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 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 millions of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Nebraska renewable energy options, what you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Nebraska
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in NE. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you live in Nebraska and the way 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 Nebraska. 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 Nebraska Home
Interested trying renewable energy rather than 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 purchase a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Nebraska solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Nebraska 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 house ..
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 should also look into co-ops in Nebraska. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of utilizing renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the NE environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your house and give you a quote. You can get a good idea of how much you'll save by using an online calculator. A brief search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Nebraska 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 is also possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the house with the new equipment. In many cases the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
