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Month: July 2018

What is Alternative Energy?

Posted on July 25, 2018 by
What is Alternative Energy?

What is Alternative Energy?

Alternative energy has often been a subject of debate, especially with global temperatures rising year over year. It’s evident that humans have caused serious damage to the Earth’s atmosphere with the release of greenhouse gases — which absorbs and traps heat — and at heights higher than ever before. This method of powering our modern lives are proven harmful and outdated.

Thanks to technology improvements, the efficiency of alternative energy has been improving while the cost has been declining. But just what is alternative energy, and what are some of its benefits?

What is an Alternative Energy Source?

In regard to energy production in the United States, there are three major fossil fuels — petroleum, natural gas, and coal — which when all combined, accounted for about 77.6% of the U.S. energy production in 2017. The other 22.3% came from alternative energy sources.1

Have you been wondering what “alternative energy” really means? Alternative energy is energy that does not deplete natural resources or harm the environment by avoiding the use of resources like fossil fuels and nuclear power.2 These resources are often referred to as “renewable” energy because they are energy options that replace non-renewable energy like fossil fuels.

Types of Alternative Energy:

There are several types are energy generated by harnessing natural processes — like sun rays (solar power) or wave power (referred to as hydropower), for example. They are generally the most sustainable forms of energy.

  • Biomass Energy: Biomass energy is derived from organic material that can be used to produce heat, electricity, products, and transportation fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel that is used for transportation. These organic materials may be anything from wood waste, tree buildup, handled wood pellets, or even urban waste. A common protocol for biomass energy plants is to create biomass energy from leftover wood received by logging or sawmills. Biomass is found anywhere in the world – we can recycle and use waste from dead lives, grass and trees, and even animal carcasses for this purpose.3
  • Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is derived from the heat Earth generates and has been stored and radiated in the center of the Earth outward for over 4 billion years. The flow of heat is consistent and, more or less, a limitless supply for another few billion years or so. The constant flow of heat from the Earth ensures an inexhaustible and essentially limitless supply of energy for billions of years to come. Icing on the cake? It doesn’t produce notable pollution in comparison to coal and fossil fuels.4
  • Hydroelectric Energy: Also dubbed “Hydropower”, hydroelectric energy is generated with the movement of water. The hydrologic cycle refers to water moving from place to place in various areas of the world, and that movement opens doors to harnessing renewable energy. Since hydroelectric does not burn fuel, there is minimal pollution which allows it to have a major influence in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.5
  • Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen can be produced from various domestic resources. An advantage of this energy source is that it’s one of the most abundant elements in the universe, even though it does not occur naturally as a gas on earth. Hydrogen is high in energy, yet still produces little or no pollution when burned. Most of the hydrogen that is consumed by the United States is used for refining petroleum, treating metals, making fertilizers and processing certain types of food.6
  • Ocean Thermal Energy: Ocean thermal energy uses the temperature variances between cooler deep ocean water and warmer shallow ocean water to produce electricity. This clean energy source is sustainable and can produce large quantities of energy, following the theme of being renewable and pollution-free.
  • Wind Energy: Another type of common alternative energy is wind power which is generated by none other than air flow. Airflow can be captured by using wind-turbines that generate electricity when they are moved by the wind. While not always a practical option for a typical homeowner, the wind is sustainable and suited well for a business in need of cutting electricity costs. A non-pollutant, this is another great example of a way to phase out power plants.8
  • Solar Energy: Solar power is one of the most common forms of alternative energy, especially with the implementation of the ITC in 2006. Harnessed by the sun, it’s literally what makes life on earth possible. The sun produces around 173,000 terawatts of electricity continually, which is equivalent to more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use — imagine the possibilities! Homeowners are now able to take advantage of the sun’s energy by installing solar panels on their home and saving money every month. This goes without saying, but solar energy also does not produce pollution — in fact, it helps to reduce it.9

Save Money with Solar Panels

Solar has accounted for at least 30% of new electricity capacity in the US over the last 3 years, and currently powers 2% of all electricity nationwide. This percentage is expected to double in the next six years. What’s more – solar prices have dropped 52% over the last 5 years and show no signs of slowing down.10

Depending on how you choose to go solar, savings in your state could really make a difference for you when considering rebates and incentives in addition to the federal solar investment tax credit and additional state and/or utility incentives.

Sources:
1 https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=us_energy_home
2 https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/alternative%20energy
3 https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-basics
4 http://geo-energy.org/Basics.aspx
5 http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/hydroelectric.html
6 https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=hydrogen_use
7 https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=hydropower_ocean_thermal_energy_conversion
8 http://windeis.anl.gov/guide/basics/
9, 10 https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data

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Posted in Alternative Energy

What is Global Warming? And Why it Matters?

