Renewable and Alternative Energy

Energy Use and Efficiency

On this page, Explore Penn State Extension’s resources on alternative and renewable energy efficiency and usage. Find educational information on biogas production, biomass heating, green buildings, and farm energy efficiency. Tips on running diesel engines, converting waste to energy, and using wood stoves efficiently are available as well.

Save Money on the Electricity Bill

Making the switch to renewable and alternative energy sources can save homeowners and businesses money by reducing their energy bills. Depending on capacity and energy usage, these resources can cover a significant part of the household’s or operation’s electricity needs.

In greenhouses, energy is one of the top operating expenses. Making the operation more energy efficient is key for reducing these costs. Common strategies to improve energy efficiency in greenhouses include tightening up the house to prevent cold air from leaking in, adding a thermal screen, insulating the perimeter, and tuning the control system.

Along with installing renewable energy systems, Pennsylvanians can choose to use a real-time pricing rate for electricity instead of a rate that is averaged over the course of the year. Real-time pricing provides the opportunity to take advantage of hourly variations in electricity and save money by buying energy at lower prices.

In this section, find information and advice on improving renewable energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs, including an online energy selector tool. Additionally, learn how bioenergy can be utilized in sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.

Lower Heating Costs

Choosing to heat with renewable fuels can be a good option for homeowners and business owners looking to reduce the amount of fossil fuel they use and lower their energy costs. Depending on the current heating fuel used, a considerable amount on the heating bill can be saved by switching to wood heat. Property owners can make the shift towards more energy-efficient homes by replacing heating oil boilers with pellet boilers or by using a high-efficiency wood stove.

Using the Heating Energy Cost Analyzer tool allows homeowners, farmers, and businesses to compare a number of different heating fuels and determine whether switching to a new source could save them money. By far, wood is among the most favored biomass fuels for combustion systems in PA.

Energy Cost and Efficiency

For farmers classified as commercial or industrial electricity customers, the cost of electricity is not a flat fee per kWh. It is worth knowing that the load factor can influence the cost per kWh for the billing period. Calculating the load factor can provide a good indication of how the electricity demand is being managed.

If the load factor is below 50%, a review of the entire operation is needed to determine the cause and improve the farm's energy efficiency. Overall, farmers and landowners can save both energy and money by implementing practices such as using drip irrigation and utilizing energy-efficient equipment. Join the Farm Energy Day workshop to learn more about renewable energy solutions available to farmers and landowners.

Agricultural producers interested in improving their energy use and profitability can use Penn State Extension’s Farm Energy Efficiency program. In addition, farmers and landowners can benefit from Extension’s wide array of resources and obtain valuable information on choosing high-efficiency farm lighting, improving energy use in horticultural operations, and applying energy conservation measures on dairy farms.

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  1. Solar Ordinances in Pennsylvania
    Webinars

    Free

    Solar Ordinances in Pennsylvania
    When 04/18/2024
    Length 1 hour
    Join us for insights from a recent study examining solar ordinances throughout Pennsylvania.
  2. Project PARETO and Produced Water Optimization
    Webinars

    Project PARETO and Produced Water Optimization
    Length 1.5
    Optimizing produced water management through effective treatment technologies and volume control will be discussed during this informative webinar.
  3. Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen for Energy, Industry, and Agriculture
    Webinars

    Free

    Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen for Energy, Industry, and Agriculture
    When Watch Now
    Length 1 hour
    Recorded Jan 18, 2024
    Join us to discover hydrogen basics, its varied uses (the "hydrogen rainbow"), its role in clean energy, industry, and agriculture, and exciting glimpses into its future development.
  4. C-CHANGE Grass2Gas: Life Cycle of Biomass to Biogas - The Bigger Picture
    Webinars

    Free

    C-CHANGE Grass2Gas: Life Cycle of Biomass to Biogas - The Bigger Picture
    When Watch Now
    Length 1 hour
    Recorded Jan 16, 2024
    Explore potential consequences of increased renewable natural gas (RNG). Join our webinar for insights into its broader impacts on the United States.
  5. Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar
    Webinars

    Free

    Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar
    When Watch Now
    Length 1 hour
    Recorded Nov 16, 2023
    Gain insights into agrivoltaics, understanding its definition, implementation techniques, and the challenges and prospects associated with integrating solar panels into farmland and agricultural operations.
  6. Image of a man and woman being surprised by energy bills. Photo credit: Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com
    News
    Heating Assistance Program Now Open
    Date Posted 11/29/2023
    Pennsylvanians who struggle with home heating bills can now apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program runs from November 1st to April 5th.
  7. Photo of fire. Photo credit: pexels.com
    Articles
    Solar Fire Safety
    By Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., Thomas Beresnyak
    As solar arrays are installed in communities, one concern is the possibility of fires.
  8. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Guidance
    Webinars

    Free

    Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Guidance
    When Watch Now
    Length 1 hour
    Recorded Mar 16, 2023
    Learn about the tax incentives for making energy-efficient improvements to your home, which reduces energy consumption, and lowers how much you pay for utilities.
  9. Roof vents should close snugly with no cracks or openings.
    Articles
    Things a Greenhouse Grower Can Do To Improve Energy Efficiency
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E.
    Operating a commercial greenhouse is one of the most rewarding ways to make a living, but it is not an automatic or easy task.
  10. The Origins and Meaning of Net Metering
    Articles
    The Origins and Meaning of Net Metering
    The legal mandate that led to widespread deployment of net metering in Pennsylvania, has had a profound effect on renewable electricity today.
  11. Switch to Three-Phase Electricity, if Available
    Articles
    Switch to Three-Phase Electricity, if Available
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E.
    As farms become larger and more mechanized, the need for larger electric motors also increases. Three-phase electrical power needs to be considered on all farms.
  12. Gerald Holmes, California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org
    Articles
    Run Tractors and Other Diesel Engines at Peak Performance
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E.
    Achieving (and maintaining) peak performance of your engines will result in many benefits such as high fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance expenses, reduced downtime, and extended life.
  13. Pennsylvania Farm Energy Efficiency
    Articles
    Pennsylvania Farm Energy Efficiency
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E.
    Penn State's Farm Energy Efficiency program is a statewide initiative of Penn State Extension and part of Extension's Renewable and Alternative Energy program.
  14. Payment Options
    Articles
    Payment Options
    Utility companies offer a choices for how your monthly energy bills are calculated and how you can pay your bills.
  15. Operate Ventilation Systems for Maximum Efficiency
    Articles
    Operate Ventilation Systems for Maximum Efficiency
    The operating efficiency of a ventilation fan can be reduced 30-50% by the accumulation of dust on fan blades and housing or by shutters that do not operate freely.
  16. Online Annual Heating Energy Cost Analyzer
    Tools and Apps
    Online Annual Heating Energy Cost Analyzer
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E., Azadwinder Chahal
    Estimate the cost impact of using different heating fuels with the help of this calculation tool
  17. More Efficient Lighting
    Articles
    More Efficient Lighting
    By Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E.
    The incandescent lamp, which was developed more than 125 years ago, is rather inefficient in providing light.
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