Note - This article is by the newest member of the One Stop Green Team, Max Schweber.
South Dakota legislators are backing a so-called “metering bill” that will adversely affect utility companies and regulators, along with their customers. The bill proposes a cost increase for utility companies. Currently, utility companies pay a wholesale cost on service for residents who produce their own electricity, mainly through renewable energy means. The bill would increase those companies’ costs from wholesale to retail, significantly increasing their cost structure
However, utility companies and opposing legislators claim that the increase in cost would be passed down to customers on the grid who currently rely on utility companies for energy. This would thereby anger the great majority of residents in South Dakota who will be paying even more to cover the cost of those not currently using the grid for electricity. Although the bill has been called a “long-shot” by several sources, there is still a possibility that utility prices will increase for the greater part of South Dakota residents.
To avoid this increase in price, people should consider the possibility of using renewable energy sources for their electricity and heating in their residences. Sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal are renewable and therefore allow the user to be self-sufficient. Being self-sufficient, not just in South Dakota, will reduce one’s utility costs, reliability on the grid, and long-term impact on the environment.
Source: http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130125/UPDATES/130125023/
Bill-would-boost-small-renewable-energy-projects
Showing posts with label renewable energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label renewable energy. Show all posts
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Want to Go Solar?
Blog Week of October 16, 2011
Read This First!
Read This First!
The best advice for a homeowner interested in a Solar PV system for their home is to first do your homework! Prices for Solar PV systems will vary depending on the size and type of system, as well as the overall structure of your home. An average solar PV system costs between 16k -28k and may be more depending on the type of solar panels you use, however, the industry has seen a 30% drop in solar panel prices in the last six months alone, meaning that solar for the home is becoming more affordable.
Generally, the more electricity the system can generate, the higher the savings – but the bigger the initial cost. A 4kW system typically provides around a quarter of your home’s electricity needs and will save you money on your annual electricity bill.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) has information regarding incentives available in your state. You can use energy calculators available on various websites (such as OneStopGreen.com) to determine how much potential your home has to produce electricity from solar.
How much electricity you will generate will depend on:
- The tilt angle of your roof and its orientation (maximum output is for a perfectly south facing roof with a tilt angle of 30 degrees)
- Where you live: the south-west gets more sun than the north, which could impact the amount of electricity your system will generate, although not too significantly.
Our initial site survey will first complete a comprehensive energy audit of your home in order to determine potential problems areas. Otherwise, it’s as if you are just pouring water into a bucket with a hole in it – no matter how much water you pour in, its going to continue to leak out. In much the same way, it is important to address all the other problem areas of the home before even thinking about adding a solar PV system.
Also, be sure to:
- Make written notes – Inspect your roof and make note of all the measurements, in particular the orientation of the roof.
- Look at the roof – from both inside and outside.
- Be safe – Use access equipment for closer inspection where roof quality is uncertain.
- Record any possible risk of shade – Shade will reduce the effectiveness of your system. Look for shady spots on the roof from trees, neighboring houses and chimneys.
- Examine the house – Measure the tilt angle of the roof, this is important when determining how big of a system is needed.
- Look at electrical use – Look at your fuse box and metering to see how much energy you are using.
- Identify your main electrical appliances – The biggest users and when you use them can help set a baseline for a solar system.
- Look around your property – Plan and discuss where to locate cables and equipment.
- Be sure to ask about other costs – This includes scaffolding, panel/module information, details of warranties, details of the inverter, the company’s terms and conditions, and information on how it has calculated the payback, rate of return and savings.
One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Lessons from Japan - Power Plant of the Future?
Blog Week of June 5th
What the U.S. should take away from the devastation in Japan.
What the U.S. should take away from the devastation in Japan.
Before I begin, on behalf of the entire One Stop Green team, we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011.
Japan has long been a staunch user of nuclear power to keep its country energized and was relying on the controversial fuel for about 30% of its energy needs. However in the aftermath of the tsunami, and the ensuing radiation leak at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, there has been a stronger push for harnessing other sources of energy, one that we as Americans should hear loud and clear.
Leading the initiative is a Japanese telecommunications company named Softbank and it’s President & CEO Masayoshi Son. Mr. Son announced his company would work with local officials to construct 10 large solar power plants and would also set up the ”Natural Energy Council” to promote natural energy power generation. Son believes combining solar, wind, and geothermal sources can generate a significant amount of electricity and each method can be tailored to a particular region. Son’s string of solar energy facilities would cost about $100 million and run along eastern Japan as part of a solar belt. The investment would also help revitalize tsunami-hit areas on the east coast and Softbank would fund 10 percent, with local governments contributing about $1.3 million each and the rest to be borrowed from additional banks.
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan also recently scrapped a nuclear-based energy policy and plans on implementing a “Sunrise Plan” to put solar panels on all suitable buildings by 2030. Solar panels produce energy anywhere the sun shines and recognizing this, Japan is making the necessary efforts to rebuild their country with these long term benefits in mind. We too need similar policies and leadership to advance our country’s energy goals while simultaneously curbing our reliance on costly fossil fuels.
The first step in accomplishing this is by raising general awareness as to the purpose and use of renewable energy. Renewable energy comes from energy resources that are continuously replenished through the cycles of nature and will never become exhausted. Unlike finite fossil fuels, renewable resources are continuously replenished and will not run out. Renewable energy resources are clean sources of energy and can be harnessed without damaging the environment, unlike using fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. There are a number of options available to homeowners and businesses wishing to go the renewable route and currently there are grants available for domestic users who wish to install solar panels and technology, wind turbines, and other energy efficient products. Information relating to these grants can be found on the www.dsireusa.org or visit www.OneStopGreen.com for further details.
One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.
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