Geothermal Energy Installers in San Jose, California
California is a hotbed for volcanic and seismic activity. The upside is areas that experienced volcanic eruptions 1,800 years ago are now used for electric power generation. Geothermal energy installers in San Jose can tap into these abundant energy sources to power homes and contribute to a healthier world.
Geothermal Energy Potential of San Jose
As the world makes the healthier switch to renewable energy, it must look at reality with fresh eyes. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind power are viable options but have limitations — they can only produce electricity during the day or when the wind is strongest.
Green cities must use other renewable energy sources to diversify their electricity generation portfolio. Luckily for San Jose residents, plenty of geothermal locations surround the area. California’s many volcanoes can be an abundant, sustainable, and clean energy source.
In 2020, about 6% of California’s electricity was generated by 40 operational geothermal power plants. The state’s active volcanoes sustain the largest geothermal electric generation capacity in the United States. This is a promising lead to achieve California’s goal to use 100% clean energy by 2045.
With its renewable energy portfolio (RPS), California is paving the way to greener, more sustainable living. Aside from its 100% clean energy goal, California’s RPS requires utilities to procure 33% of retail sales from renewable sources by 2020. That figure will increase to 60% by 2030. It’s touted as one of the most ambitious clean energy policies in the United States.
Advantages of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is playing a huge role in those ambitious goals. The state can generate a steady geothermal power supply since California lies on an active fault line. There is heat beneath the ground just waiting to be converted into clean energy.
The question is, what other benefits does geothermal energy offer besides being an environmentally friendly energy source? Here are three benefits you can enjoy if you switch to geothermal energy:
1. Renewable Energy Source
Geothermal power plants use steam naturally occurring from hot water reservoirs to generate electricity. Steam rotates the turbines that activate a generator, effectively producing electricity.
Flash steam power plants are some of the most common geothermal plants that use boiling water. The water flows up from underground using its pressure. The pressure decreases as the water moves upward, and some boils into steam.
Some leftover water is then injected back underground and goes to the reservoir. This cyclical process ensures geothermal energy is maintained and used repeatedly. Lastly, water reservoirs replenish themselves through natural percolation and add to the sustainability of geothermal energy.
2. Residential Tax Incentives
The Residential Clean Energy Credit of the IRS covers part of the cost of new, qualified clean energy home improvements. You can enjoy up to 30% in tax credits when you invest in renewable energy sources for your home.
To qualify, homeowners must have made the improvements from 2022 to 2033. Previously owned or used clean energy devices are not eligible for the tax credit. Qualified new expenses include:
- Solar electrical panels
- Solar water heaters
- Wind turbines
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Fuel cells
- Battery storage technologies
The tax credit is a step in the right direction as it incentivizes efforts to create cleaner and greener households. This is good news if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills.
3. Long-Term Energy Supply
The world can rely on green energy supplied by geothermal activity for as long as the Earth exists. This reliability makes geothermal energy one of the most promising energy sources the world can depend on.
The Earth’s core makes all of this possible. Molten rock or magma is an intense source of heat and energy. This is where geothermal plants draw steam to power up turbines. Households can use geothermal heat pumps for climate control and water heating.
A geothermal heat pump can also act as a heat sink — absorbing excess heat during summer and generating warmth during winter. This multi-functional quality makes geothermal heat pumps a viable option for heating and cooling residential homes and even commercial buildings.
Pros and Cons Summed Up
Geothermal energy has some attractive advantages, but like other clean energy sources, it has drawbacks. Some of those are the huge upfront installation costs — between $12,000 and $38,000 — for complete geothermal heat pump systems. Another would be location, as some areas may not be as efficient in producing heat and generating electricity.
Comparing the pros and cons of geothermal energy can make you consider it a good investment. The short answer is yes. Once you go beyond the initial investment of installing a geothermal heat pump, you can enjoy reliable heating and cooling that uses 75% less energy than traditional systems.
Reliable Geothermal Energy Installers in San Jose
San Jose residents can enjoy the benefits of geothermal energy by hiring professionals to install reliable appliances for their heating and cooling needs. Installing ground source heat pumps means boring holes directly into the ground — requiring technical know-how and expertise.
Homeowners should only hire professionals with the knowledge and instruments to install a sophisticated geothermal system for their homes successfully.
Cold Craft Heating & Air Conditioning services the greater San Jose area and is adept at renewable geothermal heating installations for residential areas. They also do full service for air conditioning and wine cellars.
Air Care Heating & Cooling has been in business for 10 years in San Jose. They can retrofit heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to accommodate a geothermal heat pump to replace a furnace or AC unit.
With geothermal heat pumps, you can reduce emissions by 72% compared to standard air-conditioning equipment. Switching to a clean and reliable energy source that can function 24/7 and provide you with heating and cooling when needed can be a wise decision for your household.
Powering a Cleaner Future for Geothermal Energy in San Jose
Keeping an open mind is vital to achieving the global community’s shared vision of a healthier and cleaner future. San Jose residents can contribute to this worldwide effort by switching to an easily and readily available greener energy source.
Harnessing the power of geothermal energy can open new opportunities for San Jose and its inhabitants. This is especially true regarding reducing carbon footprints, reducing energy consumption, and creating a cleaner environment.