Okay, you’ve seen the panels going up around town, heard rumors about geothermal heat, and wondered about solar hot water, so is renewable energy right for you?

The idea of lower energy and fuel bills is appealing, as is the prospect of greener, domestically produced energy and greater self-sufficiency, but where do you start? How much does it cost? What about those New York State rebates you heard someone mention? What kind of a system does your household need?

The answer to these (and other) questions are available from your local renewable energy (RE) installer. Locally, we have several installers:

NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) is the state agency that is offering grants/rebates to NYS homeowners who install renewable energy systems. The NYS grants are substantial, and smaller federal rebates are available too. Check out the NYSERDA site for detail on both.

    “Ira and I have wanted solar for years. When we began planning for our home at the Powerdown eco-community, energy self-sufficiency was a priority in our design. The NYS rebate made all the difference between being able to afford a PV (solar) system, and just wishing for one.” — Irma Geddon

Your installer will not only put in your RE system, but apply for applicable tax credits or rebates on your behalf as well as advise you on local zoning regulations.

If you’re a real do-it-yourselfer, check out Real Goods for a system that you can design and install on your own. Real Goods sells equipment and plans for wind, solar, micro-hydro and much more.

The Solar Living Institute at Real Goods offers workshops on a variety of RE topics, including how to build a career in the solar industry. Why not consider it…and become an electrician of tomorrow today?