Energy Options for Today

There have been a couple recent developments in the energy field that can help you simultaneously reduce your energy bill and reduce your impact on the environment. Specifically, with increases in the efficiency of and decreases in the price of solar electric (photovoltaic) panels and solar water heating systems, and with innovative financing options, many Vermonters can now produce their own electricity or hot water at costs at or below what they are currently paying. In fact, it is often possible to install a photovoltaic system for zero money down and to pay the same amount for electricity as your current electricity bill for 15 years – i.e., while all your neighbors’ electricity bills are increasing year to year, you can pay the same amount you’re currently paying. And after 15 years, you will own the system and will have virtually free electricity for another 15 years or so!

Another major development has been the commercialization of cold weather heat pumps that can “harvest” heat from the air outside your house to heat it. Cold weather heat pumps can cost-effectively provide around 80% of your heating needs, typically providing useful heat down to around 0°F. Similarly, heat pump water heaters can provide hot water for your home at a cost less than oil, propane, or electricity.

If you would like to learn more about these energy- and money-saving technologies, please attend the free public Energy Options for Today workshop, sponsored by the Underhill Energy Committee. The session will be on Tuesday, October 28, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, upstairs in the Underhill Town Hall in Underhill Center. The evening will begin with brief presentations by several local installers of solar and heat pump systems describing their products and their expertise. Next, we’ll open the floor to general questions. Following that, attendees will have an opportunity to visit each of the installers at tables set up around the hall.