Alternative Energy
In addition to energy conservation, 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.
The easiest (nothing to install) alternative energy solution right now is to dedicate a percentage of your electricity usage to be source by wind power - PECO Wind.
Also available now are solar hot water and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems that instal on your roof. An excelent tool for calculating estimated investment, payback and carbon reduction can be found here - solar solutions calculator.
Some are available now, some will be coming available in the next few years.
Here are some links to alternative energy solutions that are available now in our area:
- Wind Energy from PECO
- Solar Energy from SunTechnics (Paoli), HeatShed (Revere), SunPowerBuilders (Collegeville) Philadelphia Solar Energy , Solardelphia
- Commercial Solar Hot Water from Rushforth Solar
- Electric Vehicles from Miles EV, Wilde eVolutions
- Electric Auto Association
- Plug-In Hybrids - Plug-In America
- Portable Fuel Cell Generators from Plug Power
- Residential/Small Bus. Fuel Cell Power from Plug Power, Ballard, UTC
- Alternative Energy Consulting (Downingtown)
You can learn about some emerging clean energy products to consider at these links:
- Urban Wind Generation – Turby
- Fuel Cell Vehicles – Honda, Chevy, Benz
- EVs coming in 2010 - Chevy Volt, Chrysler, Mitsubishi
- Fuel Cell Forklifts from Raymond
- Solar to Hydrogen Research
- Biomass to Methanol Converters from AirProducts (Allentown)
When considering alternative energy, one needs to consider the complete life-cycle of the energy. For instance, if an electric/battery car uses no fossil fuels directly, but the electricity is uses to charge its batteries is generated from a coal burning electric plant, then the electric car is still effectively causing GHG emissions. Or if 5 acres of trees need to be cut down to make room for a wind turbine, the effective carbon reduction is limited. However, it still may be a net gain.
Pennsylvania does not have as much sunshine as other parts of the country, obviously, but energy needs can at least be supplemented by roof-top solar panels or passive solar collectors. Consider getting a solar energy opportunity analysis from the experts. There is a list of area consultants at Philadelphia Solar Energy Associaion.
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:
Our Next Generation
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.
California - Stundent's Guide to Alt Fuel Vehicles
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.
If you live in West Chester and take action on any of these initiatives (like installing solar panels, etc), please let us know at info@wcbluer.org.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, feel free to send us email at info@wcbluer.org. We’ll try to update this page several times a year, so check back often – new solutions are becoming available all the time.
