What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, to put it simply, 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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your South Carolina renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in South Carolina
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in SC. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you live in South Carolina 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 South 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 must pay for it.
How to Get Renewable Energy in Your South 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 want 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 South Carolina solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been being built in South Carolina 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 home.
Geothermal energy – You can buy 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 South Carolina. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the SC environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in South Carolina?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long run. But just how much money, 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 South Carolina that uses renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you an estimate. You will get a good idea of how much you can save by using an online calculator. A simple search provides you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to remember is tax incentives. Federal, South Carolina and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for individuals that opt for 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 home with the new equipment. In many instances the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy monthly – instant energy savings!
