Archive for June, 2010

Geothermal vs Solar

Geothermal vs Solar

Estimates show that 9 out of 10 people have a basic understanding of solar panels, but only 1 of 10 know about geothermal heat pumps.  Both provide great alternative energy solutions, both reduce utility bills, and both harness the power of the sun so why such the disparity? Now you may be thinking, what do you mean both harness the power of the sun, doesn't geo mean ground? Yes geo means ground and no, I'm not crazy. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the solar heat stored by the groun ...

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President Obama Summons a

President Obama Summons a “National Mission” for Alternative Energy Solutions

On Tuesday, President Obama made his first presidential speech from the Oval Office and addressed the need for a new energy policy. In light of the ongoing tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico, the President made an even stronger push for a reduction in the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil. Since his campaign began, President Obama has been adamant about passing new legislation that would set higher efficiency standards for buildings, cars, and trucks. During his speech he addressed the fact that "oil ...

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Western Colorado Leads the Way in GeoExchange

Western Colorado Leads the Way in GeoExchange

The Western Slope region of Colorado has been at the forefront of geothermal heat pump installation for over 10 years and the movement towards green energy solutions has not lost momentum. In 1997 the Delta-Montrose Electric Association began offering financing, economic incentives, education and installation packages for consumers who chose geothermal heat pump systems. The Western Slope has been one of the best places in the state and across the country for implementing those systems, sa ...

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Save Even More, Heat Your Pool with a Geothermal Heat Pump

Save Even More, Heat Your Pool with a Geothermal Heat Pump

A study has been done to determine the feasibility of using a geothermal heat pump system to heat outdoor swimming pools in the United States and for those of you living in warm, southern climates the results were promising! While geothermal heat pumps are a viable alternative energy solution in any climate, homeowners in warmer climates could find themselves saving even more by using a ground source heat pump to heat their pool.  In warmer, southern climates a geothermal heat pump is used m ...

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Clemson Engineers Work Towards Using

Clemson Engineers Work Towards Using “Waste” in a Geothermal Heat Pump System

Clemson engineers Ron Falta and Fred Molz have received a $991,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to research the potential for a Subsurface Thermal Energy Storage (STES) system that could be even more economical and energy efficient than current geothermal heat pumps. The STES system utilizes much of the same technology used in a conventional geothermal heat pump, relying on the earth's ability to store heat. The STES system would use energy from below the earth's surface to heat ...

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