While the federal government continues to debate what actions should be taken, if any, over global climate change, there were many significant breakthroughs and accomplishments for clean energy over the course of the last year. People all across the country are now increasingly conscious of how their decisions and actions have a direct effect on the environment, and are making efforts to be more energy efficient. Energy efficiency not only has a positive long-term impact on the planet, but can also help cut down on your utility bills each month, especially during the winter. Here are a couple of the biggest clean energy developments of 2013:
Affordable solar energy: When photovoltaic (PV) panels were first introduced in the late 1970s, a single cell cost $80 per watt. In the first quarter of 2013, according to Bloomberg Energy Finance, PV panels were selling for an average of $.64 across the United States. This cut down very significantly on installation costs, which means that more and more people have access to clean and renewable energy resources. Lower electricity prices have saved money for both consumers and companies, and energy efficiency will be an important part of the future.
Wind power: This is an industry that is now able to seriously compete with fossil fuels to provide energy. New agreements are being signed with wind farms to provide power for as little as $25 per hour for each megawatt used, and the cost of power can be spread among many units. Wind is becoming a powerful source of renewable energy, despite being relatively new in the industry.
To continue this energy efficiency trend in your own home for 2014, contact the professionals at Alban Inspections today. We can provide an energy audit and pinpoint where you are losing money, and what can be done to prevent it.