Integration of Renewable Energy Systems

Energy efficiency measures are generally less expensive than a renewable energy (RE) system to provide the same amount of energy saved. The Energy Information Administration reports that, on average, a dollar spend on efficiency saves $2 off the cost of a renewable energy system to provide the same amount of energy (IEA, 2011). But as the saying goes, "you can't save yourself rich" and having installed sophisticated controls and efficient systems, we need some source of energy to power them. The main reasons to consider RE is cost-effectiveness, but other reasons area as diverse as: reduction of atmospheric emissions; compliance with regulations requiring RE; enhanced reliability through redundant energy supply; abate risks related to fuel availability and cost, or risk of fuel-spills during delivery; score points in a sustainability rating; or as a mitigation measure in a larger environmental-permitting process.