
Examples of Home Renewable Energy Scenarios

Set Your Focus: Sample Ways to Benefit
From Renewable Energy at Home

Each of these ways to benefit represents a journey point that can help structure your knowledge path and early priorities for site navigation.


Scenario 1: Investigating Solar Power Feasibility
Summary: Consumers at the beginning of their renewable energy journey who want to understand if solar is right for their home.
Overview: ​
​
• Initial assessment of home's solar potential (roof orientation, shading, location)
• Understanding basic solar economics (costs, incentives, payback periods)
• Comparison tools for utility bills vs. solar investment
• Property value impact estimates
• Basic solar technology education
• Local regulations and HOA considerations
• Credits, deductions, and incentives (three levels)
• Preliminary ROI calculations
• Solar readiness assessment checklist
• Finding and vetting local solar professionals
Scenario 2: Implementing Solar Power
Summary: Consumers ready to move forward with solar installation seeking detailed guidance on the implementation process.
Overview:
​
• Detailed system sizing guidelines
• Equipment selection guidance (panels, inverters, mounting)
• Contractor selection frameworks and interview questions
• Permit and interconnection process walkthrough
• Financing options comparison
• Installation timeline expectations
• Post-installation monitoring setup
• Maintenance schedules and requirements
• Performance optimization techniques
• Tax credit and incentive application guides
• ROI tracking tools
Scenario 3: Implementing Solar and Wind Power
Summary: Consumers interested in hybrid renewable systems for increased energy independence and optimization.
Overview:
​
• Complementary benefits of solar and wind systems
• Small-scale residential wind feasibility assessment
• Hybrid system sizing and integration
• Wind turbine options for residential settings
• Zoning and permitting for residential wind
• Noise and aesthetic considerations
• Combined production forecasting
• Load balancing between technologies
• Seasonal performance expectations
• Maintenance considerations for hybrid systems
• Cost-benefit analysis of adding wind to solar
Scenario 4: Renewable Energy with Battery Storage
Summary: Consumers seeking energy resilience and maximized self-consumption through battery integration.
Oveview:
• Battery technology comparison (lithium-ion, lead-acid, flow, etc.)
• Sizing battery storage for different needs (backup vs. self-consumption)
•I ntegration with existing solar/wind systems
• Time-of-use rate optimization strategies
• Backup power configuration options
• Battery economics and ROI considerations
• Future-proofing and expandability
• Battery management system options
• Lifecycle considerations and replacement planning
• Safety and installation requirements
• Virtual power plant participation opportunities
• Partner with a backup fuel generator
Scenario 5: Comprehensive System with Geothermal Heating
Summary: Consumers pursuing comprehensive energy solutions including heating and cooling through geothermal integration.
Overview:​
​
• Geothermal heat pump fundamentals
• Site assessment for geothermal suitability
• Integration with solar/wind/battery systems
• Full-home energy footprint analysis
• Seasonal energy flow management
• Replacing fossil fuel heating systems
• HVAC system redesign considerations
• Drilling and installation logistics
• Permitting and environmental considerations
• Combined system economics and ROI
• Long-term maintenance planning
• Water-based vs. dry geothermal systems
Scenario 6: Smart Home Energy Management Integration
Summary: Consumers looking to optimize their renewable energy ecosystem through intelligent monitoring and automation.
Oerview:​
​
• Home energy management system options
• Smart inverter features and benefits
• Load control and prioritization strategies
• Appliance integration and scheduling
• Energy usage patterns and optimization
• Mobile monitoring and control options
• Smart thermostat integration
• EV charging coordination
• Data visualization and reporting tools
• API integration possibilities
• Machine learning and predictive energy management
• User interface considerations
Scenario 7: Off-Grid Independence
Summary: Consumers seeking complete energy independence from the utility grid.
Processes:
• Realistic assessment of off-grid feasibility
• System oversizing requirements for reliability
• Seasonal energy budgeting strategies
• Backup power requirements (generator integration)
• Critical load identification and management
• Extended battery storage requirements
• System redundancy planning
• Lifestyle adaptations for off-grid living
• Water pumping and management
• Long-term maintenance considerations
• Community microgrids and shared resources
• Legal and regulatory considerations