Plan a Path to Energy Independence in 2013 with Home Energy Reduction, Energy Production

Whether it’s adding photovoltaic solar panels to your home for energy production or improving the efficiency of your house with thermal performance upgrades, chances are there you are throwing away money keeping your home warm this winter. Energy efficiency home improvements can help you use less energy and save more money in 2013.

Home Energy Reduction

If you live in an older home you should first consider replacing your current windows with double pane replacement windows with low-e and argon gas for maximum efficiency. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated windows with the highest R-value glass available for the best insulation and power bill savings.

And because traditional fiberglass insulation breaks down and needs to be replaced over time, we also recommend installing spray foam insulation in your attic or crawl space. Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that quickly expands, finding and filling every hole, gap, and all other nooks & crannies, and providing the envelope of your home with an air-tight seal. It also provides little to no vapor permeability, life-saving health benefits, sound control, and structural strength.

Home Energy Reduction + Energy Production

Adding new energy efficient windows in combination with spray foam attic insulation helped a number of our Alpharetta customers cut their home energy costs in half in 2012. From a financial standpoint, energy reduction home efficiency improvements will provide a quicker payback and should be considered in conjunction with an energy production solar panel installation. With more efficient homes, customers can eliminate a power bill (Net Zero) using fewer solar panels than would be required with a drafty, less energy efficient residence.

Alternative Fuel

For the technologically minded homeowners driving new plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, let us show you how solar energy can be a clean, unlimited fuel source. In 2012 we installed a number of PV solar panel systems connected to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to provide free solar "fuel" to plug-in vehicles like the Chevy Volt or Tesla Model S. These same solar panels will provide the home with power once the EV has been recharged.

2012 brought a number of storms that disrupted power lines in the Northeast and other parts of the US. Emergency power systems are available with and without backup generators and are designed to provide a home with power to critical household loads, such as refrigeration, lighting, well pumps, medical devices, even an electric stove. They will provide daily power supply via emergency battery storage connected to and recharged by solar panels. With an emergency solar power system in place you can feel peace of mind knowing that whatever the scenario, you and your family will not be left without power.

Power rates are scheduled to increase again this year. Solar Energy USA and Net Zero USA will conduct an energy assessment at your home or business and help you craft a plan to use less energy, achieve Net Zero, and save lots of money in 2013.