Save Money with Green Energy

May 3, 2010
By Craig Axelrod

It is unfortunate that so many people view green energy as something most appropriate for the domestic setting. A few solar panels on the roof or even an array of solar heating tubes to make hot water is often the extent to which most people view alternative energy supplies. Interestingly enough, owners of office buildings, industrial facilities, and even large-scale apartment complexes could all enjoy the amazing profitability of green energy too.

Consider the apartment market in China. Almost every single rooftop contains a facility that relies on solar heating tubes to create domestic water supplies. This clearly establishes that such options will work for large populations, and while China may be promoting this in order to reduce their environmental pollution, it does illustrate the viability of green energy in the large-scale format.

It is necessary to stop at this point and emphasize that no one should get carried away with visions of free electrical service and hot water for all of their properties, because the technologies just aren't there yet. Instead they can imagine the amount of money to be saved on oil and electrical supplies through the use of the most realistic green energy systems.

Take the solar heating tubes already mentioned; the average property owner could install a system of panels on the side of the building or on the rooftop. They could then receive instant tax credits for their use of an alternative energy. These credits would come from all kinds of groups, including local utility rebates, and federal or state tax breaks too. Additionally, most owners of such equipment are given a different type of tax break in the form of accelerated depreciation. Instead of slowly "writing off" the investment over the course of many years, they can often see the entire expense applied against income in as little as two to five years instead.

Sure, you might say, tax credits are great, but just how difficult will it be to rely on a solar hot water system. If the property owner works with a knowledgeable installer who helps them to accurately assess their energy needs they will usually find that it is possible to save well over one hundred kWh per month.

Consider that the average household, whether a free standing home or an apartment, is going to always save at least 4.5 kWh per day by relying on the sun and a solar hot water heater. This same sort of savings is also going to be possible in many areas through the installation of a solar panel system too. This would be designed to create a supplemental electrical supply, and most areas of the country are able to receive adequate sunlight to create at least the occasional feed of power.

If you are someone who owns and manages a few properties you should be exploring your financial opportunities with alternate energies. They all have a relatively comfortable payback period, and the financial incentives being supplied by utility providers and governmental agencies makes them even more affordable and beneficial.