Go beyond gas: Tapping alternative power sources at home

The loggia in the Haraya Residences exemplifies a domestic space where we can maximize daylighting and natural ventilation.

These past few days, it’s become quite common to see people riding horses on our social media feeds.

The posts are meant to be humorous, but the reality that they reveal is no laughing matter. Due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran War, gas prices have been rising steeply.

Unfortunately, the gas price hike is most likely to lead to the rise of other basic commodities that depend on transportation to trade. With items such as electricity, food, and even water dependent on gas prices, we’re in for some rough times ahead.

While the gas price hike is beyond our control, we can adjust some things at home to lessen our gas cost woes.

At home, we can turn to alternative energy sources to reduce our gas consumption. Renewable energy sources such as solar power, biofuels, and wind power not only offer relief on rising energy costs, but it also helps save Mother Earth in the process.

Here are some alternative options we can consider to lessen the blow of rising power costs in our home today.

By installing solar panels at home, you can basically harness an unlimited supply of alternative energy.

Harness the power of the sun

Solar power is not a new technology, but it’s a wonder why it hasn’t been adapted yet by every Filipino home as of this writing.

While the cost of installing the panels may sound expensive initially, the long-term rewards outweigh the investment. You can start simple by purchasing solar-powered outdoor lamps for your perimeter lights, or go all-in by installing a solar power system to support your home 100 percent.

Personally, I can attest to the benefits of solar power use at home.

I invested in a solar-powered battery box worth about P22,000 at the onset. The box produces enough power to run an electric fan, charge multiple devices, and support a computer system all at the same time. This translates to about P1,000 to P2,000 savings in energy consumption every month.

Considering that the system is still going strong even after a year of daily use, I think the investment has proven to be a good decision.

Solar power can also be used to provide lights at night and serve as backup during power outages. This energy source is particularly useful in the summer months. You may be surprised, however, that even on the worst of storms, some well-made solar devices can still provide power for a couple of hours.

The best thing about this resource is that it is infinitely available in a tropical country like ours. Make the most of it and install some solar panels in your home today.

Bio fuels offer natural and renewable sources of energy.

Explore biofuel

The use of biofuel, or the blend of organic resources with traditional gasoline, is another way you can mitigate rising energy costs today.

The Philippines actually has a mandate—Republic Act No. 9367 or the Murang Langis Act of 2006—requiring the use of biofuels to lessen our dependency on global markets. This not only lowers the effects of rising gas costs on consumers, but it also helps local sugar farmers.

Farmers often supply the molasses needed to create ethanol that is blended with petroleum products to create biofuel in our country. Cocomethyl ester (CME) is also blended with diesel to lower consumption costs for motors and engines.

There are several biofuel suppliers in the country. This product is available in various forms such as solid pellets and biomass briquettes. Technically, you can create your own biofuel at home, but local regulations and safety measures have to be considered.

The product can be used for cooking, heating and even powering up electrical devices.

Though less accessible than solar power, biofuels are beneficial because they are carbon-neutral and sustainable. Their environmental impact, however, depends on the materials and production methods used.

Locally, more research and development efforts are needed before our country can truly maximize this alternative power source.

At the rate gas prices are increasing, it’s no surprise if we go back to horseback on the roads soon.

Opt for natural and mechanical devices

The simplest and most cost efficient way to save on energy costs is to rely on the best renewable source of energy: yourself.

Go for mechanically powered modes of transportation such as walking, biking or even scootering. If you must use a vehicle, use mass transportation such as trains and buses as these have lower fuel-to-customer consumption costs.

At home, open windows first for some natural breeze before relying on electric fans and airconditioners. Even condominium homes provide natural ways to cool your home.

This is exemplified by Haraya Residences, a collaborative project between Shang Properties Inc. and Robinsons Land Corp. The project, located within Bridgetowne Destination Estate, provides each unit with a loggia, or an outdoor extension of the living room.

Such features allow you to get natural daylight and gentle breezes, even providing a space for small solar panels. Investing in properties such as this enables you to save on energy consumption costs in the end.

The takeaway

The current events in the Middle East have an enormous impact on those involved in the war and beyond.

While the missiles may not directly hit us Filipinos, we are definitely affected through the rising gas costs. Let us all do our part in alleviating the war impact by exploring alternative energy sources in our home today.

While we may not all have access to horses for daily transportation, we can still reduce our fuel costs by opting for renewable sources as soon as possible.

Photo Sources: Antonio Prado, Kindel Media, Alesia Kozik and https://harayaresidences.com

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.