3 Reasons Why Your Business Can't Do Without Renewable Energy

Businesses and individuals around the world are expected to spend $2.9 billion on renewable energy by 2025. That is a far cry from 150 years ago when 90% of the country's energy needs were satisfied purely by wood sources.

Sustainable power is a topic that continues to receive much attention as the plight of our planet comes into focus. At the same time, power costs for businesses keep spiraling upwards and putting pressure on the profit margins. Consequently, corporations are turning to the existing renewable energy types as a means of acquiring cost friendlier power.

The following are some meaningful benefits you can realize by adopting renewable energy today.

1. Lower Energy Bills

Every business exists to be an efficient entity and as such, keeping the energy bills as low as possible is always a welcome (and sometimes mission-critical) initiative. Using green energy, firms can garner attractive energy savings by utilizing the most suitable option out of the existing renewable energy types today.

Wind turbines utilize freely available wind power to convert the kinetic energy available in the wind into mechanical power. The mechanical power then gets converted to electricity by the use of a generator.

For businesses located near water bodies, hydroelectric power is the most convenient of the existing renewable energy types for generating cheaper electricity. All such a firm has to do is to store the water, and as the need dictates, run it through angled pipes. These pipes increase the speed at which the water flows, ultimately powering a generator that then produces the electricity.

Solar power is the most popular form of green energy, and for many enterprises, also the most flexible option. By using solar panels, you can turn the sun's energy into thermal or electrical energy.

Geothermal power is a fast-growing source of green energy that companies in suitable areas can tap to lower their power costs. Geothermal stations convert the energy stored in the underground heated water into electricity for company use.

2. Reliable Operations

Whenever there is a power outage, your company encounters loses due to unrealized productivity. Many companies are now pursuing a mixed electricity generation model in a bid to cut down on their annual downtimes and the resultant loss.

These companies rely on the grid to help them meet their power needs while co-generating at the same time. Thus, should the electricity supplier experience an outage the business can immediately switch to the most suitable of the available renewable energy types and stabilize operations.

3. Boost Your Reputation

Today's business environment includes customers who pay attention to your company's values. One issue that is increasingly growing in popularity in the business world is sustainability. When people buy items today, they want to know that they are supporting a firm that is working to conserve the planet and not plunder it.

According to a 52-week Nielsen study on consumer goods purchases, brands with sustainable products sold 3% more. Such data has not gone unnoticed by investors as they seek to move with market sentiment.

An increasing number of financiers are now looking at how companies plan to deliver value on the 'triple bottom line' approach. The triple bottom line approach involves your financial returns, your firm's social contribution, and its environmental conservation efforts.

Using green energy in your operations is a meaningful way to differentiate your products and services in the market which can drive or sustain your sales. In an age where your marketplace is interconnected, it pays to have customers advocate for your brand due to your adoption of green energy which can have a positive lift on your returns.

Furthermore, if you plan to embark on any fundraising activities, investors will count your reputation as a firm that uses green energy as a plus during negotiations.

Tap into the Benefits of Renewable Energy

Concern for the planet's survival and the ever-rising traditional power prices are swirling to create the perfect storm for businesses. Thus, companies are turning to present-day renewable energy types as a way to get cost-effective electricity while also gaining a reputation for being sustainable.

5 Energy Regulations You Should Know

Renewable energy is a great way to harness natural energy and save on electricity bills. Roughly 90% of the nation's energy was supplied through firewood 150 years ago. It's important to note, however, that you must ensure that you follow the energy regulations in your state -- no matter how you're harnessing energy. Most renewable energy providers, whether it's solar, geothermal, biomass, biogas, or wind power, are aware of the regulations, but it would help if you were familiar with them as well. This summary shows the energy regulations you must adhere to when using renewable energy:

1. Renewable portfolio standard: Renewable energy is an easy way to save energy, but this regulation states that every electric utility must provide a specific percentage with an eligible renewable resource. Other electric providers must also offer a particular amount of electricity with an available renewable resource. Many of the states across the country have incorporated renewable portfolio standards because of their effectiveness and because they have an approach that looks at the market and helps achieve the electricity policy objective. You should expect to find variations in the renewable portfolio standard depending on the state you reside.
   
2. Public benefit fund for renewable energy: Energy companies understand this regulation, and they will willingly explain it to you as they would other laws. In a nutshell, these energy regulations refer to a pool of resources the state uses in clean energy projects. The funds are ideally created by charging a small amount on every customer's electricity rate. The green energy company you use will explain the different state policies that affect the economics of energy efficiency, renewable energy, as well as combined heat and power.
   These policies are vital because they make investments in renewable energy more attractive. They attempt to lower the risk, reduce the regulatory compliance costs, and reduce the cost barriers. Different states offer diverse programs that target specific markets and customer groups through a broad set of programs.
   
