectancy.

Furthermore, you can set up and control the inverter through SolarEdge’s app, allowing you to manage all settings and track your system from your smartphone or another device.

What we like:

• Highly efficient: With 99% weighted efficiency, you’ll enjoy maximum power output from your solar panels, which is great if you only have a limited amount of roof space.
• Reliable: The inverter has low heat dissipation, so it is less likely to overheat, meaning you’ll enjoy uninterrupted power and won’t need to repair or replace your equipment.
• Easy to install and use: This compact and lightweight inverter is easy to install and simple to manage using SolarEdge’s smartphone app.
• Extendable warranty: The product comes with an impressive 12-year warranty, that you can choose to extend up to 25 years, giving you peace of mind that in the unlikely event you experience any issues, the inverter will be repaired or replaced.

What we don’t like:

• No display screen: Although you can manage your system through the app, some people may miss the ability to control the inverter using a display interface.

Like all SolarEdge optimizers, this product is specifically designed to work with the brand’s power optimizers, making it easy to set up a reliable, efficient solar system at home.

2. SolarEdge Three-Phase 20KW String Inverter

Along with single-phase solar inverters, SolarEdge also offers a range of three-phase inverters, which convert the DC power coming from the solar panels into AC power in a different way. While single-phase inverters connect to the solar panels’ power and export it in a single phase, a three-phase inverter does this across three stages.

Generally, home solar systems use single-phase inverters, as most houses only have a single-phase connection, while larger commercial systems make use of three-phase inverters. This is because commercial facilities are more likely to be set up for three phases of power and can therefor send out greater amounts of uninterrupted power.

This three-phase inverter is rated to 20 KW of power output, making it ideal for commercial and industrial home solar systems. The inverter uses fixed-voltage technology that allows you to create longer DC strings, making the system more straightforward and affordable to install, which is great for anyone on a budget.

These inverters are designed to shut down the system when they detect excessive heat automatically or if they disconnect from the grid. This helps to keep installers and firefighters safe in the event of a fire or electrical fault and promotes everyone’s safety.

The product is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, from -13F to +140F, so it’s suitable for all kinds of commercial and industrial installations subject to extreme weather.

Like SolarEdge’s single-phase inverters, this product is also covered by a 12-year warranty that is extendable to 20 or 25 years.

What we like:

• Powerful: This inverter is rated for up to 20 KW of power out, so can handle larger commercial and industrial solar systems. This means it’s great for those looking for something more powerful than a home-use inverter.
• Safety features: The inverter will automatically detect very high temperatures and shut down the system, for better safety and security.
• Suitable for extreme temperatures: The inverter can operate in extreme hot and cold conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of facilities and applications.

What we don’t like:

• Not suitable for home use: As most households are not set up for three-phase AC power, this inverter is typically only suitable for commercial use.

As with other items in this SolarEdge review, you can connect the inverter to the brand’s user-friendly app, to analyze your system’s performance, check for errors, and troubleshoot issues. This includes being able to check each panel individually to spot any problems.

3. SolarEdge P320 Add-On Power Optimizer

Power optimizers, or Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), are power conversion devices that connect directly to an individual solar panel. These devices are designed to maximize energy flow from your panel to the rest of the system, so you get the most out of your panel.

SolarEdge’s power optimizers are DC/DC converters, meaning that, unlike an inverter or microinverter, they don’t change the type of current. Instead, they track the PV unit’s Maximum Power Point (MPP), tracking performance, and helping you ensure that your panels are producing as much energy as possible.

They deliver an incredible 99.5% peak efficiency and 98.8% weighted efficiency. This means that you’ll be able to use almost all of the energy generated by your solar panels.

You’ll then need to connect the optimizer to a solar inverter in order to convert the current to AC so that it can power your home appliances and devices.

SolarEdge’s optimizers are designed to work with their inverters, allowing you to build a reliable, high-performing, and efficient solar system.

Once you’ve installed a power optimizer on your solar panels, you’ll be able to track the performance of each via the SolarEdge app. If you spot any issues or deterioration in performance of any of your panels, you can swiftly address the problem and get your system back to optimal levels.

You can also use this monitoring system to ensure timely maintenance, which, in turn, will let you extend the life of your panels. This means you won’t need to replace your equipment so often, representing significant savings over the long term.

All of SolarEdge’s power optimizers come with a unique SafeDC feature that reduces DC voltage to safe levels in the case of a power outage or if the inverter shuts down. This helps to avoid the risks of electric shock or fire, keeping you and your family safe.

This P320 power optimizer is rated for 320W of DC input, meaning it can be used with solar panels up to 320 watts, which covers most residential solar panels. However, you’ll need a high-rated product for more powerful solar panels.

It’s designed to maintain a fixed-string voltage, so it is suitable to work with string inverters and central inverters, giving you a high degree of flexibility and setting up the optimal system for you.

What we like:

• Direct monitoring: With a power optimizer on every solar panel, you can use SolarEdge’s monitoring app to check the performance of each unit and troubleshoot issues, allowing you to ensure your system is functioning at peak levels all the time.
• Versatile: Thanks to its fixed string voltage, you can use the optimizer in systems with a central inverter, or string inverters.
• Safe: The inverter has a built-in safety feature to shut down DC power in the event of power disruptions, minimizing the risk of electric shocks or electrical fires.

What we don’t like:

• Not suitable for very powerful solar panels: You can only use this optimizer with panels up to 320W, though this will serve most solar panels used for home use.

This power optimizer is a great option if you have a solar system with either a central inverter or a series of string inverters. You can also consider using microinverters, where the inverter and optimizer are integrated in a single unit attached to each solar panel.

However, SolarEdge doesn’t offer these types of products, so you’ll need to look to brands like Enphase if you want to go in that direction.

4. SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter With EV Charger

SolarEdge’s EV charging single-phase inverter is one of the brand’s stand-out products, being the world’s first two-in-one EV charger and solar inverter. You can plug your electric vehicle directly into the device and charge it using solar power.

This is arguably the most eco-friendly way to run your vehicle, with no reliance on fossil fuels or even biofuels. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding a charging station or relying on grid electricity: you’ll always have power for your vehicle.

Like SolarEdge’s other inverters, the unit comes with 99% conversion efficiency, allowing you to optimize your energy flow and use as much of the sun’s energy as possible to charge your EV. It’s also backed up by the same HD-Wave technology, making it highly reliable.

Not only this, but it charges two and a half times faster than standard EV chargers, so your car will be up and running again in record time, which is great for people who use their EVs frequently with little downtime in between.

With compact dimensions and a weight of less than 25 pounds, the unit is easy to install, and you shouldn’t have any problems finding space for it in your home garage.

The inverter/charger wirelessly connects to SolarEdge’s monitoring app, so you can easily check or control the charging process from anywhere, as long as you have your smartphone with you. This means you can even switch on charging or turn it off when you’re out, so your vehicle will be ready to go when you get home!

The app gives you a complete picture of how long your car needs to charge, how much energy it’s using, as well as grid consumption.

What we like:

• Integrated inverter and charger: As an all-in-one solution, you don’t need to invest in a separate inverter and charger, meaning you’ll save on space and costs.
• Highly efficient: The inverter converts up to 99% of the energy from your solar panels into fuel for your vehicle, meaning you’ll be able to run your car for longer.
• Fast charging: The charging station charges your EV faster than most EV chargers, meaning less time waiting around, so you can get going!

What we don’t like:

• Fixed unit: You need to install the unit in a fixed spot, so you can only charge your car when you’re at home. However, until mobile solar EV chargers become available, this is probably the best solution for charging your EV on solar.

This product can also act as a regular solar inverter. So, even if you don’t own an EV but are planning to in the future, you could opt for this inverter/charger to meet your current energy needs and be ready for your future electric vehicle.

SolarEdge buying guide

Buying inverters, optimizers, and other solar system accessories can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the world of solar power. In the following section, we’ll take a look at the advantages of SolarEdge products, as well as what you should look for when buying their products.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the brand.

What is SolarEdge?

SolarEdge Technologies is the third-largest manufacturer of inverters globally, behind electronic giants Huawei and Sungrow. The Israel-based company is also long-established in the industry, having offered smart energy products since 2006.

Their products use a different functionality compared to many of their competitors. While other companies use microinverters (small combined inverters and optimizers on each solar panel), SolarEdge separates these functions into two different units.

Instead, you have a power optimizer on each panel, which connects to a single central inverter or a series of string inverters.

Benefits and drawbacks of using separate inverters and optimizers

Having said that, SolarEdge has addressed these issues to at least some extent, which is why it is worth considering their products.

Why you should consider SolarEdge products

Although systems with separate inverters and optimizers typically are less efficient than using microinverters, SolarEdge has closed this gap somewhat with their high-quality products. SolarEdge inverters and optimizers offer around 99% conversion efficiency, meaning you’ll lose only a minimal amount of energy when running the current through each component.

Equally, these setups can involve high risks of fire or electrical problems because they run DC wiring between the panel and the optimizer. However, SolarEdge’s products come with built-in safety features that will shut down your system as soon as they detect any anomalies, increasing safety.

Overall, SolarEdge’s systems offer a safer, more efficient inverter and optimizer solution for a more affordable price tag than investing in microinverters.

SolarEdge monitoring platform

When you buy any SolarEdge product, you’ll get access to their monitoring platform, which is another huge benefit. The platform allows you to update system settings as well as monitor PV performance, all done wirelessly from a user-friendly smartphone app.

