John asks…
Are there any trade schools for renewable energy technician?
I would really love to study renewable energy to be a tech but i don’t want to go to a 2-4 year college where i have to take history… I want to learn to become a renewable energy tech i don’t know how knowing when columbus sailed is going to help me in that. I know there is one in Colorado but I’m looking for one closer to west texas. It would be even better if there was one I could start online as I will not be able to relocate for a couple of years.
The Expert answers:
Information about schools will be found below.
David asks…
Where can I find a house plan that incorporates renewable energy and ecologically friendly concepts.?
I want to build a new house that is as independent from the power grid as possible, and recycles as much water and waste and possible. This is in the Dallas, Texas area. I am interested in solar, wind and hydrogen energy hybrids.
The Expert answers:
The website linked below may help generate ideas. I would say that the most “ecologically friendly” property would be a house that isn’t too big for your needs and doesn’t take up a large plot of land. You save land space and heating/cooling money with a correctly sized home.
To be “as independent from the power grid as possible” you will need to have a special arrangement with your utility company. I am pretty sure that anywhere in the USA electric utilities are required by law to buy back any excess power generated by its customers at market value, but equipment must be installed such that the customer generating power is disconnected during a power outage (so problems can be safely fixed). So, first step is to contact your utility company to see if you can come to an arrangement to implement your renewable energy ideas at your property.
As far as what sources to use, solar seems like a sure bet in Texas. Wind might be beneficial, depending on where you live. Hydrogen might work depending on what you use it for and if you can obtain it (not likely). If you are really hardcore, there are methods for obtaining methane from the organic waste that is produced. The methane can then be burned to produce additional electricity (probably not economical for just one household, though).
Ruth asks…
What is renewable energy content?
I live in Texas and am looking for a new energy provider. I was looking through the options and it can be filtered by “renewable energy content” ranging from 2% to 100%. What do I want here? I don’t know what it means.
So do I want one that is 100%? Or less? Or the least?
The Expert answers:
That’s the percentage of the energy you receive that comes from renewable sources and not fossil fuels.
For instance:
Company A provides energy to house B. Company A sends house B electricity that is 65% from coal-fired facilities, 25% from wind turbines, and 10% from solar panels. Company A has a renewable energy content of 35%.
Helen asks…
Should the rest of the country follow Texas’ lead on energy?
Texas‘ economy is doing better than most of the rest of the country. The state’s unemployment rate is only 8.2%. One major reason appears to be the transition to low-carbon energy sources.
“As it has for decades, energy is driving Texas‘ economy. But it’s not because the state’s wells are gushing crude. In November 2009, Texas wells produced 1.08 million barrels per day, about half as much as they did in the late 1980s. In recent years, natural gas has been undergoing a renaissance. The state’s production rose about 35 percent between 2004 and 2008. And Texas has received a big boost from a different, renewable source of energy: wind.”
“Texas recently surpassed 10,000 megawatts of [wind] capacity, the most by far of any state and enough to power 3 million homes, Sadler says. Wind energy is also powering employment—creating more than 10,000 jobs so far. And it and has attracted foreign companies, including Danish turbine maker Vestas, Spanish renewable–energy giant Iberdrola, and Shell.”
http://www.slate.com/id/2250999/?yahoo=y
Should the rest of the country follow Texas‘ lead on energy and move towards low-carbon sources?
The Expert answers:
Of course they should, but it’s not tat easy. A lot of Northern States, unlike Texas, have a lot of alpine environment. This makes huge areas for wind Energy nearly impossible, plus, the snow and ice will destroy them. Although some can use tidal energy not many can. In order to switch, each state must do it on its own tailoring to it’s own conditions.
Mark asks…
Does anyone know where I can advertise my “GREEN” energy product online?
I am a marketing consultant with a energy company that has a Certified Green Plan provides electricity service that’s Green-e certified to reduce the environmental impact of the energy you use. This product is available in Texas and New York.
I really want to advertise on the internet where I can spread the word on our renewable energy product. The environment is so important to me and our company and I just want to get the word out on how people can contribute in a small way to help save our planet.
The Expert answers:
There are several online directories and guides that allow you to market and advertise Green products. Just check the source link below so see some of them.
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