3. Output-based environmental regulations: These energy regulations seek to establish the limit per unit of emissions that come with energy output processes, that is electricity, thermal energy, and shaft power. This is vital for energy saving as it encourages fuel conservation efficiency and the use of renewable energy as a means to control air pollution. This policy looks explicitly at Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and the Environmental Guide to Action. CHP gives you an alternative to purchasing electricity from the local utility. The increased system efficiency has seen CHP produce the same amount of energy while using less fuel, producing lower emissions, and separate heat and power systems.
   
4. Net metering: This energy regulation states that every time a residential or commercial customer takes the initiative to generate their own renewable energy, they should receive compensation for the power they make. This is an energy reduction reward. The state ensures that the energy meters track to precision the amount of energy you generate and how much of this energy is returned to the electric grid. When the energy produced is not sufficient to meet your needs, energy is pulled from the network to supplement what you need. You will, therefore, receive an electric bill indicating how much power you produce, how much was returned to the grid, and how much you used from the network. If the amount you used from the grid surpasses the amount you sent to the grid, the bill will indicate how much you need to pay the electric company.
   
5. Feed-in tariffs: These regulations tend to encourage the development of renewable energy by sending the obligation of electric utilities to pay pre-established above-market rates for the renewable power they feed into the electrical grid. These tariffs provide renewable with an income from their project and vary depending on the source of energy used. They are most common in Europe, but California, Washington, Hawaii, and Vermont have established this feed-in-tariffs.

Energy regulations work in favor of the government and your favor as well. They bring a balance that encourages more residents and commercial customers to use renewable energy because of the positive impact it has on our environment.

Understanding The 5 Types of Renewable Energy Sources

According to statistics, in 2015, about 10% of total U.S. energy consumption was from renewable energy sources. According to published reports, production of renewable energy is relatively cheaper compared to fossil fuels, making it a more affordable energy source.

Renewable energy sources are found naturally in sunlight, underground, air, and in the oceans. They are renewed continuously, typically, and it is impossible to exhaust them. They are the best choice when compared to traditional fossil fuels because they are more environmentally friendly. Renewable energy sources are relevant because they lead to less pollution and are an ideal way for power generation.

There are different types of renewable energy sources that generate electricity directly or indirectly and help in the fight against global warming. Some of these sustainable energy forms include:

1. Solar energy: Sunlight is one of the most commonly known sources of renewable energy. The power generation is achieved by harvesting the sun's energy and light and converting it into heat. Once the energy is saved, it is used for lighting, water heating, and cooling systems inside homes or businesses.
   
   
   One of the key benefits of using solar power at home or at a company is the ability to save on energy costs. The initial cost of installing solar panels can be slightly high, but in the long run, many households and businesses report a reduction in their energy bills.
   
2. Wind: Another renewable energy source is wind. The flow of the wind is captured by turbines and then converted into electricity. The electricity generated by wind turbines can be used to supplement energy in already existing establishments, and some cases can offset the need for energy from electricity providers. Farmers have also been known to prefer using power generated from the wind reducing their energy expenses.
   
3. Geothermal energy: This is another source of sustainable energy. The energy, in this case, is generated from the heat of the earth. The heat can be found either close to the surface of the earth or from heated rock and hot water reservoirs that are deep in the ground. Geothermal power plants are then able to generate electricity from these sources and supply power to various establishments and homes. Manufacturing plants, heating water at fish farms, as well as helping with growing greenhouse plants are some of the ways that geothermal power is used directly.
   
4. Hydroelectricity: This is energy that is from water or the kinetic energy from flowing rivers. Commonly, hydroelectric power is generated when water stored in dams is released and flows through turbines and produces electricity. This type of system is known as pumped-storage hydropower.
   
   
   Run-of-river hydropower is another system where energy is generated from a flowing river requiring no dam or water reservoirs. Hydroelectricity can also be used to run big manufacturing plants as well as power households and is considered to be environmentally friendly.
   
5. Energy from the ocean: The ocean can produce two types of energy; thermal energy generated from the sun's heat and mechanical energy produced out of the waves and motions of tides. Electricity is generated from ocean thermal energy by using different systems that depend on the temperatures of the water on the surface. Ocean mechanical energy, on the other hand, depends on the ebbs and tides that result from the rotation of the earth and the influence of the moon.

Renewable energy sources are not only friendly to the environment but are also a cheaper source of electricity. Various green energy providers can offer advice on the best source for your home or industry depending on the cost and available sources available locally.

3 Facts to Know Before Investing in Renewable Energy

Over the past few years, more and more people have been focusing on ways to go green with their energy. There are plenty of rewards for using less energy, like saving on your energy expenses and helping the environment. But if you're considering investing in renewable energy sources, there are a few important things you should know about sustainable energy. So let's take a look at a few interesting facts about renewable energy.

