Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
What is DelCo doing?
- Solar Panels – In June 2008, 27 photovoltaic panels were installed on top of the County’s Sweney Building using a Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant to fund installation the panels. Annual production for the panels is expected to be 5,650 kWh (kilowatt hours), which translates to a savings of 11-13 barrels of oil per year. Read more
Councilwoman Christine Fizzano Cannon shows the solar panels that are installed on the roof of the Sweney Building. Additional solar panels are to be installed on the main Courthouse building.
- Guaranteed Energy Savings – County Council plans to implement energy-saving improvements or alterations in its facilities through initiatives outlined in the Pennsylvania Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA). Under GESA, the County can retrofit County facilities with equipment that will reduce energy consumption and/or operating costs with a guarantee to recoup the expense through energy savings over a period not to exceed 15 years. Read more…
- Federal Recovery Act Funding – In the fall of 2008, Delaware County received nearly $3.7 million in energy efficiency grant funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that will be utilized for several projects including solar panels on the County Government Center, an energy audit and improvements at the county prison, and a municipal grant program. Read more…
Greening your home
Need advice for greening your home? There are many simple things you can do to start reducing your current utility bills while helping the environment. You could replace your conventional light bulbs with Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs) saving the environment and your electrical bill. When you need to replace your appliances, look for the Energy Star label to ensure you’re your new appliances will save you energy. PECO Save Energy/Save Money has a list of simple ways you can save energy at home. Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Energy and Technology Deployment offers energy conservation help for the home.
Energy Savings
Want to get a handle on where you are spending your energy dollars? Have a home energy audit. Through an energy audit, professionals look at your energy use and your home to see where you can get the greatest savings. They then produce a report highlighting what changes can be made in which order to maximize your energy savings and tax refund credits. There are many companies that conduct this service in our area.
Renewable Energy
If you’re interested in renewable energy, there are ways that you can produce your own energy through alternative sources such as solar and wind. Make sure to work with your municipality’s code enforcement officials to obtain all of the proper permits and follow the laws for your town.
Comments welcome at GreenCounty@co.delaware.pa.us