Posted on July 13, 2018April 28, 2020 by
What is Global Warming? And Why it Matters?

The planet is heating up – and fast! With glaciers melting, sea levels rising, and water forests dying, it is becoming evident that humans have caused real damage to the Earth’s atmosphere by releasing greenhouse gases, which absorbs and traps heat, and are at heights higher than ever before, to power our modern lives.

So, here’s everything you wanted (and need) to know about global warming but were too afraid to ask:

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants 1

What Is the Greenhouse Effect?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. It occurs when solar radiation reaches the Earth’s atmosphere and is absorbed and trapped by greenhouse gases. This process maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius, or 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit, (warmer than it would otherwise be), which is what allows life on Earth to even exist.2

What Are the Different Types of Greenhouse Gases?

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Fluorinated Gases
  • Ozone
  • Water Vapor

What Causes Global Warming?

Global warming occurs when greenhouse gases gather in the Earth’s atmosphere and absorbs the solar radiation and sunshine that bounced off the earth’s surface. Usually, this radiation would outflow into space but due to these greenhouse gases, which has an average lifetime in the atmosphere of anywhere from a few weeks to thousands of years,3 trap the solar radiation and warms the planet. This is what is known as the greenhouse effect.

In the United States, burning fossil fuels for electricity and heat is, by far, the main driver of global warming and climate change. Emissions from fossil fuels account for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, producing about 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year.4 Additionally, the country’s second-largest source of carbon pollution comes from transportation, which makes up nearly 15% of CO2 emissions a year.

What Are the Effects of Global Warming?

We can all agree that global warming has many environmental and economic consequences, and will likely continue to occur if current trends continue. Here are just a few (but very serious) events that could occur should we not take any action:

  • Melting Glaciers
  • Higher Sea Levels
  • More Frequently Severe Weather
  • Extinction of Species
  • Polluted, Dirty Air

The following are some of the health impacts of global warming:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Heatwaves
  • Respiratory Diseases

How Can You Make a Difference?

1. Upgrade Your Bulbs: By replacing your regular light bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs, you can consume up to 80% less energy than ordinary bulbs — and they have a longer lifespan.

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances: Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and household products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air. That’s about the same amount as the annual carbon pollution produced by nearly 440 million cars.7

3. Reduce Your Water Waste: Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too —that’s because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. The EPA estimates that if just one out of every 100 American homes were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, about 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year would be saved — avoiding 80,000 tons of global warming pollution.8

4. Unplug Your Devices: A great way to see a positive impact on your electricity bill and help stop global warming is to unplug items around your house that you aren’t using. Leaving your devices plugged in, even when off, can still use a lot of energy.

5. Power Your Home with Solar Energy: Longer days mean more sunlight, and more sunlight means more savings for homes powered by the sun. Summer months have always been considered optimal for solar output due to more hours of sunlight and thus, produce more solar energy.

How Much Does the United States Actually Contribute to Global Warming?

In 2015, the top 5 carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters were China, the United States, India, Russia, and Japan. China produced 28% of all CO2 emissions. The United States came in second, producing a whopping 15% of all CO2 emissions, which is more than India6%, and Russia (5%) combined. Additionally, the United States is still number one in cumulative emissions over the past 150 years.5

What Is the United States Doing to Prevent Global Warming?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan, introduced by President Obama in 2015, will contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels. The Plan has set restrictions (for the first time ever!) on carbon pollution from US power plants, which is the largest source of pollution in the country.

Limiting carbon pollution from our power plants is one of the single biggest steps we can take to fight climate chaos. The EPA issued the final Clean Power Plan under the Clean Air Act, which the nation’s fundamental air pollution law.6

Sources:
1http://www.dictionary.com/browse/global-warming?s=t
2https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases
3https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse-gases
4http://www.wri.org/blog/2013/11/carbon-dioxide-emissions-fossil-fuels-and-cement-reach-highest-point-human-history
5https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/science-and-impacts/science/each-countrys-share-of-co2.html#.WyLFgIpKiUk
6https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-clean-power-plan-works-and-why-it-matters
7https://www.energystar.gov/
8https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/energywater.pdf

Posted in Global WarmingTagged Global Warming, Greenhouse Effect

6 Important Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels

Posted on July 9, 2018April 28, 2020 by
6 Important Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels

There are multiple benefits to installing solar panels to your home — from reducing or even eliminating your energy bill to being an environmentally friendly alternative energy source and reducing your carbon footprint.