Solar energy is extremely reliable. Traditional sources of energy, like coal and oil, aren't always reliable -- these resources will eventually run out. Fortunately, the sun isn't going to go away anytime soon. This means that solar energy is one of the most dependable energy options. Experts say that if we could properly harness solar energy, the sun would provide enough energy in just one hour to provide the world's energy needs for an entire year. And since solar energy saves 35 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, there's really no reason not to invest in solar power.

Renewable energy is creating jobs. Investing in renewable energy doesn't just help the environment, it helps people too. Energy sources like solar and wind are creating jobs all around the country. The growing green energy industry means there are more factories to be built and worked at, more wind turbines to be constructed, and more solar panels to be installed. All in all, the renewable energy industry has already created millions of jobs and that number will continue to rise.

Greenhouse gases aren't a problem with renewable energy. Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases -- which are essentially warming our atmosphere and contributing to global warming. But green sources of energy, like wind, solar, and hydropower, don't cause this issue. These sources of energy definitely have more positives than negatives and are great for the environment.

There are endless rewards for using less energy and investing in sustainable energy sources. So if you've been thinking about using renewable energy sources, now is a great time to do so -- you'll save on energy expenses and feel good about your choice to help the environment!

6 Ways Energy Companies Can Save You Money

One of the services of energy companies is to be a provider of heating and cooling systems to homes and businesses. While providing customers with heating and cooling services, they are also concerned about energy conservation and energy costs. Here are six ways that energy companies are trying to save you money on your bills. Let's start with residential systems.

Insulation Works


A residential air conditioner provides a cooling system for a majority of American homes. In fact, approximately two-thirds now have air conditioners. Gone are the days when air conditioning was a luxury! Now, for health, comfort and resale value reasons, among others, it is practically a necessity. Sealing leaks and making sure your home is properly insulated will help keep energy costs down. This includes insulating walls and ceilings in addition to doors and windows.

Change the Filters

For proper operation, the type of maintenance that is suggested includes changing the filters a few times per year, making sure the system is properly insulated, preferably by professional insulation contractors, and having the system and the heat pump inspected twice a year. This will help avoid HVAC repairs. It will also help keep energy costs down by not overworking the system.

Check for Contaminants

Contaminants accumulate in any heating and air conditioning system. And overworking the system can lead to wasting between 25% and 40% of the energy being used to run it, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. So it is imperative to keep the unit clean and well-maintained. Also, it is important to know your energy usage.

Trees, Fans and Blinds

Some other recommendations on how to reduce energy use include lowering the blinds, using a fan, and keeping the thermostat temperature up a degree or two in summer and down a degree or two in winter. Being in a shaded area will also help, as shade trees keep an area cooler naturally, without any energy costs. These tips will help to keep avoid air conditioner repair due to overtaxing the cooling system.


Now, let's take a brief look at industrial and commercial systems and see how energy companies are working to reduce their energy costs, too.


Industrial Systems

An industrial air conditioning and heating system is an absolute must to keep materials, equipment and products from overheating. In a large industrial environment, the air conditioning is more commonly referred to as a cooling system. Clearly, it is critical to the effective operation of the business. Again, proper upkeep is of utmost importance, here, too, which helps keep costs down.


Commercial Systems

A commercial system operates in an area which sees a lot of foot traffic, such as a restaurant, school, mall or airport, just to cite a few examples. It is designed mostly for the comfort of the clients and employees and to keep merchandise fresh as well. By using more LED lighting and energy-efficient incandescents, energy companies can help reduce energy use. By cutting use from approximately one-third to 80% can also reduce energy bills. This tip also pertains to industrial and residential customers, too.


Most energy companies would be willing to prepare a quote for the energy needs of your home or business. A heating and cooling system has many benefits for residential, commercial and industrial locations. In general, it improves the quality of life for those utilizing the spaces, whether it is a residence or a business. Making the system more affordable and more energy efficient is a great benefit for everyone.

3 Facts About Renewable Energy Everyone Should Know

The importance of renewable energy is something more and more people are taking the time to understand. And luckily, people are not just taking time to understand the importance of renewable energy, but are acting on it as well. Renewable energy options are used all around the world, and in 2015 alone about 13% of energy generation in the United States was from renewable energy sources. So with more sustainable sources of energy being explored and utilized, there are a few things everyone should know about green energy.

U.S. cities are going green: 65 U.S. cities have taken action and have begun to transition to 100% clean energy. Already, five cities, including Aspen, Colorado and Burlington, Vermont, have already successfully begun to run off of 100% renewable energy sources. Along with these 65 cities, numerous states, counties, and establishments have started using sustainable energy in hopes of achieving 100% sustainability.

