National Solar Week: Las Vegas Ranks As 12th Best In U.S.A. For Solar
The final week of March is National Solar Week. With that in mind, let’s see how we compare with other cities in the nation when it comes to solar energy viability.
Las Vegas Ranks 12th Best In The U.S. For Solar Energy Viability
Here in Southern Nevada, we get used to seeing lots of sunshine. In fact, when we get a rainy day, it’s a nice change of pace for most of us. So, it makes sense that Las Vegas is one of the top cities in the nation for solar energy viability.
However, we’re not at the very top. Las Vegas ranks 12th in the nation according to a study done by RoofGnome.com. This company “connect[s] homeowners with the best solar panel providers, installers, and repairers in the area.”
Whether or not you’re interested in solar energy for your home, it’s good to know we’re the top city in Nevada. In fact, Henderson ranks 33rd, North Las Vegas 66th, Reno 166th, and Sparks 206th.
How did RoofGnome.com determine these rankings? They use metrics such as incentives for installing solar energy panels, number of viable roofs, solar-friendly climate, energy potential, equipment and installation availability, affordability, and impact on the environment. That’s according to an article by Richie Bernardo on RoofGnome.com.
How Does Las Vegas Compare To The Rest Of The U.S.?
When you look at the map for the 50 best cities for solar energy viability, it becomes quite clear that the vast majority are located in the southwest U.S. As a matter of fact, only 6 cities show up east of the Mississippi. Moreover, four of those six are in Florida.
So, which cities rank higher than Las Vegas for solar energy potential? Not surprisingly, Phoenix, Arizona ranks first in the nation according to RoofGnome.com. After that, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Antonio, Scottsdale, San Jose, Mesa, Albuquerque, El Paso, and Fresno rank second through 12th respectively.
To sum things up, if you’re looking to install solar panels to try and alleviate those high energy bills, you live in a good area.
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7 Ways To Cut Those High Nevada Energy Bills
1. Check Your Seals
This homeowner is putting fresh caulk on his windows. Not only can this lower your energy bill, but it will ensure little critters stay out as well.
Check the seals on all your windows, doors and on your fridge and freezer. Just a small crack in the seal can let air out and waste energy. Sometimes just some caulking can do the trick. Other times you’ll have to purchase a replacement seal. Both quick fixes with money-saving results.
2. Change Your Lightbulbs
Replacing your incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient ones is something you can do today to lower your energy bill.
One of the quickest ways to save on your energy bill is to swap out your incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. Nerdwallet says that doing this in just your five most-used lights can save you $75 a year on your bill. Imagine what swapping them all would do! Look for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs that have the Energy Star label.
3. Get Your Ducts In A Row
There are many companies in Nevada that will do an inexpensive, or even free, inspection of your ducts. A good first step to repairing or replacing any parts that are contributing to your high energy bills.
Leaky ducts can let a lot of hot and cold air escape, raising your energy bills all year long. Check your heating, air conditioning and ventilation ducts and repair any leaks for a more efficient system and a lower power bill.
4. Get Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips are very easy to get these days. Amazon or the local home improvement stores will have them.
Electronics, particularly those with a remote control, still use power when they’re off, mostly because they’re in standby mode waiting for your command. Plugging these devices into a smart power strip will cut the circulation of power when the machines aren’t powered on.
5. Install Dimmer Switches
The brighter your lights are, the more power they take. Installing dimmer switches on any lights possible can help reduce energy bills.
If you have lighted areas that you don’t need full power for, put them on a dimmer switch. Lower levels means you use less power. An electrician can do these switches rather quickly. And the investment will pay off in the end.
6. Make Your Showers More Efficient
This is one project that a handyman at home can easily do. Switch out the shower heads in your home with more water-efficient one.
There are a couple of ways to save money in the shower. Taking a shower that’s just two minutes shorter than your norm can lead to lower energy bill. Since your water heater doesn’t need to work as hard. The other way to save money in the shower is by replacing your shower head with one donning the WaterSense label will ensure it meets the efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Change How You Use Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is a big source for your high energy bills. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make them more energy-efficient.
If you’re washing underwear, socks, or bedding that has been used by a sick person, hot water washes are most-effective. For almost everything else (unless the fabric specifically mentions hot water), use cold water in the washing machine. It will lower your energy bill significantly by not having to heat that water.
Another way to save money in both the washing machine and the dishwasher is to never run a load that isn’t full. Whether you have one item or fifty, the same amount of water is used. So wait until you have a full load to hit that start button.
For a longer-term solution, look for a washer with the EnergyStar label the next time you’re shopping for new appliances. If you want to start on your home’s efficiency before you need to, start replacing your appliances that you use most often. Over time, you’ll start to see the savings really add up. Here’s another place Nevada Energy might be able to help you out. Their Power Shift program offers these appliances for free to costumers who qualify. Get more info here.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
