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 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 Utah renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Utah
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in UT. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on your geographical area in Utah and how 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 Utah. 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 Utah Home
Interested in using 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 would like 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 Utah solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been popping up in Utah 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 house ..
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 near you to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You also need to look into co-ops in Utah. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources as a way to preserve and protect the UT environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Utah?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources will 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 Utah that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you an estimate. You can get a good idea of how much you will save by using an online calculator. A brief search gives you a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Utah 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 your home with the new equipment. In many cases the monthly loan payment will be less than you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
