What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, simply put, is energy that develops from a natural source that is naturally restored. Renewable energy alternatives are a rapidly growing 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 Massachusetts renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Massachusetts
There is actually a wide range of renewable energy resources in MA. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you reside in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts Home
Interested trying 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 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 Massachusetts solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Massachusetts 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 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 should also look into co-ops in Massachusetts. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the MA environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Massachusetts?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the future. 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 Massachusetts that uses renewable energy is to have an installer come to your home and give you a quote. You can get a good idea of how much you will save by using an online calculator. A brief search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to remember is tax incentives. Federal, Massachusetts and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for people who decide to use renewable energy sources. When contemplating 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 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!