The app also lets you identify faults at the module, string, and system levels, so you can immediately detect and resolve any issues. This allows you to avoid safety risks or equipment damage and ensure that your system is running at optimal levels at all times.

You just need to download it from Google Play or the iTunes App Store, connect your SolarEdge inverter and power optimizer, and you’re good to go!

What to keep in mind when buying SolarEdge inverters and optimizers

So you’ve decided that SolarEdge is right for you, but how do you choose between their wide range of products? Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying the brand’s inverters and optimizers.

What are your energy requirements?

As with buying any solar equipment, starting with your energy requirements is important. If you already have solar panels installed, you’ll need to consider the DC output of each panel before buying a corresponding optimizer and the overall DC input/AC output of the entire system to determine the capacity of the inverter you’ll need.

On the other hand, if you’re setting up your system from scratch, you should start by calculating your energy needs. You can then use this to decide how many panels you need and the capacity of the optimizers and inverter you’ll require.

Is your system for home or commercial use?

Home and commercial solar systems have quite different functionalities, and so need different equipment, especially when it comes to inverters.

Generally speaking, home systems are set up for single-phase AC power, and so require a single-phase inverter. On the other hand, larger and more powerful commercial and industrial setups should run on a three-phase inverter.

What system functionality do you want?

Finally, it’s important to consider your desired system functionality. SolarEdge’s products are designed to have a power optimizer on each solar panel, which then connects to a separate central inverter or string inverter.

This is a more affordable, but slightly less efficient alternative to installing microinverters on each panel. For more on the pros and cons between these different types of functionalities, take a look at our comparison of SolarEdge vs Enphase.

Final thoughts on SolarEdge

SolarEdge provides a range of high-quality, reliable, and efficient inverters and optimizers that allow you to get the most out of your solar system for a modest investment. They also offer the world’s first EV charger that lets you convert your solar power to AC current and charge your vehicle all with the same device.

Although slightly less efficient than microinverter systems, SolarEdge’s products come with a number of features and benefits to maximize the efficiency and safety of your system.

Want to learn more about installing a solar system in your home or business? Check out our guides to how much energy solar panels produce and ultimate guide to solar panel size.

A variety of public-private partnership initiatives incentivize the use of wood pellets as a fuel source, but are wood pellets really as eco-friendly as stakeholders claim? 

In this article, we take a closer look at wood pellets, their production, energy efficiency, and sustainability to answer the question, are wood pellets green?

What are wood pellets?

Wood pellets are a type of biomass fuel made from compressed untreated lumber byproducts like shavings, chips, and sawdust. The wood used in wood chips is usually industrial waste from the lumber milling industry, furniture manufacture, or construction, though virgin wood is increasingly used to create pellets for burning.

Wood pellets are created in large volumes by compacting wood waste in a hammer mill, then forcing the massed wood through a die hole to create a sausage-like pellet of the required dimensions. As the pellets are extruded, the lignin in the wood heats up and bonds the pellet constituents together for easy transport, handling, and storage.

Wood pellets are a renewable energy resource

Wood pellets are considered to be renewable because the wood used to create them can be replaced by planting young, fast-growing trees. Pellets use large amounts of the woody waste that the lumber and manufacturing sectors generate, along with leftover virgin wood from coppicing and land management. 

The energy efficiency of wood pellets

Wood pellets are energy efficient compared to other biomass sources like animal manure, biomass crops, and chemical recovery fuels (biodiesel). This is because many biomass fuels contain a lot of moisture that increases the weight and bulk of the fuel but deteriorates its combustion performance.

Wood pellets enhance their energy efficiency by being exceptionally dry. Most commercially used pellets have a moisture content of 10% or less. The pellets are made by condensing wood chips and flakes under high heat and pressure to make an energy-dense pellet that burns drier and hotter. The addition of natural binders like starch that hold the wood chips together. 

Each tonne of wood pellets has an energy content of 4.6–5.1 MWh/ton with a combustion efficiency of up to 85%. This is equivalent to:

• 500 liters of heating oil (enough to heat the average family home for up to six months) 
• 170 gallons of propane (enough to meet the needs of a 500 sq foot home for over 200 days)
• 16,000 feet of natural gas
• 4,775 kWH of electricity

The pellets are uniform and their energy density is high with predictable energy release, unlike the much lower and variable energy density of biomass or solid wood.

How are wood pellets used?

Wood pellets are a versatile fuel source for both consumer and industry use. Here are the main uses of wood pellets: 

1. Domestic heating and cooking

People use wood pellets in domestic wood pellet-burning stoves and furnaces for home heating and cooking. Manufacturers design these stoves to cope with the high temperatures of wood pellets. The energy density of wood pellets makes them great value for money. When used correctly, these stoves produce very little smoke because of the efficient combustion of the pellets.

2. Power plants

Renewable power stations use wood pellets as a sustainable fuel for generating electricity for the grid. A notable example is the UK’s Drax power station, one of the largest in Europe, which was converted from burning coal to using wood pellets imported from the US.

Drax power station burns 7 million tonnes of wood pellets annually to generate up to 5% of the UK’s electricity.

3. Industry

Wood pellets are being adopted as an alternative energy source for industry. Wood pellets can run industrial boilers for generating heat or electricity for industrial processes. Businesses are keen to use wood pellets because of their high burning efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and easy handling and storage of the resource. 

Why are wood pellets considered ‘green’?

The European Union is one of the primary advocates for wood pellets being a green energy solution. This is baked into the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement which states that the burning of trees to generate heat and electricity is carbon-neutral if new trees are planted to replace the trees that are used. 

Trees are considered a valuable carbon sink, and the planted forests will help remove the CO₂ generated by burning from the atmosphere.

But are wood biomass pellets really ‘green’?

The push for the widespread adoption of wood pellets as a leading fuel source is controversial. Governments who are keen to present wood pellets as a viable renewable alternative to coal and gas have highly incentivized wood pellets.

The apparent energy efficiency, low emissions, and sustainability of wood pellets make them attractive to industry stakeholders and consumers. Wood pellets also have the potential to open up new commercial opportunities based on the production and processing of the pellets. But scientists are divided on whether or not wood pellets provide a net environmental benefit. 

Burning wood pellets still produces air pollution

Though burning wood pellets does not generate the same amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur, mercury, and other unwanted emissions as coal, the pellet-burning power stations are still polluting in real-time. Even with the offset of planting new trees, burning wood pellets can still breach emissions limits and harm the health of surrounding communities.

The production of wood pellets is energy intensive

Closer examination of the production of wood pellets reveals it is an industrial process that consumes a lot of energy. Here are some of the most energy-intensive aspects of processing wood into wood pellets:

• Debarking and washing the wood (factories can also use stripped bark as an energy source)
• Drying the wood with gas dryers
• Processing hardwoods rather than pine for the pellets
• Running pellet presses 
• Pressing the pellets down to a 6 to 8 mm diameter using a 500 horsepower press

Export and transportation of wood pellets add to the CO₂ footprint

Wood pellets clock up extensive mileage after manufacturing, using road rail and sea to reach the end user. Transportation, loading, and unloading of the wood chips consume fuel and add to the CO₂ emissions across the lifetime of the pellets. 

Sea transportation has variable but noteworthy energy and CO₂ costs, especially if the pellets are being transported between continents.

The use of virgin wood is controversial

The sources of wood for pellets have included trees specifically cut down for pelleting. This is in contrast to pellets made from wood scraps or treetops, underbrush and smaller branches left over from logging. Drax has been accused of procuring logging licenses to harvest wood from environmentally important forests in British Columbia.

Wood pellets are only renewable if fast-growing trees are replanted

A critical aspect of the sustainability model for burning wood pellets is the replenishment of forestry resources by fast-growing trees. The trees are essential to offset the carbon footprint from burning the wood pellets. 

But the replacement trees used on plantations are not always fast-growing species that can quickly mature into a carbon sink. There is also the issue of privately owned forests and plantations potentially being sold off for development in future with the loss of planted trees.

Wood pellets are heavily subsidized

One of the most important considerations is that the wood pellet industry is heavily subsidized by governments in the US, UK, and EU. The favorable legislation and funding have made wood pellets able to compete with non-renewables, despite their high processing and import/export costs. 

In the EU, wood pellets are seen as a solution for meeting the Renewable Energy Directive target of 20% of energy sources used across the continent being renewable. The pellets are also seen as a cost-effective way to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, even though the pellets are not emissions-free. 

In response to the funding, a range of business interests have invested in building pellet plants and forestry resources for the wood to be used. However, the political interests in making wood pellets ‘work’ may do so at the expense of its long-term viability. 

Rounding up

As you can see, the use of wood pellets as a sustainable fuel source is controversial. Scientists have carefully modeled the sustainability case for wood pellets but many variables are involved, not least the replanting and ongoing maintenance of forestry resources. 

But, without this carefully balanced model, burning wood pellets is just as green as burning anything else. 

Biodiesel is going from strength to strength, with US domestic production climbing from 1 billion gallons in 2010 to just under 3 billion gallons by 2019, exceeding the requirements of the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard. 

To help you understand the impact that biodiesel can have as an alternative fuel, we’ve gathered key facts about biodiesel, pros and cons included, so you can evaluate if biodiesel is the future of sustainable fuel. 

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is‌ a type of diesel made from plant or animal material. In fact, any fuel that can run a diesel engine is diesel, but biodiesel is distinct because of the biomass that the fuel is derived from rather than the crude oil of conventional diesel. 