Solar energy can be used at night: Many people believe that solar energy is something that can only be utilized during daylight. But power obtained from the sun's rays can actually be stored and used at night too. Power can be stored in materials like salt to provide energy all night long, and large batteries are cheaper and easier to produce than ever before. Solar energy is one of the most powerful and popular choices for sustainable energy. Because of its abilities, many companies are competing to harness solar power more efficiently.

Wind turbines can power hundreds of homes: Like solar power, many people are investing in the benefits of wind power. Today's wind turbines are so efficient that just one turbine can produce enough energy to power hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. There are more and more businesses building wind turbines and many companies are investing in wind power to provide their energy needs.

The importance of renewable energy is undeniable. With our limited resources running low, it's time that everyone helps to make strides in an eco-friendly direction. Sustainable energy can reduce energy costs, help the environment, and provide jobs.

Reasons You Should Care About Conserving Energy at Home

Over 150 years ago, the U.S. relied on wood for almost 90% of our energy needs. Since then, the nation as a whole has continuously worked towards switching over to renewable energy options instead. Especially in the recent years, more and more businesses and organizations have been making significant efforts when it comes to energy conservation. But why should you care about saving energy? Let's talk about a few reasons individuals should care about conserving energy at home.

It's environmentally friendly: It's no secret that the environment is affected by almost everything we do. However, some people don't realize how much the environment is impacted by the production of power and electricity. Even a single household reducing their energy use can help improve the environment. The less pollution that is produced, the better off the environment, and people living on Earth, will be.

It will lower energy bills: One of the direct impacts people can see from trying to save electricity is their lowered energy bills. There are a few ways homeowners can conserve energy and save some money. There are simple things like changing light bulbs. Using energy-efficient lighting can not only provide better quality lighting, but can significantly cut electricity bills. And then there are a few bigger projects homeowners can tackle, like redoing insulation and investing in products like programmable thermostats. These things may not seem like they'll make a big difference, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

It can help the economy: When it comes to looking at the bigger picture, choosing energy saving technology can help the economy too. Energy efficient projects help create jobs. Whether it's installing solar panels, getting land ready for a wind farm, or developing new products, being energy efficient is helping fuel the growth of our nation's economy. So as more people invest in renewable energy, the economy will continue to improve.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don't invest in renewable energy because they think it won't make a difference. But that's not true at all -- whether it's a small difference, like reducing energy bills, or a big difference, like creating jobs, every energy-efficient act matters. So if you've been thinking about saving energy at home, do yourself, and the environment, a favor and go for it.

What is Renewable Energy Going to Look Like This Year?

As the years go by, more and more people, agencies, and energy companies are focusing on renewable energy. With the money these renewable energy option save homeowners and businesses, as well as the positive impact green energy has on the environment, these sustainable energy sources are becoming a main focus in the energy industry. In fact, about 10% of energy consumption in the U.S. was from renewable energy sources in 2015 and has continued to increase. But how has this focus on renewable energy changed recently? This article is going to discuss a few key trends this year will see on the renewable energy front.

Costs will continue to decrease. Over the past few years, prices of renewable energy sources have continued to steadily decrease. As more people invest in renewable energy, costs will become lower and lower. Because of this, sustainable energy options are slowly but surely becoming more favorable than nonrenewable sources. People around the world are realizing how low prices are for solar, wind, and other types of sustainable energy options and are taking advantage of these low costs.

Waste-to-energy facilities are on the rise. Waste management is a major problem in many places around the world. Fortunately, waste-to-energy facilities can help manage this growing problem. These facilities process waste and help control landfill expansion. This is crucial in areas that are running out of room for landfills and need an alternative solution. Because of this, this year is expected to see more projects revolving around waste-to-energy facilities.

Energy storage efforts continue. In order to fully support the integration of renewable energy into power availability from energy companies and the like, there needs to be serious developments in renewable energy storage. Last year saw a lot of states focusing on energy storage, with a heavy interest on education and training programs. However, more companies are exploring options for storing renewable energy and how this stored energy can be used.

Corporations are choosing sustainable energy. Last year saw a ton of announcements from big corporations regarding their energy efforts. With the push from customers and the money big businesses can save by choosing renewable energy options, this year is expected to see plenty more big corporations going green.

Hopefully, this year will see some major developments in the green energy field. Businesses, individuals, and energy companies are beginning to see all of the benefits renewable energy can offer and starting to take advantage of them.

Hawaii College on Track to Run Completely on 100% Renewable Energy by 2035

Three years ago, Hawaii pledged to use renewable energy sources to generate all of its electricity by 2045. While the whole state is working towards this goal, the University of Hawaii (UH) is stepping up to do its part. Working with the Hawaiian Legislature, UH set a goal for the university to be "net-zero" by January 1, 2035. "Net-zero" means the total amount of energy that is consumed by the university will equal the amount of energy it creates.

