We have a 100% electric house. We live in a rural Texas town. We are upset about the cost of electricity and we were wondering what the cost would be to change from Electricity to solar power or geothermal energy to use in our home? I am also wondering what is the cheapest way to do this as we don’t have any extra money at all? Are there pricing plans available?
More Pages:
- Solar Energy: Which Of The Following Is An Advantage Of Using Geothermal Energy To Produce Electricity? (6/15/2011)
- Solar Energy: How Much Does It Cost To Install A Geothermal Energy Source To Power A Home? (6/9/2011)
- how many have solar powered lights at home,and think that people….?
- Solar Energy: What Are The Advantages Of Geothermal Energy? (6/7/2011)
- Solar Energy: Who Was The Founder Of Geothermal Energy? (7/15/2011)
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
If you have 100% electric house ( heating and cooling through electricity) your electricity bills can be fairly high.
Here are a few recommendations-
Electricity Choice-
If you live in an deregulated part of Texas switch to a low cost provider by visiting http://www.ShopTexasElectricity.com and or powertochoose.com
Solar & Thermal Options
visit http://www.inergysolutions.com and there is abundant information on alternative power sources ( wind, Solar, etc)
It may be a wise idea if you did a combination of things to decrease your electricity cost-
Switch to a low cost provider
Install Solar panels to decrease use of electricity
Check insulation on the home.
Change air filters regularly
Many electricity companies provide an energy audit check with your company to see if they offer one.
Hope this Helps
I think you’ll need to save up money to invest in a system. Some things cost more, some cost less. In order, this is what I would do:
1) Better insulation for the house, awnings to keep out the sun in summer, double-pane windows, etc. Super-insulate everything. Excellent payback for the cost.
2) Ground-based heat pump to replace the air conditioner and heater. This can cool in the summer, heat in the winter, for less money.
3) Solar water heater. That should be a net win over your electric heater. You could still keep the electric on standby in case there are too many cloudy days.
4) Solar cooker. Very cheap, if you’re willing to cook your stew outside on sunny days.
5) Solar electric system. This is the last step, slowest payback, biggest upfront investment.