Introducing the SOLAR PLUS PROGRAM from Good Energy Solutions.

It's Tax Time. What Energy Efficiency Tax Credits and Rebates are Available to You?

1. Install and set a programmable thermostat. An estimated 10 percent savings per year on heating and cooling costs can be achieved by using a programmable thermostat. Reset it when you are asleep or away from home and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort.
2. Use the Sun. During warmer months, use light-colored window shades or blinds to reflect the suns heat back outside. Using the sun’s natural light to reduce the need for electric light.
3. Switch to LEDs. When the sun is not available, consider LEDs. LEDs have come a long way over the last year. Lower costs, variety of styles of bulbs, and variety of temperatures (warm, cool) provide affordable options to make your home or business comfortably lit at an affordable price. (Learn More).
4. Use Energy Star appliances, fans, and electronics. Appliances and electronics account for close to 20% of your energy bill. Energy Star certified products use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models. For example, an Energy Star clothes washing machine uses about 40% less energy than conventional washing machines while reducing water bills. Energy efficient washing machines also require less detergent and are gentler on clothes, saving you money on clothing expenses.
5. Get rid of energy vampires! Use a power strip for your electronic devices and turn the strip off when not in use. Unplug chargers (cell phone) when not in use.
6. Reduce energy used for heating water. Turn your water heater setting to no higher than 120 degrees. Install low-flow shower heads or temperature sensitive shower valves. Insulate water heater and pipes.
7. Maintain Heating and Cooling Systems. Annual maintenance by a qualified technician can ensure that your heating and cooling systems are operating efficiently. This includes checking the airflow, testing for the correct refrigerant level, checking the combustion process and heat exchanger are operating safely, and ensuring proper air-flow to each room. Clean air filters once a month and replace them regularly.
8. Consult with a certified professional to have a complete energy audit done on your home or business. An audit can tell your where your home or business is losing energy and what you can do to save money. By making upgrades such as sealing air leaks and properly insulating your home you can expect to save 15-30 percent or more on energy costs while improving comfort and air quality.
9. Consider an Energy Management System. Commercial businesses can realize huge savings by managing energy use during peak hours. Consider an energy storage system to eliminate peak demand charges.
10. Make a plan to create your own energy using a renewable energy source. After you have reduced your energy use, it’s time to consider a renewable energy source such as solar, wind, or geothermal. Be sure to have a professional consult with you as to what is the best energy source for your property location.

If you are interested in meeting with a BPI certified professional for an energy audit or to learn more about energy management systems please fill out our contact information page and we will get back with you to set up an appointment. 

Earth Day is April 22nd. Let's Celebrate.

The Employees at Good Energy Solutions like to celebrate Earth Day by contributing to the community. This year, Good Energy Solutions will have a booth at the Lawrence Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 11th (11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) at South Park located in Lawrence, KS.

If you have questions regarding solar or renewable energy possibilities please meet us at our booth. Join the celebration to learn about responsible environmental policies, raise awareness of individual's impact on the natural environment, and actions each person can take to make a more sustainable and eco-friendly place to live. Read More about the Lawrence Earth Day Celebration and Parade.

In addition, Good Energy Solutions has adopted the Burroughs Creek Trail and Linear Park in Lawrence, KS. Staff families and friends are planning a cleanup of the trail on Earth Day, April 22, 2015 at 5pm.

The staff who use the trail to commute to work have noticed that parts of the trail could use a little TLC. With the spring rains coming and the potential flooding of the creek we expect less trash to wash into the Kansas River or the Wakarusa depending on the direction of the drainage. It is hoped the spruced up trail will continue to be a welcoming environment for the citizens of the adjacent neighborhoods and for the whole city. 

Good Energy Solutions plans to clean the Trail/Park four times a year from April through October. 

Energy Improvements for Good Energy Solutions

Good Energy Solutions is in the process of making improvements to our new building and property. Soon we will have a Solar PV Carport in which employees and visitors will be able to plug in their electric vehicles. The Solar Modules will act as a shelter for cars while simultaneously collecting energy from the sun. They will also shade the side of the building during the hot summer days, effectively reducing air conditioning loads.

To create a seamless structure and visibly clean parking area we are burying conduit underneath the ground and parking lot. Three concrete foundation footings (picture above) will support the structure and 42 solar modules when finished. Electrical connections to the building mean that surplus power can be used to power the building. A backup battery system will also be installed to power critical loads to keep us in business even during a grid power outage.
 

43.68kW Commercial PV System