Renewable Energy Incentives

Renewable energy is energy produced from sources that do not deplete or can be replenished. The most common examples include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower.  A majority of renewable energy is derived directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight can be captured directly using solar technologies. The sun’s heat drives winds, whose energy is captured with turbines. Plants also rely on the sun to grow, thus their stored energy can be utilized for bio energy.  Not all renewable energy sources rely on the sun. For example, geothermal energy utilizes the Earth’s internal heat, tidal energy relies on the gravitational pull of the moon, and hydropower relies on the flow of water.

PV Solar

If you’ve already put in the work to make your home as energy efficient as possible, now is the perfect time to take an even more rewarding step. FOCUS ON ENERGY® offers cash incentives for qualified solar electric installations.

To find out more information and eligibility, call (800) 762-7077 or visit Focus on Energy

Using energy from the Sun

The light from the Sun, falls onto a solar panel and creates an electric current through a process called the photo voltaic effect. Each panel produces a relatively small amount of energy, but can be linked together with other panels to produce higher amounts of energy as an array. The electricity produced from a solar panel (or array) is in the form of direct current (DC). Although many electronic devices use DC electricity, the electrical utility grid requires alternating current (AC). Therefore, in order to use the solar electricity, it must be converted from DC to AC using an inverter. Electricity out of the inverter can be used to power your home.

A photo-voltaic solar  system (PV Solar) is composed of solar panels combined with an inverter to use energy from the Sun to generate electricity. PV systems can vary in size from ground mounting or rooftop system.

 

Geothermal/HVAC

Kaukauna Utilities realizes the benefits of a ground source geothermal system and is offering a $300 incentive for your residence.

Download the Geothermal Incentive Application

Kaukauna Utilities Energy Services Manager can also help answer any questions at (920) 462-0251

Focus on Energy also provides up to $750 incentive for the installation of a ground source geothermal system, making renewable energy systems more affordable.

To find out more information and eligibility, call (800) 762-7077 or visit Focus on Energy

Using Earth’s constant temperature

Outdoor air temperatures fluctuate throughout the year with the changing seasons. In contrast, ground temperatures about four to six feet below the Earth’s surface remain relatively moderate and constant all year. Earth absorbs heat energy from the sun. A geothermal system circulates a water-based solution through a buried loop system to take advantage of these constant temperatures. A single piece of equipment has the ability to heat and cool your home, while providing some or all of your home’s hot water as well.

Heating Cycle

During the heating cycle, the fluid circulates through the in ground loop extracting heat from the ground. The heat energy is transferred to the geothermal unit. The unit compresses the extracted heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home through a normal duct system or radiant heat system.

Cooling Cycle

For cooling, the process is simply reversed. Because the earth is much cooler than the air temperatures on a hot day, the geothermal system removes heat from the home and deposits it into the ground. The fluid is cooled by the ground temperatures and returned to the unit for cooling your home.