This man-made fuel is made by reacting plant and animal fats with alcohol, producing energy-rich long-chain fatty acid esters that can power an internal combustion engine or be used as heating oil. Biodiesel differs from the spent vegetable oil that may be used to run a converted diesel engine. Biodiesel is a drop-in fuel that can be used interchangeably with regular diesel. 

A brief history of biodiesel 

The transesterification process that is used to create biodiesel was discovered in 1853. This was several decades before Rudolf Diesel developed the first diesel engine in 1893. 

The first functional diesel engine was exhibited as running on peanut oil rather than the mineral oil it had been designed for, at the request of the French government. Rudolf Diesel later noted that, though using vegetable oils as an engine fuel was perceived as insignificant, the time would come when they may be as important as petroleum. 

How is biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is remarkable because of its simplicity and easy production from spent vegetable oils or rendered animal fat.

It is made in one of two ways:

1. Physical production: This involves heating waste or virgin oil until all fats present are melted, and any water present evaporates. This fuel is then filtered and blended with petroleum hydrocarbons to improve the speed of its ignition and combustion efficiency. 

2. Chemical production: Biodiesel is also made using the transesterification process. This involves heating and filtering the oil, then combining it with methanol (an organic solvent) or other alcohols and a potassium hydroxide catalyst. This produces biodiesel and glycerol. Methanol is a nasty substance that is subject to environmental controls. 

Biodiesel production is subject to quality standards to ensure that it will perform as expected if sold. A range of standards covers biodiesel production and the blends that are available commercially.  

Biodiesel blends

Biodiesel is usually available as a blend with petroleum-based diesel. The biodiesel is mixed in at varying proportions, indicated by the letter “B” and a number that is the percentage of biodiesel.

Here are the main blends: 

• B100 is pure biodiesel. 
• B20  is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum-based diesel (petrodiesel)
• B7  is 7 % biodiesel and 93% petrodiesel
• B5  is 5% biodiesel and 95% petrodiesel
• B2  is 2% biodiesel and 98% petrodiesel

The biodiesel/petrodiesel blends are created by mixing in tanks before delivery, splash mixing in tanker trucks when on the road, or inline mixing at the pump. 

These biodiesel and petrodiesel blends are standardized to be used in diesel equipment. A biodiesel blend of less than 20% can be used in diesel engines, usually without affecting vehicle manufacturer warranty coverage.

What are the pros of biodiesel?

As Rudolf Diesel suggested, biodiesel has the potential to become just as important as petroleum fuels. As concern grows over the long-term sustainability of fossil fuels, attention is turning to biodiesel as an alternative fuel with high utility. Here are some of the fascinating benefits of biodiesel:

1. Biodiesel is a renewable energy source

Biodisel comes from energy sources that do not become depleted. The vegetable oil that makes biodiesel is available as long as plants like soybeans, sunflowers or canola (rapeseed) can be grown in abundance. This means you can maintain biodiesel supply without concern for fuel scarcity, especially if used oil is used.

In contrast, the oil industry uses non-renewable crude oil to create petrodiesel. Crude oil reserves are becoming depleted, with experts suggesting that there may be as few as 47 years of oil left if consumption continues at the current rate. A transition to biodiesel reduces demands on the existing petroleum supply and prolongs its availability. 

2. Biodiesel is clean burning 

Though biodiesel is less energy-dense than petrodiesel, it burns more completely, leaving little contamination when it is consumed. The C19 and C20 hydrocarbon chains of the most common forms of biodiesel burn to produce carbon dioxide and water. Biodiesel releases up to 2.59 kg of carbon dioxide per kilo of fuel burned versus 3.17 kilos when petrodiesel burns. 

Because biodiesel comes from growing plants that use carbon dioxide to synthesize sugar, the combustion of biodiesel is “carbon-neutral,” and does not increase the net amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

3. Biodiesel has a positive energy balance 

Biodiesel is also favored because of its positive energy balance, which makes it a better fuel option than biogas, hydrogen, and ethanol. For example, soybean biodiesel releases almost 5 units of energy for every unit of fossil fuel-derived energy. 

Biodiesel production from crude glycerol also creates a net energy gain with an energy balance that is greater than 1. Each 1 million kg of biodiesel produced from glycerol yields a net energy gain of over 5000 GJ. 

4. Any country can produce biodiesel

The simplicity of ingredients and production means that biodiesel can be made anywhere in the world. It offers the promise of fuel self-sufficiency in countries that are reliant on expensive oil imports. Many tropical developing countries can cultivate peanuts for oil that efficiently converts into biodiesel for industrial processes.

In Africa, biofuel production is currently largely limited to South Africa, but many countries recognize biofuels like biodiesel can help to improve their energy security and reduce petroleum demand. For uptake to become widespread, countries require the policies and infrastructure that can take advantage of the steady growth in biofuel production. 

5. You can use biodiesel as a vehicle fuel

It’s remarkable that you can take old cooking oil, convert to biodiesel and use it like regular biodiesel in your vehicle. Diesel vehicles can use biodiesel without being specifically built or converted for this purpose.

In many places, you can fill up a vehicle with a biodiesel blend at the pump, with the most common blend being the B20 blend mentioned above. 

Biodiesel is beneficial to fuel for internal combustion engines because it has a high cetane number which reduces ignition delay and makes the engine easier to start. Biodiesel also increases the lubricity of the engine so that its moving parts do not wear as much. 

6. You can make biodiesel yourself 

Because this diesel is made with cooking oil, with the right reagents, anyone can make biodiesel. You can combine waste and virgin cooking oil with alcohol and potassium hydroxide to create biodiesel and glycerol. This may be an appealing project to individuals who aspire to be self-sufficient: 

However, the production of biodiesel is subject to quality protocols and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. Some jurisdictions may also require people who make biodiesel to declare its production or get a pollution prevention and control permit. 

7. Biodiesel reduces fuel consumption from non-renewable sources

One of the main benefits of biodiesel is that it reduces the amount of petrodiesel that is used. This takes the pressure off the fossil fuels, improving energy security and balance. Biodiesel is widely used to power buses and other public transportation like these Kyoto buses that run on soybean diesel: 

8. Waste can be transformed into biodiesel

Biodiesel provides massive scope for turning food waste into a credible fuel, known as waste-to-fuel (WtF). We can use waste materials throughout the biodiesel production process. Cooking oil, waste animal fats, and lipids derived from municipal waste are the most common source materials for conversion. 

Petrochemicals have also innovated biodiesel production processes, with use of microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, wastewater-grown microalgae feedstock and oleaginous fungi. Novel biological catalysts like calcium oxide from waste shell materials are also being explored. 

9. Biodiesel is biodegradable

An additional benefit of biodiesel is the speed of its biodegradation, which is much faster than conventional petrodiesel. All biodiesels are biodegradable, though the breakdown rate depends on the diesel’s fatty acid chains.  

The process is driven by microorganisms that the enzymes that can break down the chemical bonds in the diesel, altering its structure over time. Many biodiesels will be over 90% degraded after 30 days compared to under 25% for conventional diesel.

10. Biodiesel causes less air pollution

Vehicle engines are subject to emissions standards, irrespective of the fuel type, so biodiesel needs to have a favorable emissions profile. Biodiesel is sulfur free and releases fewer particulates into the air. Though biodiesel generates nitrogen oxide, catalytic conversion in diesel vehicles makes nitrogen emissions from biodiesel negligible. 

11. Biodiesel is safe to handle and transport  

Biodiesel is less volatile than diesel, making it easier to handle, transport and store. It has a high flash point of 130°C (266°F) more than double that of petrodiesel (52°C/ 125°F). If biodiesel spills, its biodegradability means that it causes less environmental impact if spilled. 

12. Biodiesel can have a positive economic impact

The increased adoption of biodiesel has a range of economic benefits that are available to any economy. Aside from the reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions, biodiesels, waste biomass can reduce the amount of waste heading to landfill. Biodiesel production already provides over 70,000 US jobs while reducing petroleum demand. 

The use of biodiesel blends also reduces prices at the gas station as its use does not expose countries to the volatility of the international oil markets. Blended fuel is cheaper for motorists and the fall in petroleum demand may also lead to a reduction in gas prices too. 

What are the cons of biodiesel?

Biodiesel also has disadvantages that have to be weighed against its benefits. Some downsides of biodiesel are potential barriers to its wider use. Here are the main cons of using biodiesel: 

1. Biodiesel varies in quality

One limitation of biodiesel is its wide composition and quality variation, especially if individuals make it. Multiple factors influence the quality of biodiesel including:

• The source of the base oil (virgin oil, used cooking oil, rendered animal fat).
• The fatty acids the base oil contains.
• The production method used to make biodiesel.
• How the diesel is handled and stored after production. 
• Climatic conditions in the regions where biodiesel is produced and used. 

There have been international efforts to standardize the production and quality of biodiesel. Governments, regulators, and standardization bodies have defined the physical and chemical properties of biodiesel that are suitable for vehicles and industry. 

2. Biodiesel struggles to perform in low temperatures

Biodiesel performs differently from petrodiesel in cold temperatures. The cloud point and ‌cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of biodiesel are much higher than conventional diesel which reduces the low-temperature operability and means that the fuel can solidify, forming crystals and gelling in an engine. 

For example, the cloud point of soybean biodiesel is 30°C (86°F) versus -35°C (-31°F) for conventional diesel. An additional detail is that the type of vegetable oil that makes the biodiesel impacts clouding and the CFPP by up to 5°C. 

