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 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 for more information on your Kentucky renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Kentucky
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in KY. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you reside in Kentucky 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 Kentucky. 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 Kentucky Home
Interested trying renewable energy as opposed to 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'd like solar energy you can choose to invest in a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Kentucky solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been being built in Kentucky 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 get 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 also need to look into co-ops in Kentucky. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the KY environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Kentucky?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long run. But just how much cash, 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 Kentucky 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 brief search gives you a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to remember is tax incentives. Federal, Kentucky and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for people who decide 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 your home with the new equipment. In most instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
