Energy Use and Efficiency

On this page, Explore Penn State Extension’s resources on alternative and renewable energy efficiency and usage. Find educational information on biogas production, biomass heating, green buildings, and farm energy efficiency. Tips on running diesel engines, converting waste to energy, and using wood stoves efficiently are available as well.

Save Money on the Electricity Bill

Making the switch to renewable and alternative energy sources can save homeowners and businesses money by reducing their energy bills. Depending on capacity and energy usage, these resources can cover a significant part of the household’s or operation’s electricity needs.

In greenhouses, energy is one of the top operating expenses. Making the operation more energy efficient is key for reducing these costs. Common strategies to improve energy efficiency in greenhouses include tightening up the house to prevent cold air from leaking in, adding a thermal screen, insulating the perimeter, and tuning the control system.

Along with installing renewable energy systems, Pennsylvanians can choose to use a real-time pricing rate for electricity instead of a rate that is averaged over the course of the year. Real-time pricing provides the opportunity to take advantage of hourly variations in electricity and save money by buying energy at lower prices.

In this section, find information and advice on improving renewable energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs, including an online energy selector tool. Additionally, learn how bioenergy can be utilized in sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.

Lower Heating Costs

Choosing to heat with renewable fuels can be a good option for homeowners and business owners looking to reduce the amount of fossil fuel they use and lower their energy costs. Depending on the current heating fuel used, a considerable amount on the heating bill can be saved by switching to wood heat. Property owners can make the shift towards more energy-efficient homes by replacing heating oil boilers with pellet boilers or by using a high-efficiency wood stove.

Using the Heating Energy Cost Analyzer tool allows homeowners, farmers, and businesses to compare a number of different heating fuels and determine whether switching to a new source could save them money. By far, wood is among the most favored biomass fuels for combustion systems in PA.

Energy Cost and Efficiency

For farmers classified as commercial or industrial electricity customers, the cost of electricity is not a flat fee per kWh. It is worth knowing that the load factor can influence the cost per kWh for the billing period. Calculating the load factor can provide a good indication of how the electricity demand is being managed.

If the load factor is below 50%, a review of the entire operation is needed to determine the cause and improve the farm's energy efficiency. Overall, farmers and landowners can save both energy and money by implementing practices such as using drip irrigation and utilizing energy-efficient equipment. Join the Farm Energy Day workshop to learn more about renewable energy solutions available to farmers and landowners.

Agricultural producers interested in improving their energy use and profitability can use Penn State Extension’s Farm Energy Efficiency program. In addition, farmers and landowners can benefit from Extension’s wide array of resources and obtain valuable information on choosing high-efficiency farm lighting, improving energy use in horticultural operations, and applying energy conservation measures on dairy farms.