Gelled diesel can plug the fuel filter and cause engine breakdown. A solution is to use a biodiesel blend that reduces the fuel’s CFPP and cloud point. B2 and B5 diesel blends perform well in freezing temperatures. Other strategies to prevent cold weather problems include adding anti-gelling agents to the fuel and insulating the fuel lines.

3. Biodiesel is more expensive than petrol and conventional diesel

High production costs hamper biodiesel uptake despite being made from relatively cheap vegetable oil, waste oil, and rendered fats. Many governments subsidize biodiesel, but this fuel can cost more than double wholesale petrol and diesel.

One of the big contributors to the cost of biodiesel is the use of virgin vegetable oils which are also used for food. Demand for cereals, seeds, and vegetable oil drives up the price of biodiesel, especially if yields are low. In the European Union, the mandatory blending of crop biofuels with conventional diesel contributes to high demand and costs. 

4. Biodiesel production can harm agriculture

Massive increases in biodiesel production are being achieved by using crops that would otherwise have been for human or animal consumption. Diverting these crops to fuel production means that either more land has to be used for agriculture or food costs increase. 

If agricultural land use has to expand, more fertilizer and water resources are used. The fertilizer runoff and sedimentation from farming biofuel crops increase water pollution. Land clearance for agriculture also means that deforestation may speed up, deteriorating the carbon profile of biodiesel. 

5. Biodiesel demand drives up food prices

Economic modeling suggests that increased production of biodiesel will drive up food prices as the fuel competes for crop resources with food production. Studies have shown that Biodiesel can precipitate crop price rises of up to 53%. For every billion barrels of annual oil production, crop prices are thought to increase by 2 to 3 percent. When crop prices become too high, the incidence of malnourishment in the developing world increases. 

6. Subsidized biodiesel production is creating monoculture

The large fields of corn, canola, and soybean that are cultivated for biodiesel are responsible for creating vast areas of monoculture. This intensive cultivation deteriorates soil fertility wipes out biodiversity and removes habitats for local wildlife. This short film shows the devastating impact of the cultivation of crops for biodiesel:

7. Biodiesel combustion releases nitrogen compounds

Nitric oxide and other nitrogen compounds are one of the most significant disadvantages of biodiesel use. These compounds are toxic and cause acid rain. Unfortunately, there is a fine balance between the generation of nitrogen compounds and the production of soot from burning biodiesel. 

8. Biodiesel creates high carbonyl emissions

Air quality regulations for fuels do not routinely address the carbonyl emissions of fuels, but biodiesel is a significant source of these harmful air pollutants. Burning biodiesel releases non-regulated but toxic carbonyl compounds that include: 

• Formaldehyde
• Acetone
• Acetaldehyde
• Acrolein
• Butyraldehyde
• Propionaldehyde

Biodiesel releases these substances in greater concentrations than conventional diesel. 

Conclusion

As you can see biodiesel has a lot going for it, but for true sustainability, resource management will be essential to balance the production of biodiesel with food production. 

Waste-to-fuel biodiesel initiatives show promise but they are resource intensive and require dedicated infrastructure that is expensive for many countries to establish. The ascendancy of biodiesel is certainly not slowing down, so watch this space for innovations that make this remarkable fuel even easier to adopt.

Sea wall guide: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Climate change is a serious topic in the 21st century. With its adverse effects on the environment all around the globe, it is something that demands utmost seriousness. One significant consequence of climate change is the rise in sea levels.

A rise in sea level causes an increase in waves and tides, and this necessitates the creation of sea walls to shield various shorelines. In this guide, we will explore the sea wall advantages and disadvantages, both to the sea and land.

Coastal regions are sources of attraction for various activities such as tourism, fishing, trade, and transport. For this reason, numerous coastal management strategies have been put in place to preserve these coastlines. Since sea walls are a part of the various measures taken to protect our coastline, understanding their operation, as well as their creation, is essential.

Seawalls have been in use for hundreds of years, with the earliest spanning back to as early as 195AD. These early seawalls in Constantinople (Istanbul) were used to protect their city from damaging effects of the sea.

This shows that the structures are beneficial, and that’s why they are still in use up to date. Before we explore sea wall pros and cons, let’s first define it.

What is a sea wall?

A sea wall is a manmade system that is constructed parallel to the coastline to protect the shoreline and the land that lies beyond it. The primary aim of many sea walls is to protect the shore from erosion, but they can also be used to defend human settlements and leisure areas from the negative effect of waves, tides, and tsunamis.

Human civilization has been using seawalls for millennia, with the earliest examples going back to 195AD, when these type of structures were built by Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) to protect their city from the damaging effects of the sea.

Because sea walls are solid, stationary structures, they can interfere with coastal ecosystems and block sediment exchange between the land and the sea, along with other negative impacts.

Sea wall construction

Sea walls can come in a wide range of sizes and designs. Some sea walls are completely vertical, while others are curved, sloped, or stepped on the ocean side.

These structures may be constructed from various different materials, including:

• Monolithic concrete barriers
• Bricks
• Blocks
• Rubble mound structures
• Steel sheet pile

A sea wall’s construction and materials can have a significant impact on the its performance, with different designs and textures used to meet distinct purposes. For example, while a smooth surface will reflect wave energy, irregular surfaces can disperse wave direction.

Typically, seawalls also require deep, strong foundations for stability. They may feature earth anchors to help the wall withstand pressure from the land side: these are structures buried deep into the ground and connected to the wall with rods.

Financial needs for sea wall construction

Since sea walls need to protect the shoreline from strong waves, erosion, and even tsunamis, they need to be built with robust materials with very sturdy construction. This requires precision engineering: their design and construction demands specific expertise and can be very costly.

According to one survey conducted by the City of Ft. Lauderdale, sea walls can cost between $650 and $2000 per linear foot, depending on the location and the depth of the waterway. This doesn’t include expenses such as permitting and engineering services which cost from $2000 to $5000 per job.

Costs can also vary depending on the type of sea wall and the materials used.

Factors that influence the cost of building a seawall include:

Interesting facts about sea walls

Sea walls have long been used to protect coastal cities, beaches, and shorelines. Some key facts about sea walls you probably didn’t know:

• Sea walls can have a range of uses, from preventing waves from eroding the shoreline to protecting coastal areas from flooding.

• One of the longest sea walls in the world can be found in Guyana, which spans over 280 miles, covering most of this small country’s coastline. It was built by the Dutch in 1855 after a flood almost completely destroyed Camp House colony.

• Perhaps the most dramatic demonstration of the benefits of sea walls can be found in the city of Pondicherry, India. Built in 1735 by the French and subsequently maintained by Indian authorities, this sea wall is two kilometers in length and up to 27 feet above sea level in some sections. Thanks to the wall, the city was unflooded and suffered minimal casualties during the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, where 24-foot waves hit the coast.

• Sea walls can be built at both an individual and community level. There are many examples of adhoc sea wall construction to protect communities and individual properties.

• Sea walls may be part of a larger coastal region management plan, in conjunction with other technologies such as managed realignment and beach nourishment.

So are sea walls beneficial overall, or do they add more harm than good? Let’s weigh up sea wall advantages and disadvantages.

Sea wall advantages and disadvantages

Sea walls come with a range of both benefits and drawbacks for people, animals, and the natural environment. Let’s take a closer look at pros and cons analysis of using a sea wall along the coast, starting with their main advantages.

Advantages of sea walls

Sea walls can be extremely useful when coastlines are at risk of further erosion that may cause extreme damage, as well as to protect the shoreline and inland areas from flooding. They are a long-term solution that offer the following advantages.

They prevent coastal erosion

The most notable benefit of sea walls is that they provide excellent protection against coastal erosion and flooding.

The sea wall forms a permanent, stationary barrier between the sea and the land. Unlike other approaches like soft beach nourishment, they offer a long term solution to shoreline erosion.

They can be used to generate renewable energy

Sea walls also allow us to harness the power of the tides and turn it from a destructive force into a source of renewable energy. Tidal wave energy can be used to generate clean, reliable and renewable energy, and tidal energy facilities can be easily incorporated into sea walls.

They have a small footprint

Unlike other types of coastal defense such as dykes, sea walls require very little space to build. These structures are largely vertical with a compact footprint, and so take up minimal space on the sea and land sides.

Land in most coastal regions is a highly sought-after commodity, and buying the necessary land is one of the major expenses associated with constructing coastal defense systems. The minimal footprint of sea walls helps to keep construction costs low.

They are very flexible

Sea walls can generally be expanded or upgraded easily. In the context of a changing climate, as new threats develop, sea walls can be modified to meet these new needs and address new problems.

They add value to coastal areas

Sea walls make coastlines and the areas beyond more secure, which in turn maintains land values, as well as promoting local investment. Sea wall projects can also incorporate building promenades and leisure zones, helping to promote recreation and tourism.

They last a very long time

The sea walls are extremely strong and durable, and will last for centuries as long as they are maintained properly. A sea wall in Galveston, Texas, for example, was built in 1903 and continues to protect the city from coastal erosion and flooding.

Disadvantages of sea walls

Sea walls are typically used in areas where other approaches to preventing coastal erosion are inadequate, or have already failed. In many cases, they’re build as a last resort, as they come with a number of costs, financial and otherwise.

High cost of construction and maintenance

Because they need to withstand incredible pressures and forces, sea walls can be pretty expensive to build as well as maintain.

In particular, curved sea walls are designed to reflect the waves’ energy back into the ocean, and this can take its toll. Over time, the wall itself will start to erode, and so needs to be maintained, which can be costly.

Having said this, as sea walls are a permanent solution that last for centuries, they may turn out to be the most affordable solution over the long term.

