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Solar power comes last. The most important "green" features are hidden: high levels of insulation, along with a tightly sealed building envelope.
Renewable energy is super-green — a resource available locally and globally that doesn't have to be mined, extracted, refined or shipped from thousands of miles away.
Although it takes technology and money to harness renewable energy, doing so doesn't harm the environment.
The answer to this question depends on several factors. Although renewable energy features like solar panels give a house distinctive "green" value, it's actually more important (and more affordable) to "green" your house with insulation, air-sealing and duct-sealing improvements.
Reduce before you produce. BEFORE you consider installing a solar system or ground-source heat pump, it's important to make sure your house is adequately insulated and air-sealed. The goal is to reduce home energy consumption so that you won't be wasting the renewable energy you produce.
Dr. Energy Saver Cleveland can perform a free insulation evaluation and provide a free estimate for upgrading insulation according to U.S. Dept. of Energy recommendations.
Sunlight can generate electricity in a SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) system, or it can produce hot water in a SOLAR THERMAL system.
The earth's temperature (45-65 °F about 6ft. below the surface) can be used as a heat source and a heat sink in a GROUND-SOURCE HEAT PUMP system. Also known as a geothermal heat pump, this system provides very efficient heating and cooling, and can even eliminate the need for a separate water heater.
Biomass (firewood and pellets) can be used in STOVES to provide home heating.
Wind power can be harnessed by small-scale WIND TURBINES that generate electricity for home use.
Insulation and air-sealing upgrades can be performed on any house. The same can't be said for solar PV, solar thermal and geothermal heat pump installations, which depend on specific site conditions.
Dr. Energy Saver Cleveland can evaluate your home for renewable energy upgrades, while providing estimates for other energy-saving improvements.
A final reason for making air-sealing, insulation and duct sealing improvements ahead of installing renewable energy systems has to do with cost.
Insulation and air-sealing upgrades pay for themselves much more quickly than solar installations.
Call 1-888-590-3637 or contact us online to schedule a whole-house energy audit.
