So lets go over the basics, first off green energy is any form of power which can be used on a continuous basis and never be exhausted while leaving a minimal (if any) effect on the environment. Wind and solar energy are some of the most common and well known forms of green energy. In addition geothermal and hydroelectric green energy sources are becoming more common place.

Wind generated power is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. One of the key factors in its success is the easy and direct conversion form the natural energy source to electric power. Today’s wind turbines are very effective and low maintenance electrical power solutions. Depending on your location wind based power can be your chief energy source, windmill systems are especially effective in wind belt states such as Texas with miles and miles wind farms in its open country landscape.

Solar power, while viable, is still very much in the development phases with significant advances being made daily. The future is very bright for sun based power, scientist are hard at work at making lighter and smaller solar collection panels. Future plans point to the possibility of collecting solar energy with a mere sheet of plastic wrap.

The collection of geothermal energy is some what more complicated. It is based on the fact the temperature deep into the earths center remains the same, with the use of thermal rods we can harness this energy to heat and cool our homes.

Hydroelectric energy can also be considered a green sustainable source in most cases. Done on a minimal scale, small hydro electric stations do not require much change to the ecological balance or landscape around the running water from which they draw their power. However large scale hydroelectric operation often require massive flooding of a large area to churn our sufficient power, leaving a detrimental and long lasting impact on the ecosystem it is stationed in. For the causal home owner a custom built hydroelectric system that takes power from the natural flow of a nearby body of water is the best bet.

Currently the US Department of Energy is conducting studies attempting to evaluate the entire situation. So far their reports indicate that within twenty years up to twenty percent of our electrical energy needs may be supplied by wind power. That will be a fifth of our electrical power needs derived from sustainable wind sources as early as the year 2030. In order for us to reach this benchmark by the year 2030 though, the Department of Energy must make a sound resolve to commit the appropriate investment into this technology.

We generate electrical energy from wind using a network of wind turbines. These turbines convert the constant blowing of wind into electrical energy by harnessing the natural force via a propeller style rotor or in some cases a slotted vertical cylinder. A generator creates electrical power by converting the motion of the wind moving the propeller or cylinder into electricity.

Residential installation of wind turbine systems is in place in 47 of America’s 50 states, the majority of them in the Northeast and Midwest regions. If you are a resident of Wisconsin you have a unique advantage, most of that state has consistent wind velocities ranging from 8 – 50 miles per our which is optimal for the generation of electricity.

These residential turbines are intended to work hand and hand with the local utility company. If the electricity generated by the turbine system is not sufficient at the moment the back up system supplied by the utility company will kick in to ensure you are never without power. In addition you can also profit from your personal wind turbine if you are producing excess energy by selling your extra electricity back to the utility company. How cool is that!

On the down side some people complain that the noise produced by wind turbines is a bit obtrusive and takes away from ones quality of life. I disagree and believe with the right turbine network design and location these systems are not a bother at all (think small turbines as far away as possible).

Its fairly easy to determine if your real estate is suited for wind based power. The typical full service installer will asses the landscape, due personal feasibility studies, help you apply for grants, apply for zoning, install the system, and provide maintenance. A list of recommended installers is available on our resources page.

The first step is to conduct an audit of sorts on your energy usage. Home energy experts from industry leaders say that the best place to begin is to identify potential areas of energy waste.

Much of the money that is spent on utilities bills comes from older electricity guzzling appliances that are not Energy Star complaint, poor insulation, holes in the exterior, leaks, etc. The best strategy for defending your wallet against these culprits is to focus on the five key rooms in your home: the laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, and the living room. These rooms tend to contain the most appliances or receive the heaviest traffic. A few simply changes like switching over to a programmable thermostat rather than a fixed dial to automatically control the interior temperature and washing clothes in cold water instead of hot if it is not absolutely necessary can save you upwards of five hundred dollars a year on your utility bill.

In the bathroom try changing your shower head over to a low-flow two and a half gallon per minute shower head. Combine the shower head with ten to fifteen minute showers and you could save an estimated $140 dollars annually just from the electricity saved on heating that water. The same goes for the laundry room, you really don’t’ have to wash everything in hot water. There are special detergents formulated to work well and cold water and produce the same results.
Leaky faucets in the kitchen can also cause wasted hot water so insure that all plumbing is in optimal condition. Also check the dial on your water heater, if its above 120 degrees your burning yourself and the environment!

In the living room and other heavy traffic areas consider changing standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Not only do they uses less energy but on average they also last ten times longer.
It doesn’t take much to become an Energy Star, a little effort and consideration can save ton for you and the environment.