They disturb marine and coastal habitats

Building any large, permanent structure will have an impact on the natural environment. Sea walls can disrupt marine and coastal ecosystems and interfere with habitat migration.

They act as a physical barrier that blocks birds, fish, and other animals, preventing them from accessing food and other vital resources. These walls also restrict tidal flows and affect water levels, eliminating coastal rock pools or other areas that normally fill with water at high tide, and therefore destroying these habitats.

They restrict sediment flow

Another environmental impact associated with building sea walls is that they restrict sediment flows and can lead to sediment starvation in extreme cases. In simple terms, the sea side of the wall experiences rapid erosion, but the sediment isn’t replaced through hinterland erosion because the flows are blocked by the wall.

Equally, sea walls hinder natural shoreline erosion, where sediment moves along the coast, supplying beaches further along. Sea walls get in the way of this, reducing or even destroying other beaches.

If they’re too low they can lead to overtopping

Overtopping is another issue that can arise, especially if the sea wall is too low. This is when sea water flows over the wall and to the other side.

In extreme cases, this can lead to significant soil and sand erosion, weakening the wall. As sea levels rise, existing walls may need to be built up or updated to avoid overtopping.

They disrupt the natural line of the coast

Although the sea wall will prevent erosion, as soon as the wall ends, the coastline will be subject to natural conditions again. At this point, the coast will often erode, sometimes in a dramatically-stepped line.

They can restrict accessibility

Sea walls may restrict access to beaches and recreational areas, especially for disabled people or the mobility-impaired. They may also get in the way of emergency services and so could cause safety risks.

Some sea walls can also be an eyesore, threatening tourism and adversely affecting local communities.

Barriers to sea wall implementation

There are a number of challenges that can threaten sea wall construction, with cost arguably being the biggest hurdle. These projects need to materials and construction that are strong enough to stand up to strong waves and high pressure, which can be expensive.

Additionally, not all local authorities are willing to invest in the preparation that is an essential part of building a sea wall, such as engineering consultation and in-depth research around environmental impacts.

This data is often unavailable, especially in developing countries, and collecting it can be expensive, making this a hindrance to some projects.

Equally, a lack of expertise can be a significant barrier in developing countries, as well as other locations. Sea wall construction demands specialist expertise, from planning and engineering to skilled labor, which may need to be imported at significant cost.

Finally, some areas may lack the specialized machinery, raw materials, and labor needed for sea wall construction. Having to import all of this, along with skilled labor and expertise, will further add to the cost.

Final thoughts on sea wall advantages and disadvantages

Sea walls have long been used to prevent erosion and protect coastal areas from flooding. With scientists predicting sea levels will rise because of climate change, these structures may become even more vital in the future.

However, while sea walls can be beneficial in a range of ways, they also have their drawbacks, including potentially disrupting local ecosystems and harming wildlife. Whether at a individual, community, or government level, it’s important to weigh up the sea wall advantages and disadvantages before embarking on any sea wall project.

If you’ve found this article interesting, you’re sure to like our posts on improving human-environment interaction , how to reduce your environment footprint and key environmental issues in Japan.

Clean energy sources like solar can help reduce waste and better manage how we consume energy. 

However, as more and more home and business owners utilize solar panels, there are increasingly beneficial systems to utilize. Behind the meter systems are one of them, and it’s important to understand all that they entail. 

If you’re looking to fully understand all of the elements of behind the meter systems, you’re in the right place. 

What does ‘behind the meter’ mean?

To fully understand what ‘behind the meter’ means, it’s important to know what energy meters do.  

Within a solar panel system, an electric meter measures the electrical energy use of a home or business. They provide accurate billing to customers, often communicating directly with the local power company. 

Thus, ‘behind the meter’ generally refers to the position of an energy system in relation to its electricity meter. Seems simple, right? There are a few more elements of these systems to understand. 

‘Behind the meter’ refers to energy production and storage systems that supply homes and buildings with electricity. The energy that is produced and/or stored by these systems is separate from the grid and does not need to be counted by a meter before being used, so they are positioned behind the meter. 

Typically, residential and commercial solar panels are considered to be behind the meter, as well as those battery energy storage devices we defined earlier. 

Some of the most fundamental components of behind the meter systems include:

• A solar array that helps capture energy from sunlight.
• Wind turbines to help capture wind energy.
• Behind the meter storage system to store electricity from the RE components and any that is bought from the grid.
• A control system to help manage the production, storage, and delivery of electricity.

So, what do these systems accomplish? Fundamentally, behind the meter systems aim to: 

• Reduce the carbon emission and footprint of the building by generating electricity from renewable sources.
• Reduce the electricity bill costs or the amount of electricity purchased by the building.
• Take the building “off the grid” for some or all of the working day, reducing pressure on the local electric grid. 
• Provide power conditioning and uninterruptible power supply characteristics for the entire building.
• Eliminate blackouts to the building and provide uninterruptible power supply during grid failures.
• Eliminate the damaging effects of brownouts on the building.
• Allow the owner to buy electricity at the lowest possible purchase rates.

Now that we know the basics of behind the meter systems, let’s explore how they differ from front of the meter systems. 

Behind the meter vs. front of the meter

“Front of the meter” is a term you also may encounter when understanding your solar panel’s operation. 

As opposed to behind the meter, front of the meter refers to a stand-alone system that sits in front of the energy meter, and feeds power directly into the grid system.

A stand-alone system can be an independent on-site energy load, allowing the owners to sell 100 percent of the power generated directly to the utility.

So what is considered front of the meter? Essentially, anything that provides energy that must pass through an energy meter before it can be utilized. All energy generation and storage systems, as well as the power lines that distribute the energy, are considered front of meter. 

If your home or business receives energy from the electric grid, it comes from a front of meter system.

What is behind the meter storage?

Though we know that solar panels can still work in cold, snowy, or rainy weather, they are most efficient with access to unobstructed sunlight. Because of this, solar panel owners utilize some form of energy storage to capture and hold energy for later use.

Energy storage holds the energy produced during intervals of sunlight, ensuring that a household will not run out of power on days where weather is unfavorable. Many power system operators, utilities, and developers utilize different forms of energy storage. 

One example of such storage is a battery energy storage system, a device that charges or collects energy from the grid or a distributed generation system, and then discharges that energy later to provide electricity when needed. 

So, what does this have to do with behind the meter systems? 

Behind the meter energy storage is a type of unit that can store energy generated by a behind the meter generation system, such as a wind turbine, a solar PV, or Combined Heat Power (CHP) unit, and then release it when it is needed. 

Solar panel owners can utilize energy storage that is behind the meter, meaning that it is connected to the energy distribution system on the customer’s side of the utility’s service meter. 

Behind the meter systems do not sell power back to the grid, but instead use it all for the building it’s tied to. 

Behind the meter advantages and disadvantages

While there are many reasons why behind the meter systems are favorable for use in some buildings, there are a few drawbacks as well. Let’s dive into the benefits. 

• Behind the meter systems help to directly reduce the amount of energy purchased by the building, which is estimated to cut electricity bills costs by 80%.  

• Behind the meter system allows the user to access electricity from renewable energy sources, typically both wind and solar. It has the grid which acts as a backup. Owners can also access electricity from the energy stored within the battery or behind the meter storage system.

• Behind the meter smart controllers continually monitor all the energy sources as well as the load being drawn. It can help to regularly determine the amount of electricity being generated and drawn as well as the ‘state of charge’ of the storage system. Behind the meter systems then use the information to receive energy from renewable sources, supply energy directly from the storage system to the load and if necessary, and buy electricity from the grid when the grid electricity supply price is lowest.
  
  In addition, solar energy is not just tied to the load of the building, and the system owner can create an additional source of income regardless of whether the building is occupied or not. 

• In instances where any excess energy is fed back into the grid, it helps to balance power supply and demand, even as it generates additional revenue in the process. Though in some jurisdictions that have a Feed-in-Tariff, it is generally prohibited to have a single system that can both sell electricity to the grid and also use it internally.

Though behind the meter systems have a lot to offer, there are a few drawbacks that are important to know. Excluding backup generators, behind the meter systems have a single source of energy: the electric grid. 

Since the building is limited to a single source, it poses several disadvantages. The owner must accept:

• Whatever price structure is imposed by their jurisdiction.
• Whatever brownouts are happening in the location.
• Whatever blackouts that location experiences.
• Random and damaging power ‘spikes’ that can affect or even destroy electronics.

What are ‘behind the meter’ energy systems?

There are a few common types of behind the meter energy systems to be aware of: microgrids, on-site generation, and on-site energy storage. 

Microgrids

Microgrids are small grids that can run independently of the national electricity grid and are used to power a small number of buildings. They typically consist of generation, a transmission system, and sometimes battery storage.

Microgrids can be powered by distributed generators, batteries, and/or renewable energy sources like solar panels. A microgrid is beneficial to communities for a few reasons.

Namely, a microgrid can provide backup support for the national grid in case of emergencies. It can also be used to cut costs, use less, or adopt more sustainable energy sources.

On-site generation

On-site generation refers to any energy generation on your property which can be used on the premises, including home solar panels or small wind turbines. 

It is a form of decentralized energy, enabling a home or business to make and use its own energy at a particular location, rather than buying that energy through the grid. In some cases, a business may be able to sell any surplus energy it makes back to the grid. 

Examples of on-site generation include solar panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators and other traditional equipment fired by fossil fuels.

On-site energy storage

On-site energy storage refers to energy stored in a battery that goes directly from the battery to the home or building.

