What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, simply put, is energy that comes from a natural source that is naturally restored. Renewable energy alternatives are a rapidly expanding segment of the energy sector. So much in fact that today nearly a fifth of electricity generation comes 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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Alaska renewable energy options, what you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Alaska
There is actually a wide range of renewable energy resources in AK. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you live in Alaska and the way your home is built or retrofitted.
- Wind
- Solar
- Tides
- Rain
- Geothermal heat
- Biofuels
- Hydropower
These are just a portion of the renewable energy sources that are currently being used in Alaska. 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 must pay for it.
How to Get Renewable Energy in Your Alaska Home
Interested in using renewable energy instead of traditional energy sources? Fortunately, consumers have more renewable energy options than ever before 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 center, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Alaska solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been being built in Alaska to provide communities with another electricity option. Additionally you can contact a local provider to have a residential wind turbine installed at your house ..
Geothermal energy – You can get a geothermal heat pump system to received hot water or use a geothermal energy system instead of a traditional HVAC system. Contact geothermal installers in your area to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You also need to look into co-ops in Alaska. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the AK environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Alaska?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long run. But just how much money, and how quickly will you start seeing the savings?
The best way to get an exact estimate (if you aren’t simply switching to an energy provider in Alaska that uses renewable energy is to have an installer come to your house and give you an estimate. You can get a good idea of how much you will save by using an online calculator. A simple search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Alaska and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for people 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 many instances the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
