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Energy Usage and Costs

Have questions about your electric bill? Spending a lot of money on fuel? Thinking about going solar? We’re here to help!

Self-Reliance prides itself on having a knowledgeable staff and we take the time to go over details, answer and ask questions and help people make informed decisions about energy.

“The cheapest and cleanest unit of energy is the one you don’t use.”

 

Conservation first!

Conservation should be the first step in saving energy. Simple fixes like turning off the lights when you leave a room, unplugging “vampire loads” and installing programmable thermostats add up and make a difference.

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Energy Efficiency

Have you had an energy audit? A free energy audit can help diagnose areas in your home or business that could benefit from additional air sealing or insulation. And it is free of charge! Cape residents can call the Cape Light Compact at 1-800-797-6699 and off-Cape residents can call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283.

If you rent your home on Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, the Cape Light Compact has a program that offers a free air sealing and 100% up to $4,000 of insulation for tenants with a year lease and an electric account in the tenant’s name or receipts. For more information on this great program, click here.

Already had an audit? That’s great! But remember, it is essential to implement the recommended efficiency and conservation measures in order to increase your comfort and save money. Residents are eligible for one audit per calendar year. Our Executive Director Megan has had 4 and implemented all of the suggested ! Call today!

Renewable Energy

A renewable energy system is the crown on top of an efficient home or business. Energy conservation and efficiency are by far the cheapest and best way to save money and have a smaller renewable energy system. We encourage you to do all you can to conserve and to use energy more efficiently before or while you consider installing renewable energy.

You can sign up for a free site evaluation with one of our local installation partners here, or call our office at 508-563-6633.
If you already have proposals and have questions we are happy to sit down and help you objectively review the merits of the proposals and technologies.

“We are extremely happy the Fujitsu Ductless Systems installed to service our total house with both air conditioning and heat. The installation was done very professionally and the staff was very courteous and friendly. Even our neighbors were impressed with the look of the installation. Your installation partner, Aqua Services, took care of all the rebate details, so the process was completely painless. All the rebates were received in a timely fashion as explained by Doug at Aqua Services. We would highly recommend the Self-Reliance ductless mini-split program installed by Aqua Services.”
Dennis, member from Orleans
“My single ductless mini split heats and cools a large kitchen as well as the living room. It keeps the whole place comfortable. Even the basement seems to benefit. Installation was easy – it all took less than a day. The convenience of the unit is enhanced by a handy remote and it even “knows” when no one is in the room and turns the unit down. I am very pleased with my purchase!”
Ray, member from Bourne
“I just wanted to extend my thanks for your assistance in helping us chose a solar company to install solar paneling at our home. We checked with a couple of companies and found your assistance extremely helpful, especially since you are a solar customer. We decided to go local because we are buying the network and found a $5000 discrepancy between a national company and one based here on Cape Cod. Not only was there such a large gap in price but the national company was producing 1000 less watt hours. My feeling is they were not interested in “selling” the system to us. We are looking forward to lower electric bills in the years to come and the added bonus of receiving SREC payments. Thanks again and feel free to pass my name along to anyone that would like to know about my experience. Keep up the great work.
Dan, member from East Falmouth
“With over 60 buildings ranging in size from large brick structures with offices and labs to dorms and small summer cottages, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has a myriad of energy saving opportunities that can be identified and implemented. In the summer of 2015, three Self-Reliance summer interns, under the guidance of Megan Amsler, Executive Director, developed an energy benchmark and climate energy action plan for our institution. The action plan is having a tremendous impact on our ability to strategically plan for our future through its established baselines, identified outliers in energy consumption, and recommendations concerning capital investments of renewable energy. With the professional assistance of Self-Reliance Corp, we expect to save thousands of dollars in energy costs and become a more sustainable research institute. “

Stephanie Madsen
Senior Research Assistant + Sustainability Coordinator
Coastal Systems Group
Geology and Geophysics
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Stephanie Madsen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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