Use biofuel in your flexible fuel or diesel vehicle
If you drive a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), you can use a more renewably generated fuel by purchasing ethanol instead of gasoline. E85 is an abbreviation for a fuel blend of up to 85% ethanol fuel and gasoline. Ethanol is produced by fermenting and distilling starch crops (primarily corn) and about one-third of all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10% ethanol. Controversy remains about the efficiency of ethanol production and its impact on energy use, agriculture, and vehicle fuel efficiency, so you may want to learn more before making a decision that is right for you. The price per gallon is comparable to gasoline but varies by region; however, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov, FFVs operating on E85 usually experience a 25–30% drop in miles per gallon due to ethanol’s lower energy content.
If you drive a diesel vehicle, you can use fuel-grade biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative to standard diesel fuel that is made from biological, non-toxic and renewable ingredients, such as plant oils or animal fat. Biodiesel, which can be used in diesel engines with little or no modification, is usually blended with standard diesel fuel. The most common blend is B20, or 20 percent biodiesel to 80 percent standard, but as of 2012, only B5 is offered at stations around Frederick County.
Ethanol and Biodiesel are relatively new to the consumer market so availability is currently limited to a handful of gas stations.
Take Action:
Use E85Locator.net to find nearby E85 gas stations and purchase E85 for your flex fuel vehicle.
Use the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance’s Nearbio website to find nearby biodiesel stations and purchase biodiesel for your diesel vehicle.
Solar water heating systems, also known as solar thermal systems, are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method of harnessing the sun's energy to heat water for your home. Solar thermal systems collect energy from the sun to heat a fluid which then transfers its heat directly or indirectly to your water supply. A solar thermal system can supply 50 – 80% of a typical household’s hot water needs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating water accounts for up to 14 percent of the average household's energy use. Solar thermal systems will significantly reduce the amount of electricity or natural gas your household uses to heat water. While the system will cost more upfront to install, it will save money in the long run through reduced utility bills.
In Frederick County, solar thermal systems typically range in size from two 4'x8' collectors heating an 80 gallon tank, to three 4'x8' collectors heating a 120 gallon tank and cost approximately $8,400 to $9,600 respectively before incentives. The Maryland Residential Clean Energy Grant, the federal tax credit, the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and electricity savings can reduce first year costs by as much as $4,000.
Many installers offer a free site assessment and estimate, handle local permits and inspections, assist you with applying for grants and tax credits, and refer you to brokers for the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. Be sure to ask about these services in advance.
A geothermal Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system uses the temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. In Maryland the ground temperature stays at a constant 55°F year round. A geothermal system uses one of the principles of thermal dynamics (heat travels to cold) to transfer the earth’s naturally occurring temperature to a working fluid (glycol). To perform this heat transfer, geothermal systems use piping buried in your yard or installed vertically in wells. During the summer months the heat taken out of the air in your house is transferred to the ground. The process works in reverse during the winter months, transferring the heat of the ground to the house.
A geothermal system is a major investment. In a typical home of 2,500 square feet, a geothermal system may cost $20,000 - $25,000 to install. While this is roughly double the cost of a conventional HVAC and hot water system, geothermal systems can reduce utility bills by 40% to 60%. Maryland grants and the federal tax credit will typically cover 40% of the total cost of the system; in addition, loan and financing plans are available.
Small wind turbines produce electricity from wind; they are mechanically simple, with only two or three moving parts: blades of 2-15 feet in length, a generator located at the hub, and a tail. Small wind turbines can generate clean energy for homes on properties or farms greater than one acre in size with sufficient wind resources. Only about half of Frederick County has sufficient wind to support wind turbines. The western and eastern sections of the county have annual average wind speeds around 4 meters per second and greater at a 30-m height, which is considered to be a suitable wind resource for small wind projects. Good exposure to prevailing winds is also critical. For large community or agricultural wind turbine installations with an expected capacity greater than 5 KW, Maryland’s State Anemometer Loan Program can provide wind measuring devices to property owners.
While most small wind turbines look like miniaturized utility-scale, three-bladed turbines, there are hundreds of models of varying appearance. Like solar PV systems, small wind turbines can be tied to the electric grid allowing the owner to use electricity from the local utility when the wind does not blow, and send surplus electricity to the grid when winds are strong and usage is low.
Small wind turbines (3 to 10 kilowatts) can cost from $15,000 to $50,000 to install. The federal tax credit, the Maryland WindSwept Grant Program, and utility bill savings can offset the initial outlay considerably.
Attend a workshop, seminar, or discussion about renewable energy
Would you like to learn more about renewable energy technologies? Attend a Renewable Energy 101 or Solarize Workshop hosted by the Green Homes Challenge team. Check the online schedule or call the Sustainability Program Coordinator at 301.600.6864 for dates and times.
You can also attend a workshop, seminar, or discussion on an issue of interest to you hosted by another organization. Some regional organizations that host courses, workshops and seminars related to renewable energy include: The Common Market, Frederick Community College, and Hagerstown Community College
If you like the idea of inspiring or motivating others to go green, consider becoming a Green Ambassador for your workplace, faith community, or neighborhood organization! Complete the Green Ambassador Interest Form or contact us to learn more.
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