Environmental and Financial Design, Planning and Management
Wondering about the cost and rate of return on your investment for RE energy?
To give you a basic idea of the cost, IRR, system performance and design/build challenges, associated with RE energy systems, we have given you two scenarios which represent two different neighborhoods, sites and structures harnessing RE energy in the Chicagoland area. (Examples taken from "Green Power Blue Collar" written by David Dwyer, owner of American Renewable Energy.) Buy GPBC
Case Study 1
The first zero-emissions, all renewable power home in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
Case Study 2
Modeled after the typical 2-3 bedroom Chicago, brick and limestone bungalow with approximately 2400 square feet of living space.
Given a painless process, with clearly defined short and long-term outcomes, people will save, invest and even re-invest -especially if no change in lifestyle is required.
Neighborhoods and individuals can become financially and environmentally stronger and more independent based on a program of renewable energy savings and investment.
Right now there are many grants, rebates and tax incentives available for RE energy, making RE energy more affordable than ever. Any person, in any neighborhood, of any economic level can afford to do this!
http://findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme
Click here to get a rough estimate of solar energy for your home or office. Keep in mind- "The Solar Estimator is meant only to give you a ballpark idea of price, savings, and system size. The results are based upon many assumptions and the limited data you will enter. This information is, in no way, a quote for service-and should only be used to gather information in the initial process of creating a RE energy budget.
An actual site assessment by a qualified ARE representative is needed to determine the costs and benefits of installing a solar system.
Creating a renewable energy plan
Step 1:
Before considering any RE project, current energy costs, expenditures, financial goals, and system feasibility must be considered.
i. Because we design every RE energy system to be site-specific, ARE cannot quote any RE system without conducting a site-visit, an energy audit, evaluating your current energy bills and goals, and understanding your RE energy budget.
ii. Because we size every renewable energy system to be both financially and technically optimized, that is -to provide clean renewable energy in accordance with both your financial goals and energy needs-you must create a RE energy budget with four things in mind.
Your annual energy costs (gas + electric)
The rising costs of energy
Your energy needs
Your financial goals (long and short term)
iii. Once you have worked through these considerations, and constructed a rough RE energy budget, it is time to set up an Energy Audit with ARE.
Read Energy Audit FAQ's
