Connecting to the Grid | If your are planning on generating your own electricity on-site with either solar panels or a wind or small hydro turbine, you will have to notify your utility. We recommend contacting your utility very early in the process and building a good relationship with them. You need to contact them because your home or business is currently connected to the grid (unless you are off-the-grid or planning on building off-the-grid). Since you are connected to the grid, any electricity you generate impacts the grid. You have three choices: a battery-less grid-tied system, grid-tied with battery-back-up, and an off-grid system. Most common is the battery-less grid-tied system. Go to Homepower Magazine to learn more. |
|  Welcome to Pennsylvania's new Renewable Energy Directory, the "green pages" for finding system designers, installers, and consultants. Click on one of the symbols above to get started or use our Getting Started Tips below.
The Directory features over 60 businesses the Renewable Energy Center compiled and contacted before putting together this list. The Center doesn’t make any specific recommendations nor does it endorse any particular business. The Center is also not responsible in any way for any work completed by these businesses. That said, we do want this to be a living resource, that learns and grows along with its users—both customers and renewable energy professionals. Getting Started Tips to Save You Time and Money: 1. Know Your Energy Situation 2. Start with Efficiency 3. Choose an Installer Wisely 1. Know your Energy Situation. Calculate your energy usage in the three energy areas: heating, electricity, and transportation. Chart it on paper. Involve staff members or members of your family. How much does your business or your home spend monthly and annually on space heating, electricity and fuel for your vehicles? How much do you spend per kilowatt-hour, gallon, and mcf (natural gas)? Which energy do you spend the most on? The least? You can also use these online resources for heating and electricity: PA Home Energy--Your Home Energy Audit Experts
This is a new program that is focused on helping Pennsylvania consumers reduce their home energy use. The program integrates the general principles of whole house performance with green home design. At the heart of PA Home Energy is ENERGY STAR – a joint program of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
A home energy audit can cost $300 - $500 and if you implement the recommendations can save you $600 - $1,500 or more a year. |  |
Energy Saver: Energy Calculators and Software
Home Energy Yardstick
2. Start with Efficiency: Don’t forget the simple steps you can do now. We know they aren’t as exciting as solar panels or making your own fuel. We know insulation isn't nearly as easy to brag about as a geothermal heat pump. . .but it is the place to start without a doubt. The Department of Energy claims you can knock 20% off your usage with simple no cost/low cost solutions. According to the experts at Homepower Magazine, every dollar invested in energy efficiency will save you 3 to 5 dollars on your renewable energy system (since it can be smaller). Try the Energy Saver Calculator from the U.S. Department of Energy above. Here are a few good steps to get you started and here are even more ways to save from the Alliance to Save Energy: - Insulation and air-sealing
- Unplugging or turning off appliances when they aren’t in use
- Lower thermostats when you aren’t around and use programmable thermostats
- Use energy efficient light bulbs and Energy Star appliances
- Use power strips--plug electronics into power strips and turn them completely off when not in use to avoid what is called "phantom load": electricity used when an appliance is turned off (think of all those read standy-by lights and clocks around your home--wasted money and energy.
 | Energy Coordinating Agency
ECA is a Philadelphia-based private, non-profit company helping homeowners in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Their site features lists of energy efficiency contractors, details of their many program, tips and many resources |
3. Choose an Installer Wisely. After you know your own energy usage and expenses, have reduced your demandFirst, you must know what you are wanting to accomplish. What is your end goal? Second, know what you’ll be asked and be prepared to have an answer. Third, we recommend you learn the basics of each technology before calling. Renewable energy systems are significant investments, somewhere between buying a car and buying a house. Lastly, take your time to shop around, compare suppliers and find the one you feel comfortable with. Questions you will be asked (be ready to answer): - What is your energy usage and how much are you paying?
- What are your goals? (cost savings, environmental, helping to get the country off of foreign energy sources, etc.) Do you want a grid-tied system, grid-tied with battery-back up or an off-grid system? (see “Connecting to the Grid”)
- Where and how are you considering using the system or energy source?
- Do you plan on installing it yourself, helping to install it or paying an installer to do all the work
- Do you plan on maintaining it or paying someone else to maintain it?
Questions you should ask them: Typically renewable energy systems installers conduct a site visit which can cost $50 - $300 or more so first you should ask. . . - What is included in a site assessment and what do you charge?
- Do you perform an energy use assessment?
- How does the system work and how will it supply my building, home, vehicle with energy? Make sure you understand this very clearly and ask them to repeat anything you don’t understand.
- How much energy might the system generate/produce?
- Is there a performance guarantee?
- What is a typical system cost?
- What financial incentives exist to help pay for it?
- Have you worked with any lenders that have experience with renewable energy systems?
- What can I expect in terms of payback (when you’ll make your money back)?
- What do I need to know in terms of building and electrical permitting? Zoning? Who is responsible for obtaining the proper permits and approvals?
- How long will the system last? How do you know that for sure? Do you provide a maintenance or service warranty for the first year? Can I purchase an extended warranty? What can I expect if maintenance is needed? Is regular maintenance needed? How often and what type?
- How long have you been in business? What certifications do you have? How many installations have you done? Do you have references I can contact? Pictures of previous installations? Installations I can visit?
- When could the installation take place? From start to finish, including permitting and utility approvals, how long might the installation take? What can I expect from the installation itself in terms of disruptions to the building/site? Describe the installation process.
- Do you work with my electrical utility to complete the grid interconnection? Are there interconnection costs I should be aware of? How you worked with my utility before? What utilities have you worked with?
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