By: MecfordNumber 1 What we want to do is to
reduce our dependence on energy companies, and reduce our ongoing costs.
This means that we must use alternative energy sources and get a good return on our Dollar.
And if at the same time we are shown to be
helping the planet and reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, well that’s great as long as we still get the return on investment.
Be aware that there have been substantial changes over the past few years it is now possible to make your own Photo-Voltaic panels and the combination of Solar Power and Wind generators can overproduce household Kw requirements.
This excess can be fed back to the Local Electricity suppliers and provide an income.
Number 2Governments, States, Counties and trade associations are all desperate to help us spend our dollars and help the planet.
But have you noticed that they all seem to be recommending the
most expensive systems. And you only get the contribution/grant if you use their registered companies to implement a system.
And, what do you know, if they offer to give you a $2,000 dollar contribution then the registered company always seems to be charging $4,000 dollars more than the local Joe.
Number 3Interested parties tend to push for you to replace 85% of your existing energy costs. The problem is that like many projects the cost per percentage point always seems to increase as you rise through the percentages. In other words you may achieve a 25% saving for $2,500 but achieving 85% saving could cost you $25,000 or three times the cost per “% point”.
Number 4There are four basic requirements that your “energy” supplies.
Heating Cooling Lighting Equipment
/>
Electrical power can provide all of these options. But electrical power in its turn can be created in different ways and with different costs and advantages.
Each requirement should be judged on its own merits. You should consider the options individually for each requirement according to your usage and the local environment.
For example Wood, peanut shells and corn husks are all available locally somewhere and frequently free so this has got to be the cheapest alternative energy for heating.
Solar heating has a lot to recommend it in California but in Alaska
Heat Pumps deserve serious consideration.
Number 5Do your best to
reduce the existing energy costs we all know about extra insulation, low energy light bulbs, plugging the holes around doors and windows, double glazing and turning the lights off and the heating down.
It’s all basic stuff but it is surprising what a change can be made to your energy costs.
After all it’s your
dollars that are flying out the window and through the walls.
Number 6Try and find out what the locals are using. There are often local and state groups and associated forums where you can pick up a lot of Tips. Some areas have local self help groups which try to
leverage supplier’s prices by placing large orders.
There are companies that specialise in alternative technology [see note Number 2] but the actual work and installation is
mainly simple, much cheaper, standard tradesman’s work even if you have to persuade them of this.
Read as much as you can on the net, there is no doubt that
educating yourself can pay big dividends both in costs and value.
Number 7Remember that this is a business and lots of the people supplying advice and information are actually “pushing” a
specific solution for their own interests.
Decide in advance how much you want to pay.
For Example…… I pay $150 a month energy costs I want to get my money back in 5yrs to 10 years I will not spend more than $9,000 to $18,000 to reduce my costs to Zero
Individually… Heating 50% $4,500 to $9,000 Cooling 20% $1,800 to $3,600 Lighting 5% $450 to $900 Elect Equipment 25% $2.250 to $4,500
Not included in these figures are three important points to consider
The cost of energy will very likely rise When selling your house you will frequently get a higher price if you have implement alternative energy options. If you don’t get a higher price you can always take the majority of the equipment with you. Regards
MecfordIf you found this interesting then I suggest that you might like to look at this Web Page for a little more Practical Information http://mecfords.com/view_article.php?aid=9
Mecford is a Retired Engineer and logistics Consultant with a lifelong interest in Technology, Alternative Technology and DIY. likes good humor and stories.
Currently learning about marketing on Internet, Ambition to make enough money to ruin me....