These resources can serve as both consuming power while charging, and electrical generation by releasing power while discharging. Energy storage comes in a variety of forms, including mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical (or batteries).

Energy storage systems typically contain these components: storage technology, power conversion (to convert the form of the incoming and outgoing energy), heat management, and software and controls. 

Behind the meter: final thoughts

All in all, behind the meter is a technology that can significantly change the future of power generation across different industries. Energy costs make up a significant part of the household and national expenditure and, taking systems behind the meter could bring considerable benefits.

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The best marine solar panels for your boat

Thanks to advances in solar technology, there’s now a dizzying array of solar panels available on the market in various forms. However, some are better suited to marine conditions than others: the following products are your best bet to install on your boat.

1. Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit

For a truly powerful solar system, look to this 400-watt solution from Renogy. This comprehensive kit includes four 100-watt solar panels, a 40-amp MPPT charge controller, module fuse, mounting brackets and an adapter kit.

Combined, the panels output up to a total of 2.5kWh of electricity per day (provided there’s enough sun), to power most boat engines with power to spare for appliances.

The high-quality panels have a bypass diode that bypasses cells that are performing poorly because they’re in the shade, to minimize power drops when the solar panel is in partial shade, and therefore delivering strong performance in a low-light environment.

However, you will need enough space on your boat to accommodate four 40 x 21 inch panels, which will probably only fit on a larger vessel. Online reviewers also complain that the kit doesn’t come with detailed assembly instructions, so you may struggle to put everything together, especially if you’re a beginner.

What we like:

• Powerful: The total system delivers 400 watts of power output, or 2.5kWh of electricity, in optimum conditions.
• Bypass diode: Which maximizes the solar panel’s performance by bypassing cells that are in the shade, allowing the panel to perform well in low light.
• Powerful: This kit will produce a total of 400 watts, so is great for charging larger boat batteries or running a number of appliances onboard.
• Solid and durable: The panels have multi-layered sheet laminations and come in a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, so will stand up to different conditions without damage, so you can be confident they’ll stay in good condition wherever you take your boat.

What we don’t like:

• Instructions not very extensive: The kit doesn’t come with an extensive manual to help you put everything together, so you might struggle if you’re not particularly handy.

Despite the lack of clear instructions, overall this is a well-made, powerful solar kit. If you need lots of power and have the space for four solar panels, this could be the best choice for you.

2. Newpowa 20W Monocrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel

This panel is a good choice if you have limited space and don’t need too much power for your boat. Each panel has only 20 watts of output, but is very compact: in fact, the new design is highly-efficient, allowing it to be even smaller than previous models, at just 13.6 x 14.2 inches.

With such small dimensions, you may be able to install several panels on an irregular boat roof or in other tricky spots. However, keep in mind that even with a few of these panels, you probably won’t have enough power to run your boat battery.

Newpowa’s 20-watt solar panel is built to last. It comes with a two-year workmanship warranty, and an output warranty that guarantees 90% power for 10 years, and 80% for 25 years.

The panel is slim, but with sturdy aluminum frames around the panel and between each cell, so it’s designed to stand up to harsh conditions, including winds up to 2400Pa and hail and snow loads of 5400Pa. Therefore, you’ll be able to take this panel on your boat through all kinds of weathers without it being damaged.

What we like:

• Compact: At just 13.6 x 14.2 inches, this small panel will fit in all kinds of tight spots, making it easier to find a mounting location on your boat.
• Good workmanship: The panel is well-made, backed up with a generous warranty, meaning you can feel confident that on the slight chance of any faults or issues, they’ll be resolved by the manufacturer.
• Durable: The Newpowa panel has a sturdy aluminum frames between each cell, and can stand up to high winds, hail, and snow, which is obviously very important for solar panels for boats

What we don’t like:

• Low power output: This panel has a relatively-low 20-watt power output, which isn’t great because it will only supply enough energy to run one or two appliances part time.

Small, slim and durable, this high-quality solar panel is perfect if you have low power needs on your boat, or as part of a larger solar system.

3. ACOPOWER 35W Polycrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel

Specifically designed for boats, this small polycrystalline solar panel provides 35 watts of power. It’s highly efficient with a conversion rate up to 19.1%, so you’ll get the maximum amount of power output in return for the precious space on your boat.

Suitable for all climates and conditions, the silicon cells have a protective coating and come in a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. It’s rated for high winds to 2400Pa, snow loads to 5400Pa, temperatures between -40 and 176 degrees F, and up to 100% humidity.

We also love that this panel is easy to install, coming with four pre-drilled holes, junction box and a three-foot solar cable. It’s compatible with a range of mounting systems, including Z-brackets, pole mounts, and tilt mounts, making it easy to place virtually anywhere on your boat, from the roof to the stern.

What we like:

• Suitable for all weathers: The panel is rated for extreme cold and hot temperatures, as well as high humidity, winds, and snow loads, which is good because boat solar panels may be exposed to all of these conditions.
• Easy to install: It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation, as well as being suitable for various mounting systems, so can be mounted in varying locations on your boat’s roof.
• Highly-efficient: This panel has an impressive maximum conversion rate of 19.1% so will perform well in low-light environments, meaning you’ll still have power on overcast days.

What we don’t like:

• Inconsistent quality control: Some reviewers mention issues with parts and accessories failing or breaking, though many also mention the manufacturer quickly resolved the problem. However, it’s worth remembering the affordable price of this panel – so if the quality issue is a big concern, better to opt for something more premium. 

Some online reviews mention issues with some parts breaking during install. However, with a five-year workshop warranty, a 20-year power output warranty, and lifetime technical support, you can feel confident that, on the slight chance that you do experience any issues, they’ll be resolved easily. 

Despite even this, the Acopower is worth your attention because of its affordable price and easy, out-of-the-box design that’s easy to install right out of the box.

4. Newpowa 160W Monocrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel

For significantly more power, consider this 160-watt panel from Newpowa. The panel does involve a higher investment than small panels, but you’ll be able to charge your boat battery and perhaps even run some appliances with the power this product delivers.

The panel is made of top quality, high-performance polycrystalline cells fitted with an aluminum frame, making it efficient but durable. It uses 9 busbars (9BB) technology which converts light more efficiently while lasting longer.

It’s also easy to install, coming with diodes pre-installed in the junction box, as well as two pre-attached 3-foot MC4 cables, so all you need to do is mount the panel and you’re good to go! The well-made panel comes with a 10-year 90% power output warranty, 25-year 80% output warranty, and two-year limited material and workmanship warranty.

What we like:

• Highly efficient: This panel’s use of 9BB technology makes it more efficient and longer lasting than many other panels.
• Easy installation: With pre-installed diodes and pre-attached cables, this panel is a piece of cake to install, so it’s a great option for those who aren’t experienced with this type of thing.
• Long life: The panel is made with advanced 9BB technology that is efficient and long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace your panel for years to come.

What we don’t like:

• Expensive: You’ll pay more for the extra power, so it’s important to be sure that a smaller panel won’t suffice.

This powerful and efficient Newpowa panel is built to last, evidenced by the generous manufacturer’s warranty, making it an excellent boat solar panel.

5. Nature Power 120W Portable Sailboat Solar Panel

This portable solar panel from Nature Power can be set up and used anywhere, so is a great solution if you don’t have space on your boat to install a permanent panel. Equally, this can be a good option if you only want to use it on a boat occasionally, and also use it when camping, trekking, or at home during emergencies.

The compact, foldable panel can be set up anywhere there’s sun, and then easily stored or transported after use. The panel folds out to 67.2 x 24.8 x 3 inches, and then can fold up into the size of a slim suitcase with an easy-carry handle.

Thanks to its high-efficiency, monocrystalline cells, this small panel can produce up to 120 watts and 6.67 amps of output. It also comes with a charge controller to help you efficiently charge your battery, and a built-in diode to avoid discharging.

Although the panel itself is well-made and robust, some online users complain that the clips and stand are less durable, with some reporting breakages.

What we like:

• Portable: The panel can be folded up and easily transported, thanks to its easy-carry handle. This is great because you can use it on your boat when needed, then for other uses, such as for camping or emergencies.
• Highly efficient: Thanks to its advanced monocrystalline cells, this panel delivers 120 watts despite its small size and slim design.
• No need to install: Simply set up the panel on your deck when you need some power, and then fold it away, so a great option if you don’t want to fuss with installation or don’t have space on your boat to put it up permanently.

What we don’t like:

• Low-quality accessories: Some online reviews mention the poor quality of the panel’s accessories such as the clips and stand.

Overall, this portable solar panel is a great choice if you’re unable to mount a panel on your boat, or want the freedom to use it in different locations.

6. Nature Power 165W Sailboat Solar Panel

This monocrystalline solar panel is powerful, durable, and efficient. The modular design, robust aluminum frames, and scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating means the panel will stand up to all weather conditions, making it perfect for your boat.

This panel is sold on its own, but the brand also offers an 8-amp solar charge controller that you can use with any 12-volt battery to build your own boat solar kit. The panel itself comes with a built-in diode, as well as “plug and play” connections that are easy to install.

What we like:

• Monocrystalline: The monocrystalline cells make this solar panel very efficient, giving you a powerful output of 165 watts with just one panel.
• Robust: The panel is built to withstand all conditions, with a strong aluminum frame and scratch-resistant coating.
• Easy to install: The panel comes with simple, “plug and play” connections, making it a breeze to install, so is perfect for beginners.

