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 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 to learn more about your North Carolina renewable energy options, what you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in North Carolina
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in NC. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on your geographical area in North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina Home
Interested trying renewable energy as opposed to 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 invest in a solar water heater from any major home improvement center, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by North Carolina solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in North Carolina 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 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 North Carolina. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources in order to preserve and protect the NC environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in North Carolina?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources will save you money in the future. But just how much cash, 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 North Carolina 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 can save by using an online calculator. A quick search provides you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to bear in mind is tax incentives. Federal, North Carolina and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for individuals that decide to use renewable energy sources. When considering 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 home with the new equipment. In many instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy every month – instant energy savings!
