Testimonial - Todd Hammen
“Net-zero energy is something I’ve achieved at my home”
Net-zero energy is something I’ve achieved at my home, but for most people, it requires cooperation from their utility company. With net metering policies, you can sell excess energy back to the grid and achieve a net-zero bill. However, without the right policies or batteries, it’s difficult. If you’re connected to a utility company, you’ll always have a meter fee or service fee. Even if you don’t buy any energy, they’ll still charge you for the connection.
The Financial Benefits of Renewable Energy
With utilities, you never own anything. It’s like leasing—you just keep paying. But with renewable energy, you own your power. And we’re not talking about small-scale energy anymore. This industry is growing at every level, from residential to large-scale projects.
Excess Energy
‘Batteries are best done small, slow charge, slow draw,’ I always say. I’ve designed my home’s energy usage around the limitations of the batteries. I also use diversion loads for my hot water, so when my power is full, the excess energy heats water.
The Future of Renewable Energy
The future of renewable energy is bright, and we’re just at the beginning. We are going to fly airplanes on batteries. I’m excited about how far technology has come. The energy density in batteries is improving rapidly, and every new advancement allows us to do more than we did before. I’ve seen how utility companies have tried to block this progress, but I believe electricity is the future. It’s transformable! It’s the most universal energy form. With continued innovation, we’ll see more renewable energy systems integrated into everyday life.
Solving Problems Through Renewable Energy
I recommend renewable energy to people not just for environmental reasons, but because it solves their problems. Whether it’s economic concerns, reliability, or sustainability, renewable energy offers solutions. It’s not about me recommending it. It’s about solving their problem. And that’s what keeps me passionate about this work—helping people achieve energy independence and being part of the future of energy.
With a background in electronics, Todd Hammen has been involved in the renewable energy industry for 20 years and has seen it develop from the ground up. In Iowa he has been living off grid in a net zero household powered by wind, solar, and batteries for five years. He is a Custom Home Power installer and engineer for Skystream 3.7.
