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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Indiana renewable energy options, what you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Indiana
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in IN. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you reside in Indiana 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 Indiana. New renewable energy sources are being discovered daily, 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 Indiana Home
Interested in using renewable energy as opposed to 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 want 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 Indiana solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Indiana to provide communities with another electricity option. You can also 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 in place 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 Indiana. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources in order to preserve and protect the IN environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Indiana?
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 only way to get an exact estimate (if you aren’t simply switching to an energy provider in Indiana that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you an estimate. You will 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, Indiana 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 is also possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the home with the new equipment. In many cases the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy monthly – instant energy savings!
