Renewable energy sources, especially solar (but also wind, given the right location and circumstances) are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners as a way to move to Net Zero Energy and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Small-scale renewable energy installations play a significant role in on-site electricity generation and are expected to grow in the near future, especially as energy performance targets and building code requirements change.
Strong energy conservation measures reduce the overall energy load of a house or building. That allows a rooftop renewable energy system to produce as much electricity in a year as the house or building consume.
The key is reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency before installation of renewable resources like photovoltaic panels or wind turbines so that the cost of installed capacity is as low as possible.