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Sun Volt Solar Blog

earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment with a higher return on investment for your hard earned money. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

National Grid petitions to Raise Electrical Rates by 21.7 percent

04 Jul 08 | Conservation, Solar Electric, Solar Hot Water, Wind Power

Here it comes; the high price of fossil fuels are driving up electrical rates just like everything else.  I read that headline in Rhode Island over the holiday weekend.  How soon until Central Hudson and NYSEG follow suit? How will this impact your family’s budget? 

Current fuel prices in the Hudson Valley (via NYSERDA) are as follows:

  • Electricity: ¢17.1/kWh
  • Natural Gas: $1.68/CCF
  • Propane: $3.149/gallon
  • Home Heating Oil: $4.809/gallon
  • Kerosene: $5.077/gallon

I am very concerned about home heating this coming year.  Many families may need to choose between heating and eating.  Not a pleasant thought.

There are some things that can be done to reduce heating and electrical costs.  I strongly recommend that people start now by

  1. Adding insulation to the attics, walls and floors.
  2. Seal up any outside air infiltration with calks and foam fillers.
  3. Replace old single pane windows and doosr with new energy efficient units.
  4. Have you furnace or boiler serviced.
  5. Replace old inefficient boilers or furnaces with newer more efficient models.
  6. Replace old inefficient appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners and dishwashers with newer energy star rated models.
  7. Employ energy saving devices like programable thermostats.

Many of these items will pay for themselves with the money you save in a year or two.

If you have done all those things and still want to reduce you energy usage, look into renewable energy systems such as Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics and Wind Power to generate home energy.

Installing such systems can save you lots of money and free you from worrying about rate hikes and fuel costs in the future.  At current equipment and energy prices, a solar domestic hot water system (SDHW) will pay for itself in 4-5 years.  A photovoltaic system will pay for itself in about 8-9 years.

Interest rates are very low.  If you choose to finance you system, you loan payment will likely be lower than potential savings, meaning you will see a an immediate decrease in expenses.  You may also be able to write off the interest on a home equity loan as these systems are capital improvements.  Of course every situation is different and tax matters are best discussed with an accountant or tax preparer.

If you have any questions, contact us, I’d be glad to discuss your options over the phone.
 

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04 Jul 08 | Conservation, Solar Electric, Solar Hot Water, Wind Power
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Reader's Comments

  1. Peter | July 4th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Great article. I know a bunch of people already filing for state fuel help here in NH. Glad my landlord pays the heat!



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