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 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 huge numbers of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Texas renewable energy options, what you can save and how to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Texas
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in TX. Which renewable energy options are accessible to you depend on your geographical area in Texas and how 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 Texas. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every 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 Texas Home
Interested trying renewable energy instead of traditional energy sources? Fortunately, consumers have more renewable energy options than any other time and are available in urban and rural areas alike.
Solar energy – If you want solar energy you can choose to buy a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Texas solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Texas to provide communities with another electricity option. Additionally you can 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 instead of a traditional HVAC system. Contact geothermal installers near you to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Texas. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources in an effort to preserve and protect the TX environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Texas?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long term. 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 Texas that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your house and give you a quote. You will get a good idea of how much you will 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, Texas and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for people who choose 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. Additionally it is possible to get low interest loans to cover the cost of retrofitting your home with the new equipment. In many instances the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
