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 expanding 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 thousands of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Maine renewable energy options, what you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Maine
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in ME. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on your geographical area in Maine 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 Maine. 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 Maine Home
Interested in using renewable energy rather than 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 Maine solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Maine 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 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 area to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Maine. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the ME environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Maine?
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 Maine that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you a quote. You can get a good idea of how much you will save by using an online calculator. A quick search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to bear in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Maine 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. It's 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 monthly – instant energy savings!
