Because of the rising cost of energy, and because of the increasing strain on the environment, people are demanding more and more sustainable methods of working and living. This means that there is a premium on renewable sources of energy, and more and more opportunities seem to come online each day. Here is some information about some of the energy forms that are popular today.
Solar power can help consumers save money, if they are willing to wait for a decade or more to recoup their investment. The initial investment is well into the five figures; while some government entities offer tax credits to help offset the initial cost, it is still a significant outlay. The savings come later, in the form of reduced electrical bills. Over the course of a decade or so, you will get your money back, one month at a time. There may even be some months when you get a check from the electric company, instead of having to send in some money. If you have the funds to make the initial investment, and you plan to live in your house for a long time, then you will get your money back. It just takes time.
Wind power is a popular way for utility companies to offer “green” power options to their customers. Many of them have invested in wind farms, and you can order 100 percent wind power from many providers, or at least 100 percent pollution-free; in this case, you will usually get a blend of wind and hydroelectric power. It is difficult for individuals to have wind turbines on their property; in major cities and suburbs, zoning laws do not permit the sort of structure like a wind turbine. Even if you live out in the country, you have to have enough acreage to give the wind access to a turbine. The cost is similar to the installation of a solar panel array, so you’ll have to have the money on hand to be patient and wait for the savings to come in, one month at a time.
Geothermal energy takes the heat of the earth and uses it to regulate the air temperature in buildings on the surface. By running air vents down under your home, the system brings the more temperate air from down there up so that the cold air in winter time is replaced by the warmer air under the ground; similarly, the hot air in the summer time is replaced by the cooler air beneath the ground. The temperature does not reach the extremes that one might get from an electric central air conditioning system or from a gas-powered furnace. The emphasis is on providing comfort, which is attainable at a lower price than with a traditional HVAC system.
Both residential and commercial consumers are learning more about the opportunities that renewable sources of energy can provide. The more that you can learn about these energy forms, the more of an informed decision you can make about your own power needs.