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 so 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 thousands of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Ohio renewable energy options, how much you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Ohio
There is actually a wide range of renewable energy resources in OH. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on your geographical area in Ohio 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 Ohio. New renewable energy sources are being discovered daily, 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 Ohio Home
Interested in using renewable energy rather than 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'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 Ohio solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Ohio 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 rather than 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 Ohio. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the OH environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Ohio?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources will save you money in the long term. 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 Ohio that uses renewable energy is to have an installer come to your house and give you an estimate. You will 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 bear in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Ohio 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. 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!
