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 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 thousands of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Vermont renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to locate providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Vermont
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in VT. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on your geographical area in Vermont 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 Vermont. New renewable energy sources are being discovered every day, 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 Vermont Home
Interested trying renewable energy rather than 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'd like solar energy you can choose to purchase a solar water heater from any major home improvement store, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Vermont solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been going up in Vermont to provide communities with another electricity option. Additionally you can 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 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 Vermont. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of employing renewable energy sources in order to preserve and protect the VT environment in addition to providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Vermont?
It’s obvious that switching to renewable energy sources can save you money in the long run. But just how much cash, 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 Vermont that utilizes renewable energy is to have an installer come to your property and give you a quote. You can get a good idea of how much you'll save by using an online calculator. A quick search provides you with a selection of renewable energy calculators.
One thing to remember is tax incentives. Federal, Vermont 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 the home with the new equipment. In most instances the monthly loan payment will be lower than what you were paying for energy each month – instant energy savings!
