GETTING STARTED WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Energy Efficiency
Before adding renewable energy to a building it is best to first make energy efficiency improvements. These type of improvements often have the shortest payback period of all energy improvements. Additionally, the size of any subsequent renewable energy system can be reduced providing additional savings. Often there a number of do it yourself (DIY) tasks that can improvement efficiency.
If you are not the DIY type, you can hire a professional to perform a home energy audit. There are different types of audits from a relatively short and inexpensive walk through to a more thorough examination of the entire building insulation and air sealing along with heating system and major appliances. A blower door test is part of a complete energy audit. The US department of energy has a great webpage to get you up to speed on professional energy audits.
The Colorado State University (CSU) Extension provides help with energy efficiency as well as renewables. See their Home Energy Guide download showing how the average homeowner can save money and improve comfort. They offer a DIY energy audit. CSU also provides a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy calculators and fact sheets.
Renewable Energy Basics
The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) provides this information as a guide for those who are considering investing in renewable energy for their residential or commercial building. Solar energy (as opposed to wind and other forms) is more commonly used on individual buildings as it is more easily deployed at smaller scale and in urban areas. Solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems convert sunlight to electricity while solar thermal systems convert sunlight to heat. Colorado State University Extension (CSU Extension) has a wealth of articles about solar electric, solar how water and passive solar. See their solar fact page.
While wind and hydro-electric power are most commonly deployed at very large scale for utilities, some individuals may find these technologies useful. See the CSU Extension’s fact pages on wind and small hydropower.
Incentives
Financial incentives exist to help offset the cost of renewable energy systems. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE.org) provides up to date information on all federal, state and local incentives, both residential and commercial, for renewable energy and efficiency upgrades.
Locate an Installer
CRES does not recommend specific renewable energy installers. However, there are lists available. The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) provides a list of solar electric and hot water installers in the state. Look for an installer who has NABCEP certification. As with any building contractor, check references, ask how long they have been in business and how many systems they have installed like yours. Check if they insured and licensed with your regional building department.
Before adding renewable energy to a building it is best to first make energy efficiency improvements. These type of improvements often have the shortest payback period of all energy improvements. Additionally, the size of any subsequent renewable energy system can be reduced providing additional savings. Often there a number of do it yourself (DIY) tasks that can improvement efficiency.
If you are not the DIY type, you can hire a professional to perform a home energy audit. There are different types of audits from a relatively short and inexpensive walk through to a more thorough examination of the entire building insulation and air sealing along with heating system and major appliances. A blower door test is part of a complete energy audit. The US department of energy has a great webpage to get you up to speed on professional energy audits.
The Colorado State University (CSU) Extension provides help with energy efficiency as well as renewables. See their Home Energy Guide download showing how the average homeowner can save money and improve comfort. They offer a DIY energy audit. CSU also provides a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy calculators and fact sheets.
Renewable Energy Basics
The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) provides this information as a guide for those who are considering investing in renewable energy for their residential or commercial building. Solar energy (as opposed to wind and other forms) is more commonly used on individual buildings as it is more easily deployed at smaller scale and in urban areas. Solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems convert sunlight to electricity while solar thermal systems convert sunlight to heat. Colorado State University Extension (CSU Extension) has a wealth of articles about solar electric, solar how water and passive solar. See their solar fact page.
While wind and hydro-electric power are most commonly deployed at very large scale for utilities, some individuals may find these technologies useful. See the CSU Extension’s fact pages on wind and small hydropower.
Incentives
Financial incentives exist to help offset the cost of renewable energy systems. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE.org) provides up to date information on all federal, state and local incentives, both residential and commercial, for renewable energy and efficiency upgrades.
Locate an Installer
CRES does not recommend specific renewable energy installers. However, there are lists available. The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) provides a list of solar electric and hot water installers in the state. Look for an installer who has NABCEP certification. As with any building contractor, check references, ask how long they have been in business and how many systems they have installed like yours. Check if they insured and licensed with your regional building department.
Energy Efficient Vehicles
Along the Front Range and particularly in the Pikes Peak region, travel in personal automobiles is almost required. As we all know, internal combustion engines (ICE) emit many pollutants included carbon dioxide (CO2) the major greenhouse gas. While we can encourage changes to our city planning and public transit to minimize transportation emissions, we each can alter our vehicle of choice and make a huge impact. This interactive vehicle carbon counter lets you examine the impact of vehicle choices – from ICE to hybrid to battery electric vehicles (EVs). Another important consideration is that even when the electric power used to drive an EV come from fossil fuels, the intrinsic efficiency of the electric power train can make them much lower in emissions. And if you have never driven an EV you do not know what your are missing.
Colorado State University Extension is another great source on all aspects of EVs. Since the efficient vehicle market is changing so rapidly, you will find it useful to watch the car news and buying guides.
Along the Front Range and particularly in the Pikes Peak region, travel in personal automobiles is almost required. As we all know, internal combustion engines (ICE) emit many pollutants included carbon dioxide (CO2) the major greenhouse gas. While we can encourage changes to our city planning and public transit to minimize transportation emissions, we each can alter our vehicle of choice and make a huge impact. This interactive vehicle carbon counter lets you examine the impact of vehicle choices – from ICE to hybrid to battery electric vehicles (EVs). Another important consideration is that even when the electric power used to drive an EV come from fossil fuels, the intrinsic efficiency of the electric power train can make them much lower in emissions. And if you have never driven an EV you do not know what your are missing.
Colorado State University Extension is another great source on all aspects of EVs. Since the efficient vehicle market is changing so rapidly, you will find it useful to watch the car news and buying guides.