With the new resolve this historic moment has brought to our lives, we ask ourselves what we can do besides holding corporations accountable - what can we do as an individual that goes beyond responsible spending and paper recycling. If we are ready to change our mindsets and consider efficiency improvements as investments then there is this decision to make. One that which is not only economical but of the ecology for the future that we want for our world and the generation that will follow us.
Solar Panels: the average energy use of a home is somewhere between 900-100 kw/h; in California that translates to roughly $200 monthly, in a year that’s about $2,400. Looking at it this way, keeping your current energy bill sounds cheaper than investing the $20,000 on a typical solar panel installation. However, most utility companies provide energy incentives that will cover 50% of the installation, then add to that state and federal tax cuts as well as proceeds from selling back energy to the grid and you’ve got close to 75% of the installation covered so now instead of taking 10 years to recoup your investment, you only have 2 year’s. If purchasing your own equipment is not an option, then new leasing programs for Solar panels are available, the down payment is very low and you get a fixed monthly payment that will safeguard you from the energy companies price hikes. (be sure to discuss the tax incentives with your accountant. There may be a gain instead of a loss to account for) – Consult with a company like Permacity Solar in Brentwood CA for more information http://www.permacity.com/
Triple Pane Windows: wasted energy from windows and doors ads up to 250 tons of Co2 emissions a year, a triple pane window can have an R insulation value (the measurement that indicates the ability to resist heat flow) of up to R-11, close to that of a wall which is typically at R-13. Which should cut the heat flow about 40%.