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.

Windturby

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

WindTurbines.Net is a social network for the wind turbines community where the public and the wind energy profession can come together to get advice, share ideas and network for career advancement.

The Philadelphia Eagles are planning to install 80 spiral turbines at Lincoln Financial Field. Keep an eye on this emerging technology.

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 or at the Solar Tribune.

Solar resources in the Philadelphia area:

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:

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.Repower America

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.

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:

Electric Supplier Choice

In Pennsylvania you can purchase your electricity from any number of suppliers - some of which offer a mix or even 100% energy from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro, biomass). It's a changing landscape, so BLUER is refering to PennFuture for its up to date analysis of electric suppliers.

PennFuture Buy Green Energy

If you have solar panels on your house now, or plan to in the near future, keep in mind that your net-metering agreement with PECO will be affected if you change energy suppliers.

Calculating Household Carbon Footprint

The University of California at Berkeley has a great tool that walks you through the energy, consumption and travel profile for the people living in your house, estimates your carbon footprint and compares it to national and international averages. Check it out.

CoolClimate Carbon Calculator

SREC Markets

Why are SRECs in PA selling at record low prices? The short answer is that supply (solar installations in PA) has out-paced the demand (PA's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard for solar). Read more about the issues and possible legislative initiatives at the PA Solar Energy Industry Association - PASEIA.

Find a link to Representative Chris Ross's Solar Jobs Bill (HB 1580) here.