Property owners interested in the cost-savings and environmental benefits of solar panels might also be interested in so-called “energy reduction products.”
Lots of solar companies push these products to accompany solar panels.
But do they work? Do they really reduce power usage and energy bills? Do energy efficiency products really protect the environment? The answers are nuanced.
Let’s take a deep dive into the potential benefits of energy reduction products.
What are energy efficiency products?
The simplest definition of an energy efficiency product is a consumer product for use in a home or business that performs the same work as its non-efficient counterparts but uses less energy.
The major selling point for energy efficiency products is that they reduce energy use (and save money for the property owner in the process) without sacrificing functionality.
Examples of energy efficiency products, just to name a handful, include:
- lightbulbs
- power strips
- smart thermostats
- smart appliances
- charging stations
It’s important to understand that energy efficiency doesn’t mean making lifestyle changes regarding appliance use. The idea is that you can enjoy all the same comforts of modern living, just with less energy expenditure.
Energy efficiency products are marketed as versatile solutions to help individuals and families reduce their carbon footprint while simultaneously reaping economic benefits in the form of reduced power bills.
Learn more about how greenhouse gas emissions negatively impact the environment and how energy efficiency products may play a large role in reducing them.
Do energy efficiency products really work?
There is good evidence that various energy efficiency products do produce results. For instance, according to EnergySage:
“An energy-efficient 12-watt LED bulb uses 75-80% less energy than a 60-watt traditional bulb but provides the same level of light.”
Similar energy-saving results have been found with other energy efficiency products.
Look for ENERGY STAR certification
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy are responsible for vetting energy efficiency products for their performance. When they have assessed the efficiency of a product, they award it their stamp of approval – the ENERGY STAR.
The website also has other helpful tools. To save time and compare options, you can browse their entire catalog of approved products by category.
While you’re there, learn about potential tax credits you may qualify for when you use energy efficiency products. (Homeowners also qualify for federal tax credits when they install solar panels.)
Be wary of savings promises from marketers
The potential energy savings from this category of products are real and impressive.
However, there’s an important caveat to understand: it’s impossible to precisely predict the energy savings of these products before you install and use them.
In a bid to maximize sales, many solar companies are willing to mislead customers with promises of “X amount” in savings if you buy their products.
If you encounter a high-pressure salesperson promising explicit savings in specific dollar amounts, take that as a red flag. There’s simply no way they could accurately assess such savings down to the dollar value.
When they’re willing to mislead you on this point, chances are high that they’re also not being upfront about other products or services.
Contact Compass Solar for more about energy reduction products
We’re here to honestly help our Northwest Florida neighbors navigate the often-consuming alternative energy industry using authoritative, information.
Contact us to learn more about energy reduction products, how they work, and what advantages you can realistically expect from their use. We offer free, no-obligation solar quotes to potential customers.
