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 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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Idaho renewable energy options, what you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Idaho
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in ID. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you live in Idaho 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 Idaho. 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 Idaho Home
Interested trying 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 purchase a solar water heater from any major home improvement center, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Idaho solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Idaho to provide communities with another electricity option. You can also contact a local provider to have a residential wind turbine installed at your house ..
Geothermal energy – You can buy a geothermal heat pump system to received hot water or use a geothermal energy system in place of a traditional HVAC system. Contact geothermal installers in your city to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Idaho. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of utilizing renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the ID environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Idaho?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long term. 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 Idaho that utilizes 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'll 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, Idaho and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for those who choose to use 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's also possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the home with the new equipment. In many instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy monthly – instant energy savings!
