This choice has become more and more feasible as new technologies, materials, and research continue to make wind and solar components both more affordable and reliable. Alternative energy sources, especially renewable ones, are becoming increasingly attractive with the current fossil fuel crisis. With the proper preparation and implementation, these systems can provide solar and wind power for residential homes and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

The first step would be to determine which alternative source of energy would be the most accessible in your location. For locations with high insolation or exposure to the sun, a system of photovoltaic cells and batteries might work best and provide the most cost-efficient alternative energy. On the other hand, locations with high average wind speeds and little to no obstructions would obviously benefit also from installing wind turbines. When considering systems for providing solar and wind power for residential homes, location is a very important factor.

There are different collectors for solar and wind energy systems. Solar energy systems rely on photovoltaic cells, which uses energy from sunlight to produce electricity from special materials. Their effectiveness is based on how much surface area they cover, so designs should take this into account. Wind energy systems, on the other hand, rely on wind turbines that turn when the wind blows and convert their rotation into electricity. This means that it is the number of turbines and their height and positioning that are important factors determining their effectiveness. Solar and wind systems for residential homes become much more reliable when these collectors are optimally positioned and configured.

Solar and wind systems may of course be used in conjunction. How much each particular source is tapped will depend on the location's characteristics. Some homeowners might choose to go for a purely solar setup, while others may use only wind, while others still use a little of both. With the many vendors for either solar or wind energy system components, interested buyers will have lots of information at hand to make a decision. In any case, using solar and wind power for residential homes will often prove to be not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-effective in the long run.