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.
- Articles
Powering Homes and Businesses: The Journey of Electricity
Electricity is integral to our daily lives, lighting our homes and fueling businesses. - Articles
Policy Landscape of Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digesters can offer renewable energy, increased profitability, and sustainability for farms. - Webinars
Solar Ordinances in Pennsylvania
Length 1 hourJoin us for insights from a recent study examining solar ordinances throughout Pennsylvania. - Webinars
Energy Efficiency Programs for Farms and Businesses
Length 1 hourExplore program guidelines for REAP, Pennsylvania grants, and renewable project tax credits in one concise overview. - Webinars
C-CHANGE: Managing Digestate for Crop Production and the Environment
Length 1 hourLearn about the digester's impact on cropping systems, including its effects on nutrient dynamics. - Webinars
Free
Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen for Energy, Industry, and Agriculture
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Jan 18, 2024Join 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. - Webinars
Free
C-CHANGE Grass2Gas: Life Cycle of Biomass to Biogas - The Bigger Picture
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Jan 16, 2024Explore potential consequences of increased renewable natural gas (RNG). Join our webinar for insights into its broader impacts on the United States. - News
Heating Fuel Prices Mixed This Year
Date Posted 12/14/2023Some heating options are a better deal than others for Pennsylvanians in 2023/24. - Webinars
Free
Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Nov 16, 2023Gain insights into agrivoltaics, understanding its definition, implementation techniques, and the challenges and prospects associated with integrating solar panels into farmland and agricultural operations. - News
Heating Assistance Program Now Open
Date Posted 11/29/2023Pennsylvanians 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. - Articles
Solar Fire Safety
As solar arrays are installed in communities, one concern is the possibility of fires. - Articles
How a Transmission Line Powers Your Home: A Fascinating Journey of Electricity
This article will help you to understand how electricity reaches your home through the transmission line - Webinars
Free
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Guidance
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Mar 16, 2023Learn about the tax incentives for making energy-efficient improvements to your home, which reduces energy consumption, and lowers how much you pay for utilities. - Articles
Top 10 Ways Field Crop Farms can Save Energy
Farm Energy Efficiency Tips for Field Production including tractors and implements. - Articles
Things a Greenhouse Grower Can Do To Improve Energy Efficiency
Operating a commercial greenhouse is one of the most rewarding ways to make a living, but it is not an automatic or easy task. - 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. - Articles
Switch to Three-Phase Electricity, if Available
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. - Articles
Sustainability in America - Waste To Energy
There are many untapped potential waste streams in our state that are valuable resources for energy. - Articles
Run Tractors and Other Diesel Engines at Peak Performance
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. - Articles
Pennsylvania Farm Energy Efficiency
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. - Articles
Payment Options
Utility companies offer a choices for how your monthly energy bills are calculated and how you can pay your bills. - 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. - Tools and Apps
Online Energy Selector Tool
Calculate Equivalent Energy Costs for Various Heating Fuels - Tools and Apps
Online Annual Heating Energy Cost Analyzer
Estimate the cost impact of using different heating fuels with the help of this calculation tool - Articles
More Efficient Lighting
The incandescent lamp, which was developed more than 125 years ago, is rather inefficient in providing light.