There are many energy innovations for homes that can help to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and promote the use of renewable energy. Some examples include:
- Smart home technology: Smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet, which can help to reduce energy usage and costs.
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): BIPV systems integrate solar panels into the building envelope, such as the roof or walls, to generate electricity and provide shading.
- Microgrids: Microgrids are small-scale energy systems that can supply electricity to a group of homes or buildings. They can be connected to the grid or operate independently, and often include a combination of renewable energy sources and energy storage.
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging: EV charging stations can be installed in a home to charge electric vehicles, which can also provide a source of backup power during outages.
- Battery storage: Home battery storage systems, such as Tesla Powerwall, allow homeowners to store excess energy generated by renewable energy systems and use it later, reducing the need to purchase power from the grid.
- Insulation and air sealing : A well insulated home not only keeps the home warm in the winter, but also keeps it cool in the summer. With proper sealing, the house can be closed off from the outside environment, reducing the need for heating and cooling, hence saving energy.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is a software that lets architects, engineers, and builders model a building’s performance and understand the effects of different design choices on energy use, helping to create highly efficient, comfortable and energy saving buildings.