University officials announced that UH's Maui College is set to be the first U.S. college campus to use solar systems to completely make the switch from fossil fuels. The university hopes the system will be up and running by 2019 and will consist of 2.8 megawatts of solar PV.

"We are proud to move the entire University of Hawaii System closer to its net-zero energy mandate, to celebrate UH Maui College's achievement and to position the Oahu community college campuses within reach of 100 percent renewable energy generation," said UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton.

Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Windward Community College are not far behind the Maui campus and are planning to see reductions of fossil fuel use by at least 70%.

This sustainable energy project is not only saving the state energy and money, but providing educational options for these college students as well.

How Can You Start Saving Energy?

When you see the bill you get from your electricity company, you may be wondering how you can reduce your energy use at home. Let's discuss a few energy saving tips you can try.

Change your lightbulbs: Homeowners can reduce their energy use by up to 80% simply by utilizing today's energy-efficient LED, CFL, and halogen incandescent light bulbs. If you're still using traditional light bulbs in your house, now is the time to make the switch. Your electricity company may even have some suggestions for which light bulbs would be best.

Install new windows and doors. The windows and doors in your house might not be doing their job as well as you may think. Hot and cool air both escape through inefficient windows and doors, costing homeowners money on bloated HVAC bills. By choosing energy efficient models that stop air leaks, you can ensure your home stays comfortable without racking up your energy bill. 

While it may not seem like these little things make a difference, they really do! In today's society, every little bit of energy reduction helps -- so do what you can to reduce your energy use at home.

How Are Big Businesses Contributing to the Renewable Energy Movement

Renewable energy has been a major topic of discussion over the past few years. From individual homeowners to giant corporations, more and more people are going green when it comes to getting electrical power. In fact, over half of U.S. renewable power sources are used for producing electricity, with about 13% of U.S. electricity being generated from renewable sources in 2015 alone. But are big companies continuing to go green this year?
Despite the U.S. government seemingly going in the opposite direction, big companies are, in fact, investing more in sustainable sources of energy. In 2017, we saw a lot of companies head in the renewable direction, including Starbucks, General Motors, General Mills, and Target.
According to Kevin Haley, marketing manager at the Rocky Mountain Institute's' Business Renewable Center, "an increasing number of non-utility buyers ... believe they need to be part of the sustainability solution." Haley added that the decreasing prices of these renewable sources are sure to be a motivating factor as well.
Already this year, renewable energy deals are expected to surpass the 2.78 gigawatts worth of power last year's deals saw. Between 2008 and 2013, there were only four big companies that signed deals for renewable power sources. But between 2013 and 2018, 51 more companies jumped on the green train.

These companies recognize that climate change is a problem and that there is a relatively easy way they can help reduce their impact on the environment.

Benefits of Using Renewable Energy Options
So why exactly are people making the shift towards more sustainable options? For starters, these renewable sources produce little to no harmful emissions. Nonrenewable sources, like coal, produce harmful amounts of CO2 and are continuing to contribute to global warming. But by making the switch to sustainable choices, people can significantly reduce their CO2 emissions.
Additionally, these harmful emissions provided by non sustainable sources are impacting public health. The pollution emitted by coal and other energy sources has been linked to health issues like breathing problems, cancer, and heart attacks. Deciding to use wind, solar, or hydroelectric power doesn't have this same negative effect on public health.
With the numerous benefits sustainable energy sources can offer, like less harmful emissions and lower costs, there's no reason for people to not make the switch. These sustainable sources can constantly replenish energy sources and help the environment in the process.

T-Mobile is Making the Switch to Renewable Energy

T-Mobile has announced their pledge to use 100% renewable energy by 2021. By using their new wind farm in Kansas and other renewable energy sources, the company is committed to increasing renewable energy use.

Additionally, the mobile carrier is joining RE100, which is a group of over 100 global companies who are all dedicated to reducing energy use and instead utilizing renewable energy sources.


“It’s the Un-carrier way to do the right thing by our customers, and moving to renewable energy is just a natural part of that,” CEO John Legere said in a statement.


Legere also explained that the mobile carrier expects to reduce energy costs by about $100 million over the next 15 years by making the switch to green energy.


The company's first wind farm started being used in December and a second 160-megawatt contract with Infinity Renewables' Solomon Forks Wind Project is expected to be running in 2019. These two wind farms will fulfill 60% of the company's electricity needs. The remaining energy will be bought from early-stage wind projects rather than nonrenewable energy companies.


Why Should People Invest in Renewable Energy?