What we don’t like:

• High cost: Because of its premium construction and features, this is not the most affordable solar panel on the market.

This panel is relatively expensive, and there are more affordable options available, but you get a high-quality, well-made panel in return for your investment. Furthermore, it comes with a 25-year power generation warranty, so you can be confident that you’re unlikely to encounter any major issues for years, and if you do, they’ll be resolved.

7. Topsolar 100W 12V Solar Panel Kit

This complete solar kit contains one 100-watt solar panel, intelligent charge controller, v-shaped tilt bracket, as well as two 16-foot and two five-foot cables with MC4 and O-ring terminals, making it easy to install and connect.

This set is designed for off-grid, outdoor use such as on boats, RVs, cabins, and yards, and suitable for charging car and boat batteries. The panel is highly durable, thanks to its corrosion-proof aluminum frame and tempered glass coating, so will cope with whatever conditions you throw at it.

The high-efficiency monocrystalline PV cells deliver 100 watts of power in a relatively compact 46.5 x 21.8 inch panel that’s just 1.37-inch thick. The adjustable mounting bracket can tilt to capture the maximum amount of direct sunlight, helping you get the maximum amount of power for your boat.

What we like:

• Complete kit: With a 100-watt panel, charge controller, bracket, and cables, you have everything you need to set up and install your marine solar system.
• Tilted mounting bracket: Meaning you can tilt the panel to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.
• Versatile: The kit comes with two 16-foot and an additional two five-foot cables featuring both O-ring and MC4 terminals, meaning you can connect it to different types of equipment and in various locations.

What we don’t like:

• Problematic controller: Online reviewers complain about performance issues with the charge controller.

The most common complaint about this set is that the controller is low-quality, though the panel itself works very well. However, overall this is a good set for any boat with medium power needs.

8. 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit w/ MPPT Charge Controller

This kit comes with two 100-watt poly/mono-crystalline solar panels, a 40-amp MPPT charge controller, Z-brackets for mounting the solar panel, an adapter kit, and connector cables. However, it should be noted that the kit lacks a few important accessories, such as fuses, so you’ll need to buy these separately.

Although these two 100-watt solar panel can supply up to 800Wh power output a day if there’s enough sun, they have a small footprint. This makes the kit ideal for boats, as you can install them in small and compact spaces, like the roof of your sailboat.

The solar panels are also highly-efficient, with 22% solar cell efficiency, significantly higher than many comparable products. With a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, the panels will also stand up to all weathers, including winds of up to 2400Pa and snow loads of 5400Pa.

This means you can be confident they’ll last for decades no matter what kind of conditions your boat faces over the years!

What we like:

• Maximum power for the footprint: The solar panels are highly-efficient, giving you the maximum amount of energy without taking up too much space.
• Corrosion-resistant frame: The aluminum frame is resistant to corrosion, so will keep its form in salt water and harsh weather.
• Charge controller included: The kit comes with an MPPT charge controller, adaptor, cables, and mounting brackets, so you won’t need to invest in extra equipment and can get started straight away!

What we don’t like:

• Some accessories not included: Although this is sold as a complete kit, it lacks a few important bits and pieces, so you’ll need to be prepared to avoid disappointment when trying to install your panels.

Overall, this is a good medium-sized kit that delivers a reasonable amount of power with the minimum footprint.

Why buy a boat solar panel?

Most boats require a lot of electricity, from powering navigation lights and radio systems to maintaining autopilot and, most of all, the boat battery. If you use your boat for longer trips, you’ll probably also need electricity for appliances like fridges, heaters, and even a TV.

Traditionally, many boats used gasoline or diesel generators to supply this power, but relying on solar energy instead has a number of advantages. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but the sun will always shine (even if it’s not full sun), so you’ll have a continuous supply of energy and won’t need to worry about running out of fuel.

Furthermore, unlike noisy, smelly generators, solar systems are quiet, odorless, and don’t create excess heat, so won’t make your boat unpleasantly warm in summer. Once you’ve made the initial investment, solar panels are cheap to run, as you don’t need to pay for fuel – after all, sunshine is free!

What to consider when buying boat solar panels

There are many different types of solar panels, just as boats can come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, it’s important to consider the various features offered by different panels in order to choose the right model for your boat.

Here are the key things to keep in mind when shopping for boat solar panels.

Panel output and efficiency

The first thing to consider when buying a solar panel for your boat is how much power it will produce, and whether this will be sufficient to meet your needs. You need to consider what you want to use the panel for: for example, do you just want to run a couple of onboard appliances, or are you looking to power your boat’s battery as well?

Once you’ve determined this, calculate how much power you’ll need (more on how to do that below), and this will give you an indication of the power output you should look for when buying your panel.

Durability

It’s important to get a robust panel that will stand up to all kinds of weathers and conditions without getting damaged.

The most durable panels come with a sturdy metal frame, often made of aluminum to keep weight to a minimum.

Waterproofing

Obviously, the ability to stand up to water is essential for any marine solar panel. Most good-quality solar panels for any purpose are highly resistant to water, as they’re designed to be placed outdoors in the rain.

Even still, it’s important to check that waterproof level of any solar panel before buying it for your boat. Specifically, look for a panel with a IP67 rating, as this indicates that the panel is highly resistant to water damage.

Weight and flexibility

Another important factor to consider is weight. You usually have two options when installing a solar panel on a boat: on the roof or on the stern, usually supported with some kind of bracket or scaffolding.

As neither boat roofs nor brackets are typically designed to support a lot of weight, it’s important to buy panels that are light. With limited space and low clearance, it can also be a good idea to look for thin panels that are not much more than an inch thick.

As most boats have curved roofs, a flexible solar panel can often be the way to go. These kinds of panels are not rigid, but can bend to fit irregular surfaces.

However, flexible solar panels tend to be less efficient and generally don’t last as long as rigid ones, so you’ll need to weigh up these factors to make the right choice for you.

Ease of installation

When buying a solar panel for any purpose, how easy it is to install is a key consideration, unless you’re planning to hire an expert to handle this for you. This is even more critical when buying a marine solar panel, as installing the equipment is more difficult than ever on a boat that may be moving and swaying with the waves.

Pay attention to how the panel is installed: flexible solar panels can often be simply attached with an adhesive, though you’ll need to make sure the glue is suitable for marine applications. Rigid solar panels can be more difficult to put up, though some come with grommets and pre-drilled holes that make things easier.

Reading user reviews on sites like Amazon will usually give you a pretty good idea of whether the panel is tricky or pretty straightforward to install.

Questions to ask yourself before buying t solar panel for your boat

The right solar panel for you will depend on a range of factors, from the size of your boat to your power needs. Understanding these key factors will help you to make the right decision and buy the perfect marine solar panel for you.

What size solar panel do you need?

You’ll need to work out how much energy you need to determine the right size solar panel to buy. You can calculate this by adding up the typical amp hours and volts used by all of the appliances on your boat – the average amp hours are usually printed on the label or elsewhere on the appliance.

For a more accurate measurement, use a battery monitor to get a reading of the amp hours your boat uses. Monitor your usage over several days while you’re on the boat (the more the better) and divide the total figure by the number of days to get your average amp hour usage per day.

How big is your boat’s battery?

You’ll also have to consider the size of your boat’s battery. Other than the power you use in the hours of peak sunlight in the middle of the day, you’ll only be able use as much energy as you can store.

Also keep in mind whether you want to be able to charge your boat’s battery with solar or run your boat on gas and use the solar panel for appliances only.

Most boats have a 12-volt battery, which needs around 350 watts of power to charge. However, larger vessels can have a larger battery, which means you’ll need more panels.

Do you have enough space for a solar panel?

Once you’ve determined the ideal solar panel size for your boat and your needs, you also need to work out how much space you have to accommodate the panel. Assess your boat for suitable locations, keeping in mind that you need to install your panels somewhere that gets plenty of sun.

You can either mount your boat solar panel on the roof or on the stern, using a bracket or similar.

If you want to mount the panel on the roof, you don’t necessarily need a completely flat spot: flexible solar panels can be installed on curved surfaces, with the added bonus that they’re lightweight so can be put on boat roofs that can support too much weight. Likewise, high-efficiency panels that offer the same amount of energy with a smaller footprint, like the ACOPOWER 35W Polycrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel can be a good solution for smaller boat roofs.

If your boat really doesn’t have any suitable spots to mount a solar panel, a backup solution would be to use portable solar panels that you could set up on your deck or a similar space.

Do you need a charge controller?

When setting up a solar system for your boat, you also need to decide whether you want to include a charge controller. Some of the kits above come with a solar charge controller included, like the Topsolar 100W 12V Solar Panel Kit, but you can also buy solar panels on their own.

Charge controllers regulate the amount of energy that flows from the solar panel to the battery, helping to ensure that it doesn’t get overcharged or overloaded. This is important, because either of these things can damage the battery and shorten its life.

For this reason, although a solar charge controller is not strictly necessary when installing solar panels on your boat, it can be a very good idea in order to protect your battery and make sure your boat uses the right amount of energy for its needs.

Wrapping up

A boat solar panel is the ultimate solution for self-sufficiency, allowing you to run your boat on the energy of the sun. You won’t need to worry about running out of fuel, and having to go back to shore.

Not to mention that by using this clean, renewable energy will help you to reduce your carbon footprint and be kinder to the environment.

If you’ve found this guide to the best solar panels helpful, you’re sure to enjoy our posts on the best portable solar panels for camping, flexible solar panels and solar power output.

What is hydroelectric power?

