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 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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your South Dakota renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in South Dakota
There is actually a wide range of renewable energy resources in SD. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on where you live in South Dakota 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 South Dakota. 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 South Dakota Home
Interested trying renewable energy instead of 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 store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by South Dakota solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been being built in South Dakota 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 in place 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 Dakota. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the SD environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in South Dakota?
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 only way to get an exact estimate (if you aren’t simply switching to an energy provider in South Dakota that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your home and give you a quote. You can get a good idea of how much you can save by using an online calculator. A simple search gives you a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to bear in mind is tax incentives. Federal, South Dakota and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for people who choose 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. Additionally it is possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting the house 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!
