Nov 24 2010
According to the latest White Paper, average American homeowners can significantly cut down on their energy costs by creating their own power instead of adopting energy efficiency techniques.
The White Paper utilized the Department of Energy’s software to assess three types of homes such as new, old and typical in 10 American cities. Test simulations were carried out to evaluate, which combination of energy production and energy efficiency offers the most suitable option for home owners. Results revealed that the U.S. residential sector consumes as much as 22% of power. Energy production and energy efficiency provide the only solution to minimize home energy costs.
Home condition, local utility rates and climatic conditions represent the major factors in assessing cost-effective and viable energy-saving methods. For instance, adopting insulation energy efficiency measures in old houses set in cold climates was cost-effective, but the same proved ineffective in temperate climates and new homes. Ventilation energy efficiency measures proved cost-effective in cold climatic conditions, while lighting retrofits always offer a cost-effective solution.
However, solar thermal systems and rooftop solar power systems offer better alternatives. The former provides a suitable option where electricity is required to heat water, while the latter provides good paybacks regardless of local utility rates, home condition and climate.
Complete details of the White Paper titled ‘Reducing Home Energy Costs by Combining Solar and Energy Efficiency’ are available at the Westinghouse Solar website.
Source: http://www.westinghousesolar.com/