Why is renewable energy considered clean energy?

Renewable energy is an energy source that provides a limitless or endless amount of power. Essentially, these sources can replenish themselves naturally and won’t become depleted with overuse or excessive use.

Clean energy sources are simply sources of energy that provide zero carbon emissions or pollution. This is a far broader term, encompassing renewable and natural energy sources, as well as those that produce no emissions, such as hydrogen fuel cells.

After sorting out the definitions, renewable energy certainly falls under the umbrella term of clean energy, but the converse isn’t necessarily true.

Are all renewable energy sources clean?

Although there’s a common misconception that all renewable energy sources are also clean energy sources, this statement simply isn’t true. For example, nuclear power, provided it doesn’t produce a meltdown, is technically a clean energy source because it produces no emissions, but it isn’t renewable. Bio-gases would also fall under this definition, as they are often clean energy but not renewable as the amount of the source materials is limited.

What are examples of clean energy and renewable energy?

To further differentiate between clean energy and renewable energy, examples are crucial. If you still can’t wrap your head around what energy sources are clean or renewable, this should help clarify the situation.

Examples of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy can be replenished by nature. Thus, anything that naturally produces power is almost always renewable. This includes:

• Solar power
• Wind power
• Hydropower
• Geothermal energy
• Some types of biomass energy or power

Examples of Clean Energy

All of the examples above fall under the term of clean energy, but clean energy also has a number of other sources that aren’t renewable. Some of the most common examples of clean energy include:

• Natural gas, which falls under this term because it produces so little emissions
• Nuclear power

Is clean energy more efficient?

Despite lobbyists showcasing that non-renewable energy sources such as coal or oil are more efficient, this is only a partial truth. Coal has about 33% efficiency compared to 50% efficiency of biomass, 28% efficiency of hydroelectric, and 18% efficiency of wind power. Other forms are less efficient, but on the whole, there’s little difference between the efficiency of non-renewable and clean energy resources.

Are renewable energy and clean energy the sources of the future?

Both renewable energy and clean energy will become more important for power as time goes on and more non-renewable energy sources become depleted. Add in the campaigning and worldwide effort to curb global warming, and the usage of renewable and clean energy sources looks bright.

If this is still confusing, we’re here to help.  Our team of experienced renewable energy consultants will work closely with your business to provide you with all the options available.  From incentives to renewable energy options that have a great return on investment and everything in between.  Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

The post Renewable Energy Vs Clean Energy first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

Investment Tax Credit

Perhaps the most cited incentive of renewable energy in the U.S. is the Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. Also known as the solar tax credit, this incentive allows both residential and commercial buildings to deduct 26% of the installation cost of solar panels. According to the EPA, this saves the average person or business a total of $9,000.

However, you’ll have to act fast to get the most out of the credit. While the 26% deduction remains in place through 2022, it lowers to 22% in 2023 and down to just 10% in 2024.

A lot of these incentives are confusing to businesses, our team at 3 Phases Renewables works with businesses to ensure they get the most for their shift to green energy solutions.

Lower Energy Costs

Renewable energy incentives aren’t immediately recognized on your tax bill. Instead, the incentive lies in lower energy costs for your business each and every year. Rather than paying the utility company for oil- or coal-based power, all of your energy comes through your wind, geothermal, or solar installations.

With these savings, you have more money to spend on marketing, advertising, or expansion. That’s enough incentive for almost any business owner.

Boost to Public Relations

Social responsibility may seem like an afterthought in comparison to profitability and streamlined operations, but customers and the community will notice. As a result, an improved reputation to your business is an incentive to make the switch to renewable energy. Customers that would ordinarily go to another business may frequent yours instead just because of your commitment to cleaner energy and a better environment.

Becoming an Industry Leader

Every business aims to gain a competitive advantage. While this often results in innovation and creativity to make new products and services, your business can become an industry leader by the adoption of green energy. Instead of being just another business in a sea of competitors, you make a name for yourself through your choice of renewable energy. The incentive is clear: become an early adopter, and you’ll become more of a trusted name in a highly competitive market.

Our renewable energy consultants have helped hundreds of businesses, whether it’s one location or a national brand, we can assist you from A to Z in realizing all the benefits that come from renewable energy.

Stimulating Job Growth

Any reputable business understands that success for a business lies in the success of the community. That’s why there’s no better incentive for installing renewable energy sources than stimulating job growth in your area. When you decide to install solar panels or a wind turbine, you work with local companies that put people to work. The win-win scenario ends up being a benefit for both the local economy, workers, and your business.

Renewable Energy Is a Boost to Your Business Reputation

Green energy presents a number of advantages to both homeowners and businesses. But as a business, the incentives provided by the government can increase your bottom line by lowering future energy costs and your tax liability. Moreover, the benefits of going green is realized through an improved reputation. As a socially responsible and green-conscious business, your customer base will notice. And that’s an incentive in and of itself.

