Can Renewable Energy be Affordable?

President Obama thinks economical and green go together, too as he announced that $2.3 billion in tax credits to be awarded to renewable energy manufacturers and other green technologies. This means American made wind turbines, energy cells and solar panels to aid in America’s production of energy.


The money, coming from the 2009 $787 billion stimulus program should create approximately 17,000 green jobs.

Getting Americans back to work while trying to catch up with the rest of the world in clean energy sounds like a win-win prospect. The development of green technology gets a boost, consumers can buy economical renewable energy products manufactured in the US rather than imported and pay for them with wages earned from new American green jobs.

The past and future seem at war as we watch politicians try to bend the trends of renewable energy in the US. From the fight about the realities of human effect on global warming to the arguments that xxx number of new jobs is just a drop in the bucket to our unemployment woes, the fact that even baby steps in catching up to the rest of the world in clean, affordable renewable energy goes right over the heads of many people.

China, on the other hand, seems to have embraced the idea that development of renewal energy is an economic winner as they move forward with incentives to grow the industry.

It’s not just the tree huggers demanding renewable energy anymore. Economists are starting to be won over.

photo under morgueFile Free License Agreement

Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Available in 2010

If the 2010 budget has room for a new major appliance, now is the time to start looking. A federal appliance rebate program will be launched early in the year to help defray the cost of energy smart appliances that have earned the federal “Energy Star” designation that denotes energy conservation.


Energy savings with the use of green living appliances can add up. Washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and other appliances that reduce the use of electricity and water saved American consumers over $19 billion on utilities last year, according to the Department of Energy.

The rebate program is proposed to run through February, 2012 or until the money runs out. As only $300,000,000 has been set aside for the program, the quicker you act the better. Eligibility differs by state, and you can find out how your energy efficient purchase will be affected at The U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers.

Home Energy Efficient Appliances Eligible for Rebates

The Department of Energy has recommended that central air conditioners, heat pumps, room air conditioners, oil and gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters be eligible for the appliance rebate program along with dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, clothes washers, and water heaters. States and territories, however, can select which appliances will be covered.

Who is Eligible for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate

Energy-Star qualified appliances purchased during the time period established by the individual states and territories will be eligible for the rebate. Some states may allow only certain types of consumers, like low income residents, to apply. Check here to find move information on your state.