Alternative Energy
We can reduce GHG emissions by using non-carbon based energy, or at least energy sources that produce less CO2 and CO than current energy sources.
Alternative energy technologies are emerging in several different applications: residential, transportation (public and personal), small/portable generators, and industrial size power. Use the following information to improve your carbon footprint and encourage these developing products.
Wind
Every PECO customer can power their home or business with wind power. Subscribe to PECO Wind. for some or all of your electric usage.
Urban/Suburban wind turbines are being developed that can add modest electrical energy with minimal noise and structure. Keep an eye on these products: Turby
Solar
Solar hot water and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems that can be installed on your roof pull energy from the sun. An excelent tool for calculating estimated investment, payback and carbon reduction can be found here - solar solutions calculator.
Solar resources in the Philadelphia area:
- Solar Energy from SunTechnics (Paoli)
- HeatShed (Revere)
- SunPowerBuilders (Collegeville)
- groSolar (MD, DE, PA)
- Philadelphia Solar Energy
- Solardelphia
- Commercial Solar Hot Water from Rushforth Solar
- Alternative Energy Consulting (Downingtown)
- Epoch Solar (Pottstown)
- CMI Electric (Newark, DE)
- Eastern Energy Services (Southampton, NJ)
- Aztec Solar (K of P)
- Suntricity (West Chester)
- Mainline Solar (West Chester)
- Union Electric (Ft Washington)
Alternative Fuels & Small Engines
Part of the renewable energy solution is finding suitable renewable fuels and new small engine products that use these new fuels. Keep an eye on these companies:
- Waste Oil Recyclers offers free pickup in this area
- Portable Fuel Cell Generators from Plug Power
- Residential/Small Bus. Fuel Cell Power from Plug Power, Ballard, UTC
- Fuel Cell Forklifts from Raymond
- Solar to Hydrogen Research
- Biomass to Methanol Converters from AirProducts (Allentown)
Repower America
The organization Repower America has a vision of transforming the US power grid and fuels to a mix of energy sources that are 100% carbon nuetral within the next 10 years. We think these are good goals and encourage you to read about their initiatives.
A new generation of electric cycles, pedal-assist bikes, scooters and electric motorcycles are coming available. E-bikes do not need a license or insurance in PA, but any vehicle that travels faster than 20 mph w/o human power does.
- Hybrid Cycles
- Philly Electric Wheels
- REI
- Martin Electric Bikes
- Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA)
By the end of 2010 and the first half of 2011 we should see several plu-in or all electric vehicles go into production. The status changes too fast for this web site to keep up with, but you can follow developments on the 
car tracker page of Plug-In America.com or the Electric Auto Association.
Energy Auditors and Consultants
If you are interested in having a home or business energy audit done, consider these certified proffessionals:
- Practical Energy Solutions (WC)
- Green Energy Technology (WC)
- Warren Energy
- Hometown Green (Media)
- PA Energy Savers
- Saving Green E Audits (Easton)
- Greenspring Energy (Reading)
- EarthNet Energy
- This Leaky House (WC)
PA's Energy Legislation
Pennsylvania is a leader in promoting clean energy technologies and green job growth. Learn more about current state legislation at these links:
Education
Long term solutions to our energy problems will come from the next generation of engineers, scientists and business and government leaders. Let's teach our children about alternative energy today.
Carbon Offsets
You can purchase carbon offsets to sort of cancel out the carbon emissions that you are responsible for in your residence, your travel or your business. Find out how to calculate your carbon footprint and how to buy carbon offsets at TerraPass.
What’s going on with Carbon Tax initiatives? Find out at the Carbon Tax Center.