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 Minnesota renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Minnesota
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in MN. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you live in Minnesota and how 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 Minnesota. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every 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 Minnesota Home
Interested in using renewable energy instead of 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 want solar energy you can choose to buy a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Minnesota solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Minnesota to provide communities with another electricity option. Additionally you can contact a local provider to have a residential wind turbine installed at your house ..
Geothermal energy – You can get 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 also need to look into co-ops in Minnesota. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the MN environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota 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'll 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, Minnesota and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for individuals that opt for 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 is also possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the house with the new equipment. In most instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy every month – instant energy savings!
