Here in Texas, we have no shortage of renewable energy sources – on any given day, it seems that we have plenty of sun and wind to power homes all across the country. Even so, the practical use of renewable energy sources in residential neighborhoods – the home that you and I live in – is still in a trial and testing phase. Let’s look at what’s available now and what appears to be coming along in the near future.
Wind Energy
Just this month, the U.S. energy and interior secretaries told us that domestic use of wind energy is going to take a lot more work, dollars and research. They announced a plan involving up to $50.5 million in federal spending over the next five years to make offshore wind farms viable. Right now, offshore wind is much more expensive than coal power generation, and onshore wind power isn’t cheap either. Today, the top states creating wind energy are Texas and California, and we’re told that this continued use of wind energy will help reduce the carbon dioxide in the air by nearly a third.
On a small scale, there are a number of home wind turbine systems or wind generators on the market today with costs ranging from $300 to $1500. A home wind turbine is connected to your electric meter. When the wind is still, your local utility company continues to supply your electricity. When it’s windy, the wind will provide clean, quiet energy to your home. While wind turbines and generators have been around for many years, the equipment to completely run a home on wind power is still forthcoming. Look at traditional home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes to find supplemental wind generators that can be used to supplement (not replace) conventional electricity.
Solar Power
Solar panels are readily available and in increasingly widespread use across the country. People have been installing different forms of solar panels for years. Solar panel kits at Home Depot and Lowes run about $1500, and you can also buy individual panels, battery backups, cabling and other accessories to build your own system.
Like wind power, solar power is also an alternative energy source that the government and the private sector continue to research for ways to harness its power in both industrial and residential applications. In addition to simple do-it- yourself kits, many home building supply companies are getting involved in the renewable energy market sector, and some exciting new products are on the way.
At January’s International Builders’ Show, we saw many great products being introduced as sustainable energy alternatives. Check out the Dow™ Powerhouse™ Solar Shingle – a unique residential shingle that integrates solar cells right into the design. Dow tells us that this product, introduced in 2009 and first seen in 2010 on Michigan’s first Net Zero Energy House, should be available commercially sometime this year.
We don’t expect it to be cheap, but we do think it’s an interesting product. Check out this video that was show on The Weather Channel’s Earth Watch Program.
Additionally, chemical giant BASF continues to develop new, chemical solutions that increase the efficiency of solar cells used in a number of consumer products, making wafer panels thinner and easier to reproduce.
Did you know that you may be eligible for homeowner tax credits if you use renewable energy sources for your home? Some tax credits have expired – for example, tax credits that were 30% up to $1,500 expired on December 31, 2010. However, new tax credits are in place that are good for the next five years. There are a couple of opportunities to apply for credits:
Tax Credit: 30% of cost with no upper limit
Expires: December 31, 2016
Details: Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify. Eligible items include geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines and solar energy kits.
Tax Credit: Credit Details: 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity
Expires: December 31, 2016
Details: Existing homes & new construction qualify. Must be your principal residence. Rentals and second homes do not qualify. Eligible items include fuel cells (residential fuel cells and micro-turbine systems).
For more information on federal tax credits and how to apply for them, visit the Energy Star Web site.
Renewable energy sources involve only the questions of when, and how much. We know that creating renewable and sustainable energy will be a part of how we retrofit our existing homes in the not so distant future, and certainly will play an increasingly important role in new home construction. It’s good for all of us!