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 expanding segment of the energy sector. So much in fact 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 explore your Oklahoma renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Oklahoma
There is actually a wide array of renewable energy resources in OK. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you reside in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma 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 would 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 Oklahoma solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Oklahoma 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 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 Oklahoma. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the OK environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma 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 quick search will provide you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to bear in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Oklahoma and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for individuals that opt for 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 most instances the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy every month – instant energy savings!