T-Mobile is one of many companies who is making the switch to renewable energy. It's big brand names like T-Mobile who are showing the good in using renewable energy. Unfortunately, many people don't believe in the harm nonrenewable energy is causing to the planet. But for those who do understand the impact our choices have on the planet and want to do something to help, let's talk about a few reasons everyone should make the switch to renewable energy.


For starters, using renewable energy significantly reduces energy costs. Nonrenewable energy types, like fossil fuels, are finite resources. So as they supply goes down, prices continue to increase. Luckily, renewable resources will never deplete. Because of this, as technology continues to be developed to harvest renewable sources, the cost to use them will keep going down.


Along with lower energy costs, renewable energy sources cause no harm to the planet. Energy companies and businesses that continue to use non-renewable sources are contributing to pollution and emissions of other harmful substances. This is leading to climate change and lower quality air. That alone is a vital reason to make the switch.


While not every single person is going to be able to fully utilize renewable energy, every small step helps. You can even start by insulating your home, which can save up to 30% of your heating costs and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2100 pounds each year. So consider talking to your energy companies about using green energy and making small changes around your house to be more energy-efficient.

3 Renewable Energy Trends to Look for in 2018

In recent years, more and more people have begun to realize the importance of sustainable energy options. Continuing to use non-renewable energy sources is not only bad for the planet, but it's bad for the economy as well. It's because of this that each year there is an increase in innovations regarding sustainable energy sources. Big companies, and even entire countries, are taking action and doing their part in conserving energy by making the switch to green energy sources. Experts believe 2018 will be no exception. With that in mind, let's discuss a few renewable energy trends we can expect to see this year.


Decreasing renewable energy costs. While prices for nonrenewable energy sources continue to rise as supply continues to dwindle down, prices for sustainable energy options will continue to fall. Because more people are beginning to invest in renewable energy options, the technology needed to harvest these resources is adapting and becoming more efficient. Experts believe country-level auctions for renewable capacity will help prices for solar and wind energy decrease.


Popularization of wind plus storage. Solar plus storage has been popularized by big companies as well as homeowners due to the benefits it can offer. Now, experts believe utility-scale wind plus storage is beginning to follow the solar plus storage trend. Renewable energy developers around the world are starting projects that implement batteries with wind power projects. Operators of wind farms are continuing to look for ways to make their projects last longer and be more efficient in time and cost.


Efficient waste management. Worldwide, waste management continues to be a significant problem. Because of this, many governments are turning to waste-to-energy facilities to help control landfill expansion. However, there is still a lot of progress to be made when it comes to putting waste-to-energy policies in place. This is why 2018 is expected to see an increase in the number of new project announcements and integration of policies.


Over 150 years ago, 90% of the nation's energy needs were supplied by wood. While this is no longer the case, there is still a lot of progress to be made when it comes to utilizing sustainable energy options. Fortunately, many countries around the world are actively making changes to the resources they use, saving money, time, and the planet in the process.

Study Suggests U.S. Could Run Almost Entirely on Renewable Energy By 2050

The U.S. is slowly but surely making efforts to implement renewable energy nation-wide. Now, a new study has found that it may be possible for the U.S. to run almost entirely on renewable energy by the year 2050.

The Renewable Electricity Futures Study found that with current technology, an 80% renewables future is possible. The technology that could make this happen consists of wind turbines, solar power, biopower, geothermal, and hydropower.

Many areas in the United States are already investing time and money in renewable energy, which is further showing the positive impact of these energy efforts. In fact, 75 million barrels of oil are saved each year by people and businesses that use solar energy.

Researchers made sure to include results that detailed how potential for renewable energy sources would vary by region. For example, some areas in the country have substantial wind resources, while others have more solar potential. To show these results, interactive visuals were created.

The study looked at 134 regions across the country on an hourly basis. It was assessed by 140 peer reviewers and used state-of-the-art modeling to gather the data. The final report includes assessments of costs, challenges, and opportunities for the individual renewable energy technology.

By using renewable energy, the U.S. will be providing benefits for the climate, public health, and the economy. Not only does it drastically reduce global warming emissions and increase jobs, it can also reduce the necessary water amounts for power production compared to fossil-fueled power plants.

This Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study clearly shows that while an 80% renewables future is possible, it can only be achieved with the right policies in place.

What can you do to help?

With a little effort and by working alongside your local energy supplier, you can help contribute to this sustainable future. One thing you can do is look into easy ways to save energy in your home. This can be as simple as investing in a programmable thermostat, cleaning your furnace filters, and even talking to your local energy supplier about what kind of technologies they were using to supply energy to your area.

More and more energy providers are investing in renewable energy, saving themselves and their clients money. Because of this, it's important to fully understand what technologies are being used to generate your energy. With time, patience, and commitment, we could be on our way to a more sustainable future.

