Save money and the planet with renewable energy

Show me the money!

Federal and state incentives can greatly offset the cost renewable energy systems. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provided an opportunity to earn a 30% tax credit on purchase cost and installation of residential solar electric systems up to a $2,000. The same benefits apply for solar water heating your property. Which means the federal government will reimburse up to $4,000 of your one time expense on a new solar energy system. Just to make the deal even sweeter, there is also a 30% tax credit per 0.5 kilowatt (kW) for fuels cells up to $500. That brings the total up to $4,500 from the federal government alone. Most states have their own incentives which makes renewable energy even more attractive. Please keep in mind that the federal and state incentives have "expiration dates" so you may want to check to see if the incentives are still available and take advantage of these benefits while you can. An easy place to research what is currently available both federally and for your particular state is through the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy(DSIRE).

Renewable energy keeps on giving.

Keep in mind that renewable energy systems will not require additional natural resources. Once the system is installed no coal, oil, nuclear energy, or natural gas are used so there are no additional monetary or environmental costs such as greenhouse gases or nuclear waste. When your system is producing more energy than you are using, the excess electricity either goes to the the electric company for credits or is stored in fuel cells for later use so nothing is wasted. As fuel prices rise your system will save you more money since it will continue to produce the same amount of energy at no additional cost. According to www.renewalenrg.com "On average, it takes about five years to recoup the entire system cost and realize 30+ years of clean, free energy from the sun". What a deal!

Which way do I go?

Now that you have decided to go with renewable energy you have to decide what system is going to be best for you. You may have noticed an emphasis here for solar power. Solar power is the easiest renewable energy to find information about that relates to home systems. That does not make it any better or worse than the other options available.If you live in a very sunny climate this would probably be a good choice, but if you live in a northern climate with short winter days you might be better off with another choice. A little common sense and research is your best advise. If you live in a predominantly windy climate you should consider wind power. If you live in an area where hot springs exist then geothermal may be a good choice. Do some research to find out what the green builders in your area are choosing and why. Talk to the companies in your area that install renewable energy systems to find out what they recommend and why. Ask for references from these companies and contact the references about whether they are happy with their choice. This also helps you find a reliable company to install the system that you chose. Going renewable is a great investment and it can make you feel good about yourself because you are doing your part to reduce the need for energy from electric plants that generate greenhouse gases or nuclear waste. You can help save the world and lower your energy costs.