The advantages of using alternative fuels may be surprising. Although using standard electricity to power homes or petroleum-based gas may be more convenient and cost less, the long-term benefits of using alternative fuels could prove to be worth the price. This article will explore some of the different advantages that are good for your health as well as your wallet.
Fuels that aren't petroleum-based could be considered alternative fuels. Solar energy and wind turbines are probably the most well-known alternative fuels. Yet in recent years, there have been significant developments of other alternative fuels like hydrogen cells, natural gas engines, and biodiesel. Electricity can also be considered an alternative fuel if it is used to power a vehicle.
The Federal government is very interested in reducing the nation's standard power grid. It offers several tax incentives for using alternative fuels. For example, hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius can garner up to a $3,000 tax credit when purchased new, while a natural gas powered car gives up to a $4,000 credit. If you install a solar energy system in your home, you can expect a credit of up to 30 percent of the system's cost on your taxes with a cap of $2,000.
If you live in a particularly smoggy city or suffer from respiratory issues, vehicles that use alternative fuels may give you cleaner air. A hybrid vehicle that uses electricity as power up to certain speeds expends 80 percent less emissions of greenhouse gases than standard fuel cars. Hydrogen powered cars are even better--they expend zero emissions from the tailpipe.
Solar energy systems and panels have a fairly pricey upfront cost, running anywhere from $1,000 for a portable solar energy panel to $20,000 for powering your whole house. Yet the energy costs, in the long run, can be next to nothing. In some states like California, the energy companies will even pay you money to use some of your stored solar energy. In the long run, you could find yourself making money from alternative fuels.
Standard mileage on most vehicles is anywhere between 22 and 28 miles per gallon. Some hybrid vehicles can take your car much further without a fill up. Since they use primarily electricity in stop and go traffic, you use less gas from the tank if you live in the city. The 2008 Toyota Prius gets 46 miles per gallon.
