Residential

Renewable Energy

Traditional energy sources are derived from fossil or nuclear sources which will be depleted over time. Renewable energy sources are naturally occurring and theoretically inexhaustible such as biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power.

With the volatility of the fuel markets and concerns about global warming, turning to renewable energy sources for your home is a natural solution.

Geothermal

Traditional Heat Pumps heat and cool the air around your home, which can fluctuate greatly — from the low teens into the 90's, causing the traditional heat pump to run longer and more frequently. Geothermal Heat Pumps use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. In our area, the temperature of the earth below the freezing line is consistently 50-55°F all year-round.

How does it work?

Wells are drilled and water pipes are inserted into the ground. A continuous flow of water is then circulated through the pipe loop system and back into the house. During the winter, the water is heated by the warmth of the earth and during the summer it is cooled as it travels through the pipes. The geothermal heat pump then exchanges this into the properly cooled/warmed air flow and distributes it through your home's duct system.

How does it save?

The amount of electricity needed to run a geothermal system is much less, since the water temperature is already 50°F. When it is cold outside, a traditional heat pump must work harder to warm the outside air which may be 30°F or colder. Unlike a traditional heat pump, the geothermal is starting at a higher temperature, which means less time, energy and ultimately money to bring your home to a comfortable temperature.

Although the cost to install a geothermal heat pump is more than a standard heat pump due to the pipe installation, the energy savings will make up the difference in no time. Add to that the federal tax credit that is available for 30% of the cost and there couldn't be a better time to invest in our planet.

Solar Water Heating

Solar energy is the cleanest and most inexhaustible of the known energy sources. Solar radiation contains huge amounts of energy and is responsible for almost all the natural processes on earth. One way to integrate solar energy techniques into your home is with a solar water heater.

How does it work?

Solar water heaters use the power of the sun to heat your water. Solar collectors are connected to a hot water storage tank, either directly or via a heat exchanger when an anti-freeze liquid is used. The operation is quite simple. Evacuated tubes convert sunlight into usable heat. Heat pipes rapidly transfer this heat to a header pipe. Water is pumped through the header pipe, absorbing the heat. Then the heated water returns to a storage tank/heat exchanger.

How does it save?

Solar collectors can actually reduce the amount of electricity or gas used for water heating up to 60 percent per year, making it an attractive alternative for homeowners who want to use a renewable energy source like the sun, and reduce their monthly energy bills. The federal tax credit of up to 30% is also available for solar water heaters.

Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity which can be used in the home.

How does it work?

The basis of a Solar PV System is the Solar Cell, which is made up of semiconductor materials. These materials absorb the sunlight and, through a phenomenon called “photoelectric effect”, travel through a circuit built into the PV cell to form electrical current. Although the output of a single PV cell is small, many cells are interconnected to form solar panels or modules. If even more power is needed, solar panels can be connected to form PV arrays. The electric current is then transferred to your home by way of an inverter and used to handle your home’s electricity needs.

How does it save?

The primary savings achieved with Solar PV is a significant savings on your monthly utility bills. The location of your home and number of cells has an impact on the amount of energy produced. If your system is tied into the “grid”, you may actually end up selling power back to the utility! Other benefits include reducing your use of natural resources, reducing pollution and reducing waste as a by-product of energy production. The federal tax credit of up to 30% is available for solar PV systems, making this an ideal time to invest in solar technology.

Federal Tax Credits — Renewable Energy

Existing Homes and New Construction

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 for:

Geothermal Heat Pumps
Solar Water Heating - At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
Solar Panels (Photovoltaic systems) - Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

Remember, not all products on the market qualify for the tax credits. Consult your tax advisor to be sure your home improvement qualifies. For more information on available tax credits, visit www.energystar.gov.