Hydropower is any kind of usable energy that comes from water, which can be from a variety of sources, including turbines and dams. This is one of the most widely-used sources of renewable energy for electricity generation, and has been for years.

We most often see hydropower generated from reservoirs and dams, but it can also come from run-of-river, wave, and tidal power systems. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus mostly on hydroelectric facilities rather than wave and tidal power, but all of these systems can be used to create consumable electricity to power homes and businesses.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common forms of hydroelectric power generation.

1. Conventional hydroelectric dams

A hydroelectric dam is the image most people have in mind when they think about hydropower, for good reason. This has long been the most common type of energy generation from water, with famous examples including the Hoover Dam.

Conventional hydroelectric dams have a large reservoir of water, which is why they’re often called storage or impoundment systems. Water pressure builds up behind the dam, and is designed to be released or held when needed to generate electricity, manage flow and water levels, or help with fish passage.

When the dam releases water from the reservoir, it flows through a turbine, making it turn, and as it does it activates a generator which produces electricity.

2. Pumped storage

Pumped storage hydropower, or PSH, functions rather like a battery for other power sources, such as solar, wind, or nuclear. The PSH system stores the energy generated from these other power sources, by pumping the water from a reservoir to another one at a higher elevation.

This energy can then be released when needed by letting the water flow back to the lower reservoir and turning a turbine as it does, generating electricity. This form of hydropower is most useful when used to fill the gaps during times of high demand.

3. Run-of-the-river

Run-of-the-river, also known as diversion facilities rely on a consistent supply of water coming from a lake, river, or reservoir. The system diverts a part of the water flow and sends it through a canal or penstock, taking advantage of the natural slope and flow of the river to turn a turbine and generate electricity.

This kind of system may or may not incorporate a dam, but the water flow is always regulated through a system of gates, valves, and turbines.

4. Tidal energy

Tidal energy, tide energy, or wave energy, relies solely on the rise and fall of the tide in the ocean. This is a clean, renewable form of energy, but can only be harvested in very specific locations, so is not viable for all countries and states.

Read more about tidal wave energy in our featured post.

Despite being driven by water, hydroelectric power plants actually produce electricity in a very similar way to coal power plants, making knowledge and technology easily transferable.

Both types of facilities rely on propeller-based turbines to generate power. While in hydroelectric plants the turbines are turned by water, steam turns the turbines in a coal power plant.

Pros of hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power is a truly renewable type of energy, which doesn’t rely on a consumable feedstock, unlike biomass. This is just one of the advantages of using it to generate electricity, which we’ll look at next.

1. It’s a clean, renewable source of energy

Hydropower is a cleaner, renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Much of the world still relies on coal and natural gas to power their homes, but these sources of energy won’t last forever, with scientists predicting known reserves of both will run out this century at our current rate of use.

Water, on the other hand, is a renewable source of energy: as long as it continues to flow, we’ll be able to use it to generate energy, without using up the water itself.

Furthermore, fossil fuels generate greenhouse gas emissions as well as other forms of pollution. It should be acknowledged that hydroelectric facilities usually involve fossil fuels and other environmental impacts to build, but once constructed, they don’t cause water or air pollution.

2. Low installation and operating costs

Despite a significant initial investment, hydroelectric power is one of the lowest-cost types of renewable energy over the long term.

After building the infrastructure, very little maintenance is needed over time and running costs are much more affordable than other types of electricity generation. The return on the investment lasts for a long time, with hydroelectric dams and power plants easily lasting more than a century.

Furthermore, hydropower technology is continuously being developed and advanced, becoming ever more efficient and cost-effective.

3. It uses simple, understandable technology

Another advantage of hydroelectric systems is that as well as being affordable to run, they’re also relatively simple. For this reason, facilities are being built and successfully run in countries all over the world.

Furthermore, because hydropower plants operate in a very similar way to coal power plants, as coal is phased out, it will be relatively easy for workers to transition to the hydro industry.

4. It’s flexible

Hydro energy can easily be turned on and off to meet demand or as river flows change, with a limited operating expense. It’s also possible to shut off the system without affecting its overall performance.

Equally, hydroelectric power facilities can be ramped up very quickly once flows are at peak levels or to supplement other sources of energy and typically have high capacities.

5. It can be used with other renewables

Hydroelectric is also ideal for pairing with other forms of renewable energy. Because most hydropower facilities incorporate reservoirs that store large bodies of water, they can provide a stable source of energy to supplement less reliable renewables such as wind or solar.

Furthermore, most hydroelectric facilities are designed to gear up from zero to maximum power output virtually instantly, unlike many other types of electricity generation. Therefore, they can immediately feed power into the grid when required and cover power disruptions or outtages.

In other words, hydropower can fill in the gaps when the sun doesn’t shine or there isn’t enough wind to generate enough power. This helps to address one of the most common concerns around renewable energy.

6. It’s made in the USA

Many types of electricity generation technology, both renewable and non-renewable, come from overseas. However, hydroelectric power is made entirely in the USA, supporting local jobs, particularly in rural communities, and minimizing the emissions associated with transporting the tools and infrastructure.

Currently, the hydropower industry in the USA employs more than 66,000 people and the growing industry is predicted to expand to 120,000 jobs by 2030, not only in direct hydroelectric generation, but also manufacturing, construction, transportation, water management, environmental science, and professional services.

Furthermore, the water itself comes from domestic sources, so every state can generate its own power that doesn’t rely on international sources of fuel.

7. Hydropower facilities support other uses

Hydropower facilities can serve multiple purposes: not only can they harvest the power of water and convert into energy, but they can also supply water for irrigation. With water shortages and drought on the rise in many areas, this can be a very useful way to supply vital water to crops or drinking water to local towns.

In some cases, hydropower systems can assist with flood control, and so play a vital role in protecting humans and animals alike.

Hydropower reservoirs can also provide recreational opportunities to local communities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. In fact, local authorities usually require hydroelectric companies to allow the public to access and enjoy the reservoir.

Cons of hydroelectric power

Despite its benefits, hydroelectric power also has its downsides. It’s important to be aware of these considerations when balancing the advantages of this kind of renewable energy.

1. It can have negative environmental impacts

While hydropower is a generally clean, renewable source of energy, this doesn’t mean it’s always good for the environment.

Most hydroelectric facilities rely on storage hydropower or pumped storage hydropower systems, that is, reservoirs made by dykes or dams. These are formed by disrupting natural river systems that can disturb wildlife, destroy habitats, and threaten water quality.

However, there are other forms of hydropower that have a lower environmental impact, notably run-of-river, wave, and tidal power systems, though these are currently the minority of hydroelectric plants.

2. It can impact on people too

Damming rivers and creating reservoirs can have negative impacts not only on wildlife and their habitats, but also humans. People may be forced to leave their homes to make way for hydroelectric systems, and this most commonly affects rural and indigenous communities.

Despite the compensation usually offered, this can have incredible impacts on not only the individuals involved, but also local cultures going back generations.

In some countries, people may even be forced to move under threat of violence. In 1982, 444 Mayans, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed because they refused to move to make way for the Chixoy dam.

Furthermore, it’s not just the communities who live in projected reservoir areas that can be disrupted. Hydroelectric facilities can increase the risk of flooding downstream, potentially putting people living in these areas at risk.

3. Large upfront investment

Although being cheap to run once established, building a hydropower plant is a huge, costly project. Establishing a hydroelectricity facility involves not only building power-generating turbines and their associated power plant, but also other infrastructure such as a dam and reservoir in the case of storage hydropower.

Furthermore, the cost of building such facilities is only set to increase in the future as suitable sites are used and therefore becoming more scarce.

4. Risk of large-scale failure

All dams involve risks such as construction accidents, dam failure, and flooding. Storage hydropower facilities can have huge volumes of water in their reservoirs, which could cause devastating destruction if things go wrong.

At least 96 people died as part of building the Hoover Dam, and when the China’s Banqiao Reservoir Dam was destroyed in a typhoon in 1975, it failed causing the deaths of more than 150,000 people.

Although modern dams are built to much higher safety standards and well-maintained to make them as safe as possible, some risks still remain.

5. Water is becoming increasingly scarce

Although water is a renewable resource, there are concerns over its supply. Globally, we’re seeing a downturn in the amount of water available.

If rainfall drops enough and droughts become severe, low water flows could make hydroelectric facilities less efficient and could even stop being viable entirely.

Furthermore, running a hydroelectric facility usually involves some degree of water loss. Although this is a very small proportion of the overall water used, it’s important to consider this loss given the global water crisis.

6. There are limited sites for storage hydroelectric facilities

While water is largely unlimited, there is a limit on the locations suitable for hydroelectric facilities, or more specifically, storage hydro plants with reservoir dams. Hydroelectric dams have very specific requirements and can only be built on certain sites.

It’s important to find a location that can not only support a hydroelectric dam, but will also turn enough profit to justify the investment to build the facility.

Final thoughts

The pros and cons of hydroelectric power paint a complex picture. This is a clean, renewable, and largely environmentally-friendly way to generate electricity, but it can also have negative impacts on people and the planet.

As we look to move away from non-renewable, polluting, and dangerous fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, it’s important to take a considered view of the alternatives. By acknowledging the drawbacks and managing the risks associated with hydropower, we can come up with the best solutions for the future.

Hydropower facilities from an investment standpoint as they are straightforward, proven and relatively predictable. Perhaps the answer lies in using hydroelectric power plants in coordination with other renewables like wind and solar.

Learn more about the future of renewable energy with our guides to solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Or check out our post about the pros and cons of sea wall.