For over a century oil and other fossil based sources were our primary source of energy, that has changed and we will take a closer look at how that might develop further. The focus of this article is for private individuals.
How to create your own energy
There are a few alternatives: Tidal power (waves), hydro power (water moving, not in the sense of waves but more of a waterfall), wind power (turbines which spin because of wind) and solar power (sun shines on a piece of technology). A different option, also based on solar, is steam: In this variant a piece of copper is heated and passes that heat along to water, the water starts to boil and turns to steam, the steam moves a lever which creates electricity or stores power for the downward movement. There also is energy based on water particles, but it, at moment of writing, requires a small factory so will not be explained further.
The only really applicable to any household now, is solar power as you can just apply panels or set them in front of a window. Water and wind based options are also possible, but require large constant amounts to be viable, which depend on your location; therefor these will not be elaborated.
A small wind turbine is feasible, a relevant size is unfortunately impractical or outlawed.
Storing of created energy
The result of solar power is electricity, so we would have to store it in a rechargeable battery (commonly referred to as power banks). The size of the battery differs per solar installation. The author has several smaller installations with batteries, he uses these to charge his phone and other small devices (think headphones). This is by far the best option, as you will be fully in control of your very own ecosystem. No more risks of getting cutoff for not paying a bill that mostly consists of taxes.
For rooftop installation it is advised to have a very large battery*, capable of storing several days worth of production; obviously larger installations carry a larger price tag. So this is going to cost you: Just setting everything up, with full connection to the power grid, is something installers are more than happy to charge you dearly for.
Usage of homemade power
As stated above, you can use your own power or store it for later usage. Larger installation also have the option of selling, which requires a special contract or some piece of equipment with your power company. This would turn your solar installation into a genuine investment, just a fickle one as prices vary and buyer is sometimes allowed to charge a lot of money for the privilege of buying your power*.
*There are countries where regulation determines how much you get, all regulations are subject to change or even have end dates embedded in them. So please be careful when considering this option. Something for further consideration; plugging you home battery into the general power grid makes it a lot less protected against power outage and other damage.
