Residential renewable energy is on the rise. Whether it’s solar, wind, or something else sustainable, these sources are necessary to stop ongoing environmental harm. The innovation of these renewables is now pairing well with artificial intelligence (AI), creating a powerful new way for homeowners to be environmentally-friendly.

The Paris Climate Agreement and the overall climate crisis are driving people towards sustainability. Public health is a motivator too, as pollution harms individuals in subtle and severe ways. Then, with the economic crisis and unemployment levels from the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States needs a way forward that addresses these three fronts.

Adding AI tech to renewables is now one of the most important steps going forward.

Weather Forecasting

Data drives innovation. This fact proves itself time and time again across the world. Data-driven smart analytics tools are constantly helping industries advance. Now, renewables are seeing those benefits. First and foremost, renewables rely on the weather. The two frontrunners of the industry, wind and solar, need the weather to cooperate to generate energy and electricity.

With AI software and systems constantly collecting and generating data, renewables get a better handle on producing energy. If AI forecasts a period of prolonged sun, the system knows to store the solar power instead of using it at once. Conversely, if extreme weather rolls in, AI will be ahead of the curve with its predictions and residents can rely on their power to stay stable.

Conquering these supply and demand fluctuations is key. Through the power of microgrids that use battery power as a boost and backup, renewable energy becomes reliable and powerful no matter the weather.

Energy Efficiency

Renewables are efficient. They pave the way for a healthier future — one that uses energy much more efficiently than fossil fuels. In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) recently increased its 2040 solar output prediction by 43%, putting renewables on track to eventually outperform fossil fuels.

AI is facilitating this change. Though renewables are already efficient in their energy production, AI finds ways to continuously improve those numbers. For instance, software from Verdigris Technologies uses the cloud to show where residents can cut back on energy consumption. If homeowners can leave the lights off longer, use appliances less, or even unplug gadgets, they can improve their energy efficiency.

Better connectivity is coming, too. AI software needs fast network speeds to help consumers and employees in an instant. Now, 5G is rolling out across the globe. It’s a necessary step for renewables — the faster AI can work, the more energy it can conserve in residential areas.

Access to Change

Until AI and smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices came about, energy efficiency was largely out of consumers’ hands. Now, these innovations are changing the way residents address their energy efficiency. While renewables are critical for sustainability, they’re not the only way homeowners can achieve it. Home assistants and tech can end up saving on energy costs.

For instance, smart thermostats can automatically turn up the temperature when a resident leaves their home. This change consumes less energy and results in more affordable living. Other energy-saving technologies include smart plugs, lights, and appliances. On a large scale, the efforts of residents will result in less energy consumption.

Then, with platforms like Verv or PowerScout, homeowners can get real-time reports of all this information through apps and dashboards. Bringing these systems and devices to the people is what ultimately results in accessibility.

A Data-Driven Future

Focusing on AI’s data-driven solutions, the U.S. can address several crises at once. More AI and renewables will bring about more jobs and economic prosperity. Better energy efficiency and consumption will slowly eliminate pollution and boost public health.

Lastly, of course, residential renewables are a collective movement that will put fossil fuels to rest once and for all. The integration of artificial intelligence is now what pushes these areas into the future.