Do You Know the Uses of These 3 Renewable Energy Options?

All around the world people are utilizing renewable energy options in order to do their part in energy conservation. But how are these renewable energy sources actually used? This article is going to discuss a few of the most common uses of the most common renewable energy sources in use today.

Geothermal: Geothermal energy is derived from the heat of the earth. This heat can be sourced close to the surface or even from reservoirs of hot water miles beneath the surface. This energy is harvested on a large scale by geothermal power plants, which are becoming far more popular with each passing year. However, for smaller buildings, a geothermal heat pump may be used to heat the building and even help keep it cool using the earth's natural energy.

Geothermal energy is also being used to heat water at fish farms, aid with a variety of industrial processes, help to run greenhouses and grow plants, or simply heat commercial buildings and reduce energy use.

Ocean Power: The ocean is able to produce two types of sustainable energy, mechanical energy from the motion of the waves and thermal energy from the sun's heat. Systems that rely on warm water temperatures can easily convert ocean thermal energy into electricity. And ocean mechanical energy utilizes the tides caused by the rotation of the earth and gravity.

Unfortunately, use of ocean energy is limited by geography and regulatory guidelines. However, cold water from the ocean can be used to keep buildings cool and areas near the ocean can utilize the ocean energy for energy needs and power generation.

Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe but does not actually occur naturally as a gas on earth. However, this element can be found in organic compounds and water. Additionally, hydrogen may also be produced under certain circumstances by some bacteria or algae. Fortunately, this element is high in energy but produces little pollution when burned. But until costs come down and the durability of using hydrogen improves, there will be little commercialization.

Hydrogen is commonly used to refine petroleum, produce fertilizer, treat metals, and process foods. It can also reduce energy costs when it powers marine vessels and remote buildings. Car companies are also experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells, which emit water vapor instead of harmful greenhouse gases, and the first U.S. hydrogen fueling stations are currently being tested in California.

Over half of renewable energy in the U.S. is used for producing electricity, and around 13% of all electricity generation in the U.S. came from renewable energy options in 2015. While this is certainly a great start, more and more people are trying to figure out ways to utilize more renewable energy options. Using renewable energy options can not only save people money on energy costs, but it's better for the planet too.

A Few Renewable Energy Options to Consider for Your Home

There's been a lot of talk lately about green energy and renewable energy options. While most of it may seem out of reach, the truth is that there are renewable energy options for every home.
Have you ever considered making your home a more sustainable, clean place to live? The renewable energy sources below will take you to a level far beyond installing a programmable thermostat and saving a mere 10% on cooling and heating costs.

Solar Roofing Panels
This might be one of the most obvious choices, but its benefits are practically endless. It's worth mentioning as one of the most easily accessible renewable energy sources out there, too! Depending on your roof and the orientation of your panels, it's possible to generate more than 10 watts per square foot of coverage. And solar power doesn't just mean electricity, either. In fact, you have the option of using solar power for household things like heating water and powering your air conditioning, as well. Bid your traditional electricity supplier goodbye!

Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are most typically found offshore or on large, empty plots of land, but nobody said you had to have a mammoth wind turbine in your backyard. In fact, any wind turbine powering your home would need to be scaled down to fit on your property. One of the biggest advantages here is that wind power is a bit more reliable than solar power in most cases. Where the sun may hide behind a cloud, it's a rare day that's without a good breeze.

Hydro Power
If your property houses a stream or any kind of running water, you're in luck. It may not be Niagara Falls, but a micro hydro power system can make powering your home an environmentally friendly breeze. Even a small stream can help you generate power at a price point that's lower than both solar and wind.

If you're looking to get involved in a cleaner, greener lifestyle, these renewable energy sources are excellent places to start. Who knows what other renewable energy tools may become available in the future? It's best to get started now.

U.S. Cities That Run on 100% Renewable Energy

Cities across the United States are more committed than ever to their roles in reducing carbon emissions. Luckily, it's becoming easier and more affordable for cities to clean their air by using renewable energy. And because of this, five U.S. cities have successfully made the switch to 100% renewable energy over the past decade. Since "100% renewable" may be defined differently in each location, each location made the transition differently. The following five cities have undergone the process to become reliant on 100% renewable energy.

