SUR Carbon Footprint Product Comparison Chart
The products below are sorted by Carbon Footprint, from best to worst. Much of what appears below is fact, and much is opinion. Each installer/integrator has their own preferences and way of doing business. We make every effort to be open-minded and to gather quality information based on the performance of installed products whenever possible. We reserve the right to make mistakes. We know if we are too cautious and don't state opinions many opportunities to learn will be lost. Please enjoy your exploration of renewable energy!| Technology Type | Carried by SUR Energy | Carbon Footprint Rating | Environmental / Carbon Footprint Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Electric Systems: Utility Scale | NO | 1 | Excellent way to spend embodied energy |
| Solar Electric "Off Grid" (no utility connection) with batteries | X | 1 | EXCELLENT (depending on supplimental generator/fuel) |
| Solar Hot Water with good load matching | X | 2 with gas; 1 if hot water heater is electric |
Great benefit for gas; Even better if the hot water heater is electric |
| Wind Electric Grid-tied without batteries - class 3 or better winds, >30' diameter | X | 2 | TOPS |
| Wind Electric Grid-tied without batteries - class 3 or better winds, <30' diameter | X | 3 | GOOD winds make for lots of clean energy |
| Wind Electric Grid-tied without batteries - class 2 winds, >30' diameter | X | 4 | NOT BAD |
| Wind Electric "Off Grid" with batteries | X | 4 (if savings on utility interconnect is significant) |
Improved investment if savings on utlity interconnect is significant enough |
| Solar Electric Photovoltaic "PV" Grid-tied without batteries, <10kW (about 900 to 1800 square feet, typical residential 2-3kW) | X | 5 | Carbon footprint better than a hybrid car Learn More |
| Solar Electric Photovoltaic "PV" Grid-tied without batteries, >10kW (about 900 to 1800 square feet) | X | 5 | Compared to other RE technologies PV is middle of the road. |
| Wind Electric Grid-tied without batteries - class 2 winds, <30' diameter | X | 5 | Middle of the road Learn More |
| Solar Hot Water with shade | If not TOO much shade | 5 | Decent benefit if the shade is not too extensive |
| Solar Hot Water with small loads (not much hot water is used) | Standard drainback | 6 | OK (consider other options) |
| Wind Electric Grid-tied with batteries | X | 7 | Complexity adds materials but not energy production |
| Solar Electric Photovoltaic "PV" Grid-tied with batteries | X | 9 | Medium per dollar carbon savings. Learn More |
| Solar Hot Water with heat for house | X | 9 | Decent environmental benefits but not as good as others |
| Solar Electric with shade trees | X | 10 | Expensive technology without fuel Learn More |
| Vertical axis wind turbines or turbines with high solidity | NEVER WILL (high solidity) |
10+ (for high solidity) |
Negative benefit for high solidity, could get something out of a good vertical |
| Solar Hot Air to heat house | Not currently | Not rated | Some benefit but better options available for most |
| Solar Hot Air for heat and hot water | Not currently | Not rated | Could be OK if system works well, good if replacing electricity |
