Energy Alternatives Serve Dual Purpose

Winter hasn't let go just yet. The effects of record breaking snowfall has left many with a hefty spring "to-do" list.  Renovations typically increase as the weather warms up, and property owners will find themselves inspecting roofs, insulation and home mechanics for signs of needed repair.

Sharon Vocke, owner of Evergreen Energy, LLC, a Southington company specializing in renewable energy solutions, said a conversion to solar, wind turbine and  geothermal is the kind of investment homeowners makes once, but which will allow them to reap benefits over time.

Sharon and husband Rich Vocke formed the five-year-old business after fitting their own Southington home with a 6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. Renewable energy is something Sharon became interested in at age 11.

"The time has never been better for choices in alternative green energy," she said.

If you're doing a roof repair, take advantage of a dual purpose in overhauling existing systems such as electric or oil heat.

Four categories make up renewable resources: solar photovoltaics (solar PV), solar thermal, geothermal, and wind turbine power.

A federal 30% tax credit offsets conversion costs towards wind, solar and geothermal, while solar photovoltaic (PV, to make electricity), solar thermal (to make hot water), and geothermal also may qualify for grants from the CT Clean Energy Fund. Wind and solar energy are constantly replenished and do not "run out," she said.

"Saving money on an electrical bill is great, but the value of renewable energy goes far beyond a financial perspective. Renewable energy is a gift that you give to generations to come," Vocke said. "It's important to take care of the earth. It's no longer debatable that oil resources are limited and their delivery system is also responsible for expending a considerable carbon footprint as well."

Besides incentives savings from energy efficiency upgrades and lower utility bills, once the work is done, resale value may increase.

"Anything you can do to make your home more energy efficient improves the value.  A  high efficiency propane system vs. baseboard electric heat is beneficial, for example," said Katrina DeVona, real estate appraiser. "A favorable Home Energy Rating Report (HERS) report, or certification from Energy Star, are valuable consumer tools." 

Vocke recommends taking a solar house tour to learn more about renewable energy through People's Action for Clean Energy Inc., or PACE,  a non-profit public health and environmental volunteer-run organization that hosts solar house tours.

For new construction or a retro-fit to an existing home, these educational demonstrations are a "see-for-yourself" chance to inspect residential and commercial structures outfitted in solar, geothermal and wind turbines systems - all of which are running cost efficiently. 

A wind-turbine producing electricity for a 5,200 sq. ft. home is scheduled for June 4 PACE tour. For ticket information, stay tuned to the PACE website EVENTS section at www.pace-cleanenergy.org. 

For information about Energy Star and guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features.