The Solution to the Energy Dilemma

What is renewable energy?
Currently, most power in the United States is generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas in large central power plants. Combusting these "nonrenewable" fuels pollutes the air and releases harmful greenhouse gases.

By contrast, resources such as wind and sunlight are "renewable" - they are easily retrieved, naturally replenished, and do not harm the environment when used to generate power. Solar energy systems have been in use for decades, and wind and water have been used to generate power for centuries.

Why consider renewable energy for my home or business?
As demand for power rises and utilities struggle to meet this demand, power from the public utility grid becomes more expensive and less reliable. An ideal solution to this problem, independent power generation systems using renewable energy sources are…

• Affordable and cost-effective. Government rebate plans for homeowners and businesses cover up to 50 percent of renewable energy system costs, enabling systems to pay for themselves in two to three years. And, because utility companies are required by federal law to purchase your excess power, you can watch your electric meter run backwards.

• Reliable. Homes and businesses that generate power independently can receive an adequate, reliable supply of high-quality power that is not subject to utility companies' scheduled and unscheduled blackouts. And, by remaining connected and synchronized to the power grid, the utility provides you backup power during routine maintenance or other service procedures.
  

• Environmentally friendly. Using renewable resources for power generation decreases air pollution. For example, a 3-kW system avoids release of about four tons of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere-the equivalent of driving the average passenger car about 100000 miles.

Is renewable energy right for me?
It is now simple and affordable to harness the abundant power of the sun and wind to provide homes and businesses with cost-effective, environmentally friendly electricity. Solar- and wind-powered energy systems are fueled by non-polluting renewable resources that cost nothing to obtain. By adding a renewable electric system to your home or business, you reduce the amount of electricity that you purchase from your power company, which reduces your monthly bill.