Renewable Energy
Coastal has been looking at growing its green reach into the field of renewable energy. The sun is the most widely accessible of the renewable sources of fuel for Cape residents and merchants. But, geothermal energy (the energy stored under our feet) and wind energy exist for many other folks on the Cape. With generous Federal and State incentives, as well as new incentives at the utility level, the rationale for investing in renewable energy for your home or business is strong.
When viewed in terms of the cost of doing things traditionally versus integrating renewable energy and energy efficiency, it is increasingly becoming apparent that the right energy strategies (implemented by the right people) should lead to better financial outcomes when choosing renewables and efficiency over the status quo.
Solar Thermal – or the technologies that transfer the sun's energy into hot water for heating purposes, is often the least known of the renewable energy choices, but one of the most cost-effective and widely used
For those of us who reside in heating-dominated climates like New England, solar thermal can be of great benefit—for both the energy savings it can produce, as well as the environmental benefits it bestows
Generous incentives at the Federal, State, and local Utility levels can help to cut the cost of installing a solar thermal system in half (or more)
These financial incentives combined with the right systems can translate into a payback period on your investment of less than 5 years
Solar Photovoltaic (electric) – this form of solar energy (i.e. the light emitted by the Sun) is the one you have probably heard about (or seen) the most. Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity to be used by home and business owners. PV systems have gained much popularity over the past decade for their ability to dramatically reduce energy bills on the one hand, while allowing home and business owners to make a significant investment in reducing their carbon footprint (and live a much "greener" lifestyle)
For home and business owners with buildings that have the correct solar orientation (south-facing) and rather limited shading from trees and surrounding buildings, etc., PV systems can be installed cost-effectively
|
