Residential Renewable Energy CESA 0199

The rising utility rates, economy and growing concerns about carbon emissions are causing more homeowners to consider alternative and renewable energy resources to power their homes. For home owners who have already considered energy efficiency and have good insulation and efficient windows and doors, alternative and renewable energy may be the next logical step. This course discusses conventional and non-conventional energy resources, understanding fuel switching and changing to passive systems. The example of renewable energy sources discussed in this course include: Solar energy (thermal, photovoltaic), wind power (water pumping and electrical generation), hydro power (electrical generation), geothermal energy (heat and electrical generation), biomass (heat and fuel) and hydrogen (transportation).As part of this course, the rational and drivers for using renewable energy to produce energy in residential buildings will be addressed .An introduction to components of and the advantages and disadvantages of various renewable energy sources and their technologies in residential applications will be also discussed. Along with the factors that homeowners should take into account for each of these energy resources when considering them for residential applications; tips and suggestions for effective renewable energy retrofit project management will be provided. The important market trends and solutions as well as financial approaches in the renewable energy industry are introduced.