Renewable Energy
There are five forms of renewable energy, solar, wind, water, biofuel and geothermal. The most common for house holds and businesses are solar, wind and geothermal. Renewable energy systems are beneficial because they do not produce harmful toxins into the atmosphere such as CO2, SO2 and NOx. Renewable energy systems rely on our natural resources to produce electricity or hot water. When you look at the environmental and financial savings over a renewable energy system's lifetime, renewable energy is a smart choice. Most systems have a lifetime of 25 years or longer with very minimum maintenance or operational tasks. Today there are many government incentives and tax credits to help reduce the cost of systems. As licensed professionals we can help in making the right choice about what renewable energy system is best for your location, your lifestyle and your budget. Find your energy independence today, contact us to discuss your options.
Does the Electric Company Really Pay Me?
Yes. Through New Mexico's net metering program you will be paid for the excess electricity your renewable energy system generates. For example, if the Smith's produced 500 KW in a 30 day period and they only use 450 KW, they will be credited or paid by their utility for the 50 KW they produced. Now if the Smith's use 500 KW of electricity and only produce 450 KW the Smith's will be sent a bill from their utility company for the 50 KW they used from their utility.
Facts About Renewable Energy
- Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world's first solar collector in 1767
- More than 10,000 homes in the United States are powered entirely by solar energy
- Enough sunlight falls on the earth's surface every hour to meet world energy demand for an entire year.
- Silicon from just one ton of sand, used in photovoltaic cells, could produce as much electricity as burning 500,000 tons of coal.
- The largest wind turbine is located in Hawaii and stands 20 stories high
- An average wind speed of just 14mph is needed to convert wind energy into electricity
- Romans where among the first to use solar thermal to heat houses
- One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to power up to 300 homes
Grid Tied Systems vs. Off Grid Systems
Whether you are going to use wind or solar to produce electricity for your home or business it is important to know the difference between grid tied and off grid systems. Grid tied systems feed the energy produced from a wind or solar system into the electrical lines that power your home or business from the electric company. Off grid systems are stand alone systems that produce electricity from the sun or wind that don't need utility power lines. Off grid systems are best for remote areas, as a battery backup is required. The battery backup allows for constant power during times when the sun is not shinning, or the wind isn't blowing. Most systems are grid tied so you are never without power. During times when your renewable system is not producing electricity power would be pulled from your local utility. When your renewable system is producing electricity it would feed into the utility turning your meter backward. At the end of the month it is simple mathematics did you produce more that you used? If so the utility pays you, if not then you pay the utility. Off grid systems will never receive a bill from the utility.
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