1. Rock Port, Missouri - Rock Port became the first community in America to become powered entirely by wind power in 2008. The 1,300 residents rely on four large wind turbines, which are connected to the power grid. This small town produces more electricity than they can use.
2. Kodiak Island, Alaska - Kodiak Island has been 99% powered by wind and hydro since 2014. The island's electric company decided that 95% of the community's power would rely on renewable energy sources by 2020 after relying heavily on hydro but still burning 2.8 million gallons of diesel every year. Kodiak not only met its goal but succeeded in meeting its target six years early.
3. Greensburg, Kansas - After a tornado forced half the town's population to leave in 2007, the remaining citizens decided to rebuild with a focus on sustainability. Using wind and solar power along with geothermal technologies, Greensburg achieved 100% renewable energy in 2013. Although cost was initially a major setback, the town now saves $200,000 annually in energy costs for its largest buildings.
4. Aspen, Colorado - In 2015, Aspen hit its goal using mainly wind and hydropower. While it was a struggle, the city accomplished their goal in a short eight years. The city already had two hydro plants and decided to buy wind power from other states to reach 100% renewable energy.
5. Burlington, Vermont - After buying a hydro plant facility in 2014, Burlington reach 100% renewable energy. Even though it once relied heavily on coal, Burlington is now powered by wood chips, wind, solar, landfill methane, and hydropower.

Energy Conservation Tips to Help You Go Green

While it may seem impossible, you as a homeowner can go green too! Something as simple as changing your light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs, which reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80%, can be a great place to begin. Check out these few energy conservation tips to help you get started:

• Change furnace filters regularly
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Seal leaks around windows and doors
• Use a tankless water heater

While this might not seem like a lot, following these simple energy conservation tips can make a huge difference in the long run and get you started on your green energy journey.

Corporations Go Green, Rural Communities Stay Clean

According to a recent article by Forbes, corporations are increasing their investments on renewable energy sources and the benefits are mostly going to small, rural communities. Despite the government continuing to heavily rely on fossil fuels, many governors and corporate America, in general, are looking towards the future, towards sustainable energy.

The cost of investing in green energy, such as wind and solar power, has decreased incredibly, leading to an uptick in businesses using them instead of fossil fuels. This not only is incredibly beneficial to their businesses but, according to Forbes, the ones really profiting are rural communities.

To just give a few examples, it has been stated that around 70% of the United States' wind farms are located in low-income areas, with wind energy companies employing 100,000 workers across the U.S. last year.

Solar energy has seen its fair share of positives around the country as well. It's estimated that around 75 billion oil barrels are being saved each year by solar energy users. And solar energy companies have employed double the number of people that wind energy companies have over this past year.

More big businesses are getting into energy conservation each day. Places like Walmart and GM, two giants in the world of industry, are actively searching for ways to reduce their emissions and invest in safer ways to find their energy. It is an encouraging sign to see big businesses begin to take responsibility for the future of energy across the nation.

Going forward, we can only hope this sets precedents for an ongoing forward momentum for research into energy conservation for the whole nation. We hope to see big businesses continue to invest more in renewable and safe energy choices in our country and around the world.

How to Encourage a Green Lifestyle: Energy Saving Tips For Families

Spring is just around the corner, which means that warm weather will be here before you know it. When temperatures rise, our energy consumption (and our bills) tend to spike. If you want to preserve the planet as a family, there are quite a number of ways to save energy in your home that'll likely make a big difference. Not only will you be reducing harmful emissions when you save energy, but you'll also have lower bills and can enjoy spending quality time together. Here are a few energy saving tips that will make every member of your family want to go green this spring.

Unplug those gadgets and get outside
Your kids may be tempted to stay in front of the TV and play video games, but the beautiful weather provides the perfect opportunity to play outside. Not only are those gadgets a huge energy suck, but they can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle. It's becoming less common to see kids playing outside for hours in the spring and summertime, but you can help break these habits. Take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner or ride your bikes together on the weekends. You'll save energy within your home and expend it outdoors! Both your monthly bills and your family members will be healthier as a result.

Discuss some new house rules
If you're making it a family mission to help the environment, sit down and talk about things everyone can do around the house to assist in your goal. Whether you're conserving energy by keeping windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on or convincing the kids to limit their time standing in front of an open fridge door, these little changes can have a big impact.

Consider renewable energy
It may not be an option for every family situation, but you may want to think about utilizing renewable energy techniques to power your home. Solar power is becoming more common and more affordable, making it a popular choice for families who want to go green. While it'll be a bigger investment initially, it will allow you to save on energy costs in the long run. And since the sun tends to shine more in the spring and summer, it's the perfect time to teach your kids about the benefits of renewable energy.

Plant a tree (or several!)
Well-placed trees around your property can cool your home and allow you to save money on your energy bills during the warmer months. When you don't have to use as much energy to keep your home comfortable, you're automatically practicing conservation. In fact, shade trees and even home painting can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions every year. In addition, a single tree can directly absorb nearly 25 pounds of CO2 from the air on a yearly basis! Simply put, trees can help us in many ways, and they're necessary for the health of the earth.

Want to learn about more ways you can conserve energy at home? Our renewable energy plans can help you reduce your carbon footprint without making sacrificing service and function. For more information about your energy options, contact Starion Energy today.