Starting today, June 1, you have a second chance at participating in the Energy Star Program… the list of products eligible for the rebate has grown to include Energy Star-rated central air conditioning systems, gas furnaces, air-source and ground-source heat pumps, and water heaters (gas storage, gas tankless, solar with electric backup and solar with gas backup). Also, as in the first phase of rebates, consumers can purchase Energy Star-rated refrigerators, freezers, clothes washing machines and dishwashers. Consumers must be replacing an old appliance to claim the rebate.

Let Waldt Renewables prepare your turn key solar hot water solution estimate today. Contact us at 252.491.2204 or renewables@waldt.com.

Funding is limited (of course) so move on this quickly. And for more information visit:

www.ncappliancerebate.com

(this makes solar hot water even more appealing!!!)

“This concept is really about making homes energy independent. In lots of instances there are homes that install renewable energy solutions with the idea of generating enough energy to offset their utility demand. But without deploying simple energy efficiency measures to cut the energy demand, renewable energy solutions, like solar or wind cannot be sized appropriately.”

“However, after an intense energy efficiency upgrade that significantly reduces energy consumption, it is possible to lower total energy demand and actually power the house or business with renewable energy solutions,” states Bridge.

At Waldt Construction and Renewables, we’ve had this concept on our radar for a while. Renewable energy solutions are often second following an “energy audit” and some minor repairs that may often cause energy consumption to drop by 20% or more. This makes sizing your solar or wind turbine solution really offer you a chance at energy independence from the utility company.

Waldt wants to work in partnership with you to make your renewable energy solution a success. Using clear and honest communication we will help you find the best options to be energy efficient and then energy maximum benefits from your renewable energy solutions. And the great news is… all of this is available for combined state and federal tax credits of up to 65%.

Call us today at 252.491.2204 or email us.

One interesting find from Bridge is a solar hot water pretreatment system and tankless hot water assist system. It replaces standard high energy use electric hot water heaters. Using the sun’s energy to keep the water hot most of the time and using the tankless assist for short term high demand times. Bridge’s comment: ” Great idea that has a great rate of return… ”

Keep in mind that solar hot water technology is eligible for all of the unprecendented State and Federal tax credits… up to 65% of the total INSTALLED costs. Renewable energy solar solutions like this one can really make financial sense for the average homeowner.

Waldt Construction and Renewables will be happy to provide a turn key quote for you to take advantage of this type of solar solution.

In this instance, our motivated homeowner has a beautiful house with a big expanse of roof that is ideal for placing solar panels. And the roof is facing WEST, not south.

Just in case you are in the same situation, a west facing roof is not a showstopper. Yes, its true that you may not be able to get the absolute maximum sun exposure (and thus power production) but there are lots of alternatives that make solar installations possible.

One of the best things about Corova is the wild horse population (supposedly decended from horses that survived earlier shipwrecks)… they come down to the ocean’s edge in groups. We were excited to see several foals amongst the adults on this ride.

Here’s a good piece with video that outlines some great questions about the Bloom Box:

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/video-the-bloom-box-lands-and-the-unanswered-questions-are/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greentechmedia-all-content+%28Greentech+Media%3A+All+Content%29

Senator Sanders cited both a need to have energy independence from foreign energy sources and the possibility of a new robust sector of the green economy for installers and equipment manufacturers as important reasons for submitting this legislation.

Solar systems and solar hot water would be further incentivized by this bill for residential, commercial, institutional and local government.

For more information about this bill visit the Renewable Energy World article here: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/02/sen-sanders-introduces-10-million-solar-home-initiative

To contact our North Carolina State Senators in support of this bill, call Senator Richard Burr at (202) 224-3154 or Senator Kay Hagan at (202) 224-6342.

I hope that this legislation goes through. We still need some way of making solar and renewable energy solutions more affordable. CEY