What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, to put it simply, is energy that comes from a natural source that is naturally restored. Renewable energy alternatives are a rapidly growing segment of the energy sector. So much so that today nearly a fifth of electricity generation originates from renewable energy sources. Over 44 million homes use biogas for cooking and lighting.
With climate change worsening and oil prices inflating, it’s no wonder thousands of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Alabama renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Alabama
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in AL. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you reside in Alabama and how your home is built or retrofitted.
- Wind
- Solar
- Tides
- Rain
- Geothermal heat
- Biofuels
- Hydropower
These are just some of the renewable energy sources that are currently being used in Alabama. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every single day, giving consumers everywhere more control over where their energy comes from and how much they have to pay for it.
How to Get Renewable Energy in Your Alabama Home
Interested in using renewable energy as opposed to traditional energy sources? Fortunately, consumers have more renewable energy options than in the past and are available in urban and rural areas alike.
Solar energy – If you would like solar energy you can choose to invest in a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Alabama solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Alabama to provide communities with another electricity option. It's also possible to contact a local provider to have a residential wind turbine installed at your house ..
Geothermal energy – You can purchase a geothermal heat pump system to received hot water or use a geothermal energy system rather than a traditional HVAC system. Contact geothermal installers near you to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Alabama. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of utilizing renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the AL environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Alabama?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long run. But just how much cash, and how quickly will you start seeing the savings?
The only way to get an exact estimate (if you aren’t simply switching to an energy provider in Alabama that uses renewable energy is to have an installer come to your home and give you a quote. You will get a good idea of how much you will save by using an online calculator. A brief search provides you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Alabama and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for those who choose to use renewable energy sources. When contemplating the cost and savings of making the switch to renewable energy factor in tax incentives as well as the improved efficiency over the old systems. It is also possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the house with the new equipment. In most instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
