Choosing Your Energy Guide
Here’s some information to help find the Guide you need.
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1. The term ‘Alternative Energy’ is used as a contrast to energy derived from fossil fuel sources and is frequently used interchangeably for Renewable Energy. Alternative energy is defined as an energy coming from sources that do not deplete or harm the environment. Renewable energy is also defined as an energy coming from sources that do not deplete, but may have an environmental impact, as with most hydroelectric dams.
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2. The term ‘Living Green’ refers to sustainable living, a lifestyle that attempts to decrease an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources.
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3. Remember, making your home more energy efficient is the first thing you should consider before installing a renewable energy system. For every $1 you spend on reducing the energy output of your home, it’s estimated that you reduce your cost for a renewable energy system by $3 to $5. The following news release by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, “Energy Efficiency Holds Steady at 2.5 Cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Even as Costs of New Power Generation Rise”, definitely stresses the point.
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4. You should also realize that your renewable energy system is a long term investment that could take from 3-15 years, or longer, to regain the investment costs. Fortunately, with the current Federal, State, Local and Utility rebates and tax incentives the pay back time is greatly reduced. This makes for an excellent time to consider renewables as part of your energy solution.
Do you like to Do-It-Yourself?
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Many of the guides are in depth and provide detailed instructions for the dedicated DIY’er. You can get as involved as you like, from buying the components through building and installing your own finished solar panel or wind turbine system. While the dedicated DIY’ers may find this to be the most cost effective method, others find it makes more sense for them to purchase a system and then install it themselves or have it installed professionally.
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To receive the maximum rebates and tax incentives for your solar or wind power system, many of the components require minimum standards and warranties that a DIY built system would not have. With factory sealed cells and warranties often exceeding 20-25 years for solar panels, many find it’s not realist for them to build their own. Many states also require an energy system to be installed by a licensed contractor (Licensed to install energy systems) or allow the system to be self-installed by the purchaser (owner).
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Again, whether your a dedicated DIY’er or someone looking to educate themselves on what needs to be done before calling in a professional, an alternative energy guide can be very helpful for homeowners looking for alternative energy solutions.
Finding The Guide You Need
Here are a few questions to help you zero in on what your looking for:
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Does Living Green interest you? Would you like to learn the basics of living Green? If so, check out these Living Green Guides.
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Are you trying to save energy, make you home more energy efficient and reduce your power bill? If so, check out these Energy Saving Guides.
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Do you want to save money, energy and live greener by generating your own renewable power? If so ….
- Are you interested in Geothermal Energy? Would you like to learn about Geothermal Energy and Geothermal Heat Pumps? If so, check out this Geothermal Energy Guide.
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Are you interested in Wind and Solar Energy? Would you like to learn more about Wind & Solar Energy and Wind & Solar Power generation? If so, check out these popular Wind and Solar Energy Guides.