Personal Renewable Energy

thanks to Inhabitat

If you are anything like me, you are probably confused by the multitude of options available for incorporating renewable energy into your home.  Only few months ago, my uncle asked me about what sort of solar system would be best and most affordable for his new house, and I had no idea. Considering I am in the renewable energy business and was this clueless, how can the average homeowner be expected to know even where to start.  With how quickly this sector is changing, also, it can be difficult to keep up to date.  On top of that, since the new administration took office last year, the federal government has changed their position on renewable energy, offering more tax breaks and incentives.  And that doesn’t even really scratch the surface when you include state and local incentives.  It’s a shame that these choices aren’t more clear. I think a lot more people would pursue renewable energy, especially when they realize how much money it could save them, if all of the details were clear.

That is where companies like The Alternative Energy Store come into play. While there are lots of renewable energy stores out there, the thing that I like about AltE (and that sets them apart from others) is that a large part of their site is devoted to educating the consumer, and their information is kept accurate.  Along with articles on all types of renewable energy, energy and cost calculators and design tools, they offer classes in Massachusetts and Ohio on how to do things like instal home solar or wind power.  The AltE University even offers an Interstate Renewable Energy Council accredited training program(one of only 13 in the country).

If after you learn all about your ideal renewable energy installation, you are still not ready to make a big jump, that’s ok.  I am not in a position to put in a solar water heater system at the moment (as I wish I could so badly), but that doesn’t mean that I have to sit on the sideline.  Here are a few easy (and inexpensive) fixes that can make your home a little more efficient.

a shrunk wrapped window thanks to This Old House

- Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescents (these are becoming much less expensive and last way longer than incandescents)

- Install shrink-wrap window insulation during the winter(I didn’t even know this existed until a few weeks ago, but it is easy to install and can save a bundle on heating costs)

- Install a programmable thermostat so that you don’t heat the house while you aren’t even there to enjoy it

Just a few tips. Have fun saving money!

For more information about Personal Renewable Energy in the home please see:

-The Department of Energy

-The National Renewable Energy Lab

The Greener Truth is an advertising affiliate of The Alternative Energy Store, but we pick our advertisements carefully and strive to provide an unbiased opinion.