What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, to put it simply, is energy that develops from a natural source that is naturally restored. Renewable energy alternatives are a rapidly growing 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 millions of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Colorado renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Colorado
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in CO. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on your geographical area in Colorado 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 Colorado. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every 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 Colorado Home
Interested trying renewable energy rather than 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'd like solar energy you can choose to purchase a solar water heater from any major home improvement center, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Colorado solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Colorado 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 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 in your area to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Colorado. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of utilizing renewable energy sources in order to preserve and protect the CO environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Colorado?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources will save you money in the long run. But just how much cash, 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 Colorado that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your home and give you an estimate. You can get a good idea of how much you can save by using an online calculator. A simple search gives you a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Colorado and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for individuals that choose to use renewable energy sources. When it comes to 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. Additionally it is 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!
