b.green talk, April 8: Geothermal Energy

People are sometimes surprised to learn that geothermal or “ground heat” energy is available in Maine as a low cost energy source for heating and cooling. In fact, Maine’s subsurface rock structure is uniquely suited for very low cost heating from geothermal sources.

In Maine, the most convenient form of ground coupling uses a well, which may also be the well providing domestic water to the residence. This dual use of the same well significantly reduces the installation cost of the geothermal system. With existing domestic wells, both new construction and geothermal retrofits may have already paid for half of their heating systems, right there in their own back yards.

Geothermal systems also have much lower operating costs (as low as 1/4 to 1/8 the cost of traditional oil and propane heating sources, respectively), giving a quick payback on the investment. As the cost of fossil fuel will undoubtedly continue to rise, this payback time will decrease even further.

Please join us at the April 8th b.green talk to learn why new geothermal system deployment in Maine has been growing at a rate of over 30% per year. Dr. John Logan, Regional Director for Water Energy Distributors, Inc., will discuss the costs-benefits of a geothermal system as an environmentally-friendly energy recycling heat source for today’s homes.

Knickerbocker Group would like to invite homeowners, builders, architects, designers, mechanical contractors, and all others interested in learning more about geothermal energy systems. The event is free to the community and light snacks will be provided. The presentation will be held on Tuesday April 8th in the bar room at the Opera House, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by a social hour from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Please contact Danielle Betts at the Knickