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 growing segment of the energy sector. So much so 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 thousands of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Arizona renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Arizona
There is actually a wide range of renewable energy resources in AZ. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you reside in Arizona and the way 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 Arizona. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every 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 Arizona Home
Interested in using renewable energy instead of traditional energy sources? Fortunately, consumers have more renewable energy options than any other time and are available in urban and rural areas alike.
Solar energy – If you'd like solar energy you can choose to buy a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Arizona solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Arizona 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 home.
Geothermal energy – You can buy 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 city to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You also need to look into co-ops in Arizona. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the AZ environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Arizona?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the future. But just how much money, 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 Arizona that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you a quote. You will get a good idea of how much you'll save by using an online calculator. A quick search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to remember is tax incentives. Federal, Arizona and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for those who opt for renewable energy sources. When considering 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 home with the new equipment. In most instances the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
