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 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 millions of people are making the switch to renewable energy services. Keep reading for more information on your Virginia renewable energy options, how much you can save and where to find providers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Virginia
There is actually a wide variety of renewable energy resources in VA. Which renewable energy options are available to you depend on where you live in Virginia 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia Home
Interested in using renewable energy rather than 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 purchase a solar water heater from any major home improvement center, have solar panels installed, or buy energy provided by Virginia solar photovoltaic power plant.
Wind energy – Wind farms have been being built in Virginia 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 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 city to get specific information on pricing and equipment.
You should also look into co-ops in Virginia. Energy co-ops are some of the biggest supporters of using renewable energy sources in order to preserve and protect the VA environment as well as providing members with more affordable energy services.
How Much Can You Save Using Renewable Energy Alternatives in Virginia?
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 only way to get an exact estimate (if you aren’t simply switching to an energy provider in Virginia that uses 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 keep in mind is tax incentives. Federal, Virginia and local governments all offer tax credits and rebates for those who decide 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. It is also 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 less than you were paying for energy monthly – instant energy savings!
