PV Gap

Dennis Said:

what renewable energy sources for my home should I get?

We Answered:

you would first need to check with your city planning commission.

To see if there are any restrictions.
the following links will give you what options are available.
where it is possible I would suggest both wind and solar.

http://www.google.com/products?q=solar+p…

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:V…

Marlene Said:

Why doesn't the government make it easier/cheaper to use renewable energy in the home?

We Answered:

b/c those subsidies will come out of my taxes, and I do not want them spent in this way.

but do not worry, in 50 years fossil fuels will get so expensive that renewable energy will be cheaper to use.

Gregory Said:

Top 5 Renewable Energy Sources For Home Electricity

We Answered:

Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydropower and Biomass are the top 5 renewable energy sources for generating home electricity.

Though Biomass is the most widely used alternative energy source, Solar and Wind power are far better options for home electricity. The reason for this is pretty clear -- (a) maintenance-free design, (b) lifelong energy and (c) tax rebates & financial incentives.

Solar and wind energy systems are the way of the future.

Stacy Said:

im writing a persuasive essay on renewable energy and how all home should use it. Any ideas to help me out?

We Answered:

use your household as an example- find out how much energy ya'll use in a month/ year and then compare the effects of the energy coming from fossil fuel to the effects of using renewable energy.

then estimate the number of people in the country (search on the web for it) and change your finds to a national lvl, then compare how much we spend buying fossil fuels as apoised to how much it cost to build renewable energy plants and how much energy each one would provide.

*by cost I mean money, environment, pollution esc...

Shannon Said:

Can my home electricity bills be a tax deduction if I pay for renewable energy?

We Answered:

Mary J,

Thank you for your question.

See link

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=pr…

Natalie Said:

What renewable energy sources are viable for the typical home?

We Answered:

Wood heat is probably the most effective renewable energy for most homes. You can use a wood stove, furnace or boiler. Pellet stoves are another option. Stoves can burn wood pellets, corn or wheat. If your furnace burns #2 fuel oil you can burn biodiesel instead of petroleum fuel. Can you add a greenhouse to the south side of your house for passive solar heat?

Floyd Said:

Should there be a Law requiring New Home construction include a renewable energy source? i.e. solar or wind?

We Answered:

Eventually this law will be passed into effect for new residential homes and rehabs.

This is already happening in commercial construction. There is a "LEED" or green rating system set in place by the US Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org.

Most commercial building owners are looking to "green" their buildings and become LEED certified under their rating system - they are being pushed by financing companies, employees and the industry in general. The construction industry for commercial is being pressured to conform to green standards with the effects of global warming. Energy from buildings released into the atmosphere is 60% of the total. Owners are being pushed into creating energy efficient buildings to reduce carbon emissions which contribute to global warming.

Some cities like Boston (where I live), Seattle and Chicago are placing mandatory requirements on new construction to aid in creating sustainable buildings with energy efficient systems. These are incorporated into your building permit and you cannot receive an occupancy permit unless you follow these provisions.

Read up on LEED certified buildings. There are rating systems for new construction, rehabs, healthcare facilities, warehouses, residential and campus complexes.

Eventually with all the rebates and tax deductions for homes with Energy star appliances and windows, I think that within the next 10 years or so, green requirments for homes will work its way into the building codes. They will probably offer more incentives along the way too for people who are creating improvements or replacements to their property.