Alternative Energy

Since these systems require a site analysis and more detailed data, I won't get into specifics here. If you want more information about alternative energy systems, please contact us.

A Sunny Disposition

Earlier I mentioned passive solar for indoor heating. Another form of using passive solar energy is solar water heating. This is typically a system of tubes installed on a roof or south-facing wall that absorbs the sun's direct rays in order to heat your domestic hot water. Keep in mind, most solar water heaters are not designed to provide 100% of the hot water you need. It's meant to pre-heat the water before it reaches your traditional water heater, reducing the amount of energy needed to bring it up to the temperature you desire.

Photovoltaic, or PV, solar systems are what most people think of when solar systems are mentioned. These systems harvest the sun's rays to produce DC current that is passed through an inverter to change it to AC current, which is the type of electricity our homes use. There is a wide range of system sizes from large scale, professionally installed ones to do-it-yourself kits, some can provide power for your entire household electric needs.

GE Solar just announced a new technology that allows them to produce PV cells at a much quicker rate, at a lower cost and that are more efficient. Look for prices of PV systems to fall in the next 3-5 months as these new cells reach the consumer market.

Blown Away

Individual, smaller-sized wind turbines are becoming more affordable. Check out this wind map to see if you have what it takes.

Mother Nature Knows Best

More and more homeowner's are opting for geothermal heating and cooling systems, which are extremely efficient. The principal behind a geothermal system is that is the earth maintains a constant temperature of about 60 degrees once you get below the frost line. A series of tubes are placed below the frost line and a non-toxic antifreeze solution is circulated through these lines and across a heat exchanger.

So in the winter, instead of taking 20 degree outside air and having to raise it 48 degrees to reach the 68 degrees your thermostat calls for, a geothermal system takes pre-heated 60 degree air and raises it 8 degrees. How much energy do you think that would save? It's pretty much the same principal for the cooling side of a geothermal system. Instead of drawing in 90 degree outside air and having to chill it down to 75 degrees, it takes 60-degree air and mixes it with a small amount of outside air to raise it 15 degrees. Again saving a great deal of energy. This is a very simplified explanation, but you get the general idea.

It used to be that geothermal systems required a great deal of land because the pipes were laid parallel to the earth's surface. Today, many geothermal systems use deep well technology, where the tubes run perpendicular to the earth's surface in a hole similar to when you have a well dug. Again, this is an over simplified explanation.

Give Me An Incentive

Now that you are armed with all this great information about energy efficiency, improving your air and water quality and clean, renewable energy systems, you're all excited, right? So you're thinking, wow I could save a lot on my electric or gas bill by replacing my old, leaky single pane windows with new, Energy Star rated ones. Or instead of you sending the electric company a check, how great it would be if they owed you every month? But these greater savings require a bigger investment and it can add up pretty quickly.

You'll be glad to know plenty of financial incentives exist. From state funded rebate programs for replacing out dated, energy hog appliances to state and federal tax credits for bigger ticket items like small scale solar and wind systems. You can find an easy to navigate list of Federal, State and local rebates and incentives at DSIREUSA.org. DSIRE stands for the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.

Take It to the Bank

The banking world is also stepping up to the plate to help homeowners and business take another look at the long term benefits vs. the cost of installing an alternative energy system. Many banks now have green lending programs that offers loan packages at a better rate and longer pay back term than traditional home equity loans, which makes payments more manageable for many people.

Nothing But Net

And who wouldn't like to have a nice credit balance on their electric bill each month through a program called Net Metering. Basically, Net Metering says if you can generate more electricity than you use, the utility company is required to buy it from you. Obviously, that's the condensed version and there is special equipment that is required, but that equipment can be covered by the rebates and incentives listed above.