PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Solar, water, wind — renewable energy is clean, abundant and it creates jobs. And although a majority of people are in favor of moving towards renewable energy, a recent study by the University of Michigan found that only 8.8% of U.S. energy comes from renewable sources and only 7% of homeowners have installed solar power.

Experts say its what people don’t know that may be holding them back. A few facts that may surprise you … solar power could be the world’s top power source by 2050, just one wind turbine can power up to 1,500 homes for a year, and renewable energy creates five times more jobs than fossil fuels. By switching to renewable energy, you’re not only helping the environment, you’re also investing in a brighter future for your family.

Little Rylan’s love of nature, especially for his pet toad Patrick, is fueled by his father’s appreciation for the environment and renewable energy

“We choose to go not burning things. So, we decided to go with a solar array,” said Rylan’s father Dennis Bedard-Shurtleff.

Their neighbor, Executive Director Emeritus of the American Meteorological Society Keith Seitter has also turned to solar to power his house and cars.

“A typical house uses on order of 20 to 25 kilowatt hours a day. We generated about one and a half times that yesterday,” he told Ivanhoe.

Seitter says since installing solar tiles, his electric bill is cut in half and his EV’s are fueled for free.

“It’s not just that we believe in this and we’re doing it because of climate. All of these things are saving us money as well,” he explained.

Seitter says he’s on a mission to help others understand the importance of renewable energy.

“As we move to renewables, which are wind and solar, the fuel is the weather,” he said.

One of the best ways to move forward is to educate yourself and your family. Implement renewable energy practices like using solar-powered chargers or energy efficient appliances and talk often about your choices.

“We want to make the earth, and our society a place that our kids can grow up in,” said Seitter.

And make it fun. The EPA has free games and information for kids of all ages that will help them discover ways to save energy.

“The idea would be for them to continue what we started here,” said Bedard-Shurtleff.

The cost of switching to solar energy may be a factor for many families. Adding a solar roof can be $30-40,000. But federal solar tax credits, along with state incentives can bring the cost down considerably. Most roofs pay for themselves within seven to 10 years. Also, you don’t have to put solar panels on your home to use clean energy. Many states have programs that allow you to choose your energy source, so you can choose to get your energy from solar, wind or hydro. Ask your utility company what’s available. One more fact to consider. A study by Rewiring American found that households would save an average of $2,500 a year by switching all your appliances, including heating and cooling, to clean energy.

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