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 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 millions of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading to learn more about your Maryland renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Maryland
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in MD. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on your geographical area in Maryland 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 Maryland. 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 Maryland Home
Interested in using renewable energy instead of 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 Maryland solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Maryland to provide communities with another electricity option. Additionally you can 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 in place of a traditional HVAC system. Contact geothermal installers near you to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You also need to look into co-ops in Maryland. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the MD environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Maryland?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources will save you money in the future. 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 Maryland 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 remember is tax incentives. Federal, Maryland 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 the home with the new equipment. In many cases the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy every month – instant energy savings!
