| Some people decide to turn to renewable energy | | | | reason for looking at renewable energy is to save |
| to save money. Others to save our planet. | | | | money now you might also want to consider an |
| Whatever your reason there are a number of | | | | alternative energy saving action. |
| questions you should ask yourself before taking | | | | 3. What are your energy saving alternatives? |
| the next step towards going green. | | | | There are other simple to implement and cheaper |
| 1. How much do you want to invest in renewable | | | | alternatives to saving money on your energy bills. |
| energy technology? | | | | Energy saving light bulbs, turning the heating down |
| Depending on the size of your property and the | | | | by a couple of degrees, buying large and small |
| technology you choose, your initial investment | | | | household appliances with good energy saving |
| could be large or small. For example, a solar | | | | ratings, buying local produce, fitting roof and |
| powered light for the garden shed only costs a | | | | cavity wall insulation and walking rather than |
| few pounds whereas buying and installing a quality | | | | driving short journeys will all save you money in |
| solar hot water system for your family's hot | | | | the short term. |
| water needs could cost up to four thousand | | | | Alternatively, adopting good energy saving |
| pounds. If you take a short term view this | | | | practice alongside renewable energy technologies |
| certainly looks like a lot of money to spend when | | | | will significantly increase both your long term |
| compared to using fossil fuels. | | | | savings and carbon footprint. |
| However, reliance on fossil fuels harms the | | | | 4. Do you have enough information? |
| environment and prices are on the increase as | | | | Before choosing your renewable energy |
| resources become more scare. This makes | | | | technology it is a good idea to research what is |
| renewable energy a more attractive proposition if | | | | out there and whether this is right for you. |
| you care for the long term future of our planet, | | | | Use the internet and library for information, speak |
| as well as becoming self sufficient and saving | | | | with experts for their advice. |
| money on your energy bills. | | | | It is also a good idea to have information to hand |
| When you take a long term view you can see | | | | about your current energy usage. You can find |
| the huge benefits and costs savings renewable | | | | this on your energy bills or talking to your current |
| energy can bring. The solar hot water system | | | | energy supplier. You should also consider how |
| mentioned earlier has on average a lifespan of 25 | | | | your energy requirements are going to change |
| years and starts to provide a payback on | | | | over time. |
| investment after around 12 years. The calculations | | | | 5. What is your location like? |
| show you that over the long term not only will | | | | Are you in an open exposed site? Is your roof |
| you recoup your initial outlay, but also enjoy | | | | south or north facing? Where your house is |
| further savings through significantly reduced | | | | located is important in choosing the right |
| heating bills for the remainder of its lifetime. | | | | renewable energy technology for your home. |
| In addition to this, renewable technology also allow | | | | Talking to an alternative energy expert can help |
| you to: | | | | you find the right solution for your home. |
| - Use unlimited natural fuel sources which are not | | | | 6. Do you need planning permission? |
| in danger of running out. | | | | Finally, you should find out from your local planning |
| - Significantly reduce your carbon footprint. | | | | authority whether you require planning permission |
| - Become more self sufficient and less reliant on | | | | before starting down the route of choosing your |
| limited fossil fuel sources. | | | | renewable energy product. |
| - Potentially increase the value of your property. | | | | Again suppliers can help you ask the right |
| 2. Why do you want to go green? | | | | questions to ensure that the choices you make |
| A fundamental question is whether you want to | | | | are the right ones for both your own and the |
| go green for the right reasons. If your primary | | | | planet's future. |