Give us a call to schedule a discussion relating to your business and renewable energy.  We have a wide range of services and options to provide you, rest assured it will be options that are beneficial to your business and the environment.

The post All About Renewable Energy Incentives first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

California Direct Access Program

Businesses are in a unique position to take control of their clean energy goals through the California Direct Access Program. Started in 2009, this program allows businesses to choose its electric service provider (ESP) instead of through a regulated utility company.

So, what does this mean for you as a business owner? With the ability to choose where your power comes from, you can transition from fossil fuel utility companies to those that solely use sustainable sources. In most cases, this is a far more affordable option. Plus, you’ll move closer to your overall energy goals through a reputable provider.

Our team of nationwide energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables can help you get there quickly and effectively.  We specialize in clean energy solutions that will help you reduce your carbon footprint with an excellent return on investment.

Distributed Energy Generation

Another positive aspect of green is energy is distributed energy generation. This term refers to sustainable energy sources that create and store energy near the end user instead of at a remote point of origin. In this instance, distributed energy generation refers to any energy generator installed at your business. Some examples of distributed energy generation technologies include:

• Fuel cells
• Wind power
• Solar power
• Microturbines
• Combined heat and power (energy sources that capture extra heat and reuse it)

Unlike normal utility/power grids, distributed energy generation sources provide reliable power at a fraction of the cost while also relying on sustainable sources. As a result, your business’s power is always self-sufficient, even when power grids fail.

Clean Energy Tax Credits for Businesses in California

As a progressive state in green energy initiatives, California offers plenty of tax incentives for business owners. The Solar Tax Credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit, is one such program. This program offers up to a 26% tax credit for businesses on the purchase and installation of solar power mechanisms by the end of 2020. However, timing is important. Businesses that wait until 2021 will still get a tax credit, but it will only be 10% of the original purchase and installation price. Keep in mind that a backup solar panel is also eligible for this tax credit.

But don’t install green energy products without due diligence. Before you install a power, source or sign up for one of these programs, work with our experienced clean energy consultants to maximize your benefits. We have the expertise and experience to set you up with the ideal clean energy source. Plus, we’ll help you lower your costs while also taking advantage of state and federal tax credits.

Thanks to a plethora of options, your business can get one step closer to dependable green energy without excessive costs. Call us today to discuss all your energy saving options.

The post Meet Your Clean Energy Goals with Wholesale Products and Services first appeared on 3 Phases Renewables Inc.

What Is Clean Energy?

Before discussing the perks of clean energy for your business, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes the phrase. Very simply, clean energy is renewable, zero-emission energy provided through the solar, wind, or hydroelectric means without the need for burning minerals or fossil fuels. Nuclear energy falls under the umbrella term of clean energy, as it produces zero waste, yet the risk of meltdowns and the contamination from catastrophes such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island have halted plans to continue nuclear power.

Reduced Costs of Clean Electricity for Businesses

However, the rising popularity of solar power for businesses — a rise of 26% in the past decade — has reduced costs dramatically. Although the installation of solar panels is still somewhat costly, the reduction in energy bills offsets this initial cost. In addition, the price of fossil fuel power will continue to rise because it’s a non-sustainable resource. As the supply of coal, natural gas, and oil fall, economic principles dictate that the price will rise.

Clean Energy and an Enhanced Reputation

Social responsibility goes deeper than once-a-year volunteer days and charitable donations. It’s a calling to improve the well-being of customers, clients, and your community. By implementing clean energy, you show your understanding of the need for clean energy and the positive aspects it brings to humankind and the world. This increases trust and improves opportunities to expand your customer base as consumers look for responsible green companies.

Setting an Example

Competition is always fierce in a capitalistic society. To set yourself apart from competitors, you need to become an industry leader. One way to do that is by becoming one of the first in the industry to adopt clean energy. By setting an example, you set a precedent of clean, renewable energy for your particular industry. Not only does this require your competitors to take time and resources to match your example, but you build a loyal following of customers that respect your green principles.

Appealing to the Younger Generation

Millennials are a unique bunch, willing to pay more for goods and services based on the social responsibility of the selling company. However, their views on clean energy and renewable resources are unlikely to change as they age. Therefore, changing your business to clean energy allows you to engage and interact with these consumers, forging a mutually beneficial business relationship that can improve your profits over time.

Clean electricity not only fuels your business, but it provides ample advantages that entice customers and increase your bottom line over time. With a bit of knowledge and discipline, you can not only become a better business, but you can also create a better tomorrow for every human, plant, and animal on this big blue sphere.

Discover all the clean energy services we provide for your business at 3 Phases Renewables.  Recently named as an honoree for 2019 Best For the World Environment.  We look forward to hearing from you, contact us with any questions you have and partner with us for a better future.

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