If you are considering installing a solar panel system on your home, here are a few things you should consider:

1. Financing Options

Installing solar panels on your roof is an incredible way to save money even though it’s a common misconception that it’s expensive. We have seen a significant rise in adoption, in tandem with solar energy becoming one the cheapest form of electricity worldwide — costs are consistently going down, which is great news for the environment today and for future generations. With the support of federal and local governments, there are several opportunities for tax incentives (like the solar investment tax credit) and additional state and utility incentives on a more local level.

2. Roof Condition and Angle

One of the many amazing benefits of going solar is that the panels are very durable and have a lifespan of 25 years or more. However, most asphalt shingle or composition roofs last about 20 years,1 considering climate and weather conditions like snow, hail, and hurricanes affecting the lifespan. You must ensure your roof is in suitable condition prior to installing a solar system.

In addition to your roof age and condition, you’ll also want to consider its layout, material, and the direction it’s facing. Even if your roof is not directly receiving sunlight it does still receive some sunlight which allows you the opportunity to reap all the amazing benefits that come with going solar if your home qualifies.

3. Energy Consumption

You’ll also need to consider your energy consumption each month of the year and determine why some months are higher than others — for example, you’re probably running the air conditioner more in the summer which could explain why your electricity bill is higher during those months. Based on your energy usage and your home’s dimensions (including roof type, size, and shading), Momentum Solar experts can then help you design a solar system that best suits your budget and your energy use.

4. Location

The amount of direct sunlight is a very crucial factor to consider. More sunlight shining on your solar panels means more energy production — so if you live in the South or Southwest, you generally have a greater opportunity to produce more solar energy than if you were to live in the Northwest. Places like Island County, Washington (the least sunny county in the entire US) gets only about 60% of the solar radiation in comparison to a location somewhere in Southern California.2 While you can still receive amazing benefits from installing solar panels in cloudy states, like the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other incentives that may be available in your state, you may need to install additional panels to make up for the lower energy production.

5. Rebate Eligibility

Rebates and tax credits can considerably reduce the cost of your solar panel installation, but you may be required to complete paperwork within a set amount of time. It’s important that you review your state and federal options with your solar company so that you have a better idea of how much you can save with solar.

The Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit provides you a 30% tax credit3 of the price of the system. The credit is available for a limited time, applying to systems that are installed before December 31, 2021. Multiple states additionally offer rebates and incentives, as do some utility companies.

6. Warranty Options

If you install a solar power system on your home, chances are your panels will perform efficiently and hassle-free for years. Nonetheless, issues can occur in rare situations, so it’s important to understand your product warranty coverage by your panel manufacturer. This will help to assure that your service and support needs will be covered if a problem ever occurs in the future.

The right solar panel system allows you to reap the benefits of cleaner, more affordable energy. Aside from the savings, think about the other advantages it has to offer in regard to reducing your carbon footprint to help support the environment.

Sources:
1https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/01/06/how-long-can-you-expect-your-roof-or-fridge-to-last
2https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/13/map-where-americas-sunniest-and-least-sunny-places-are/
3https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits

Posted in Solar TipsTagged solar benefits, solar panels

Momentum Solar Entering Second Texas Market

Posted on July 3, 2018April 28, 2020 by
Momentum Solar Entering Second Texas Market

The new office in San Antonio marks the company’s second location in Texas and the sixth state where they offer home solar installation services.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (PRWEB) June 29, 2018 — Momentum Solar, one of the fastest-growing home solar service providers in the nation, now offers affordable electricity options to homeowners in the San Antonio area. The new office marks the company’s second location in Texas and the sixth state where they offer home solar installation services, following several successful months with established presence in Austin.

“We are very excited to offer competitive energy pricing to more homeowners throughout Texas. The state has proven to be a natural fit for solar power,” said Chief Executive Officer, Arthur Souritzidis. “It offers plentiful sunshine, attractive local incentives and homes ideally suited for rooftop solar, and when you combine these elements with cost savings that we can pass on to our customers, we see tremendous growth potential over the next few years.”

Momentum Solar launched its inaugural Texas office in the city of Austin in February 2018 and expects to hire over 100 additional employees to help scale its operations across the Lone Star state by the end of the year.

About Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar is a top residential solar contractor and Inc. 500 fastest-growing private company that employs over 900 people nationwide and with operations in New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The owner-operated business is committed to providing savings for their customers and helping the environment by providing clean, affordable electricity to qualified homeowners. Momentum Solar manages the entire customer life cycle from enrollment through customized design, engineering, permitting, installation and activation of each solar energy system to make the process simple.

Originally published on PR WEB.

For any media-related inquiries, please contact:
Marketing Department
marketing@momentumsolar.com
1.888.MOMENTUM x2136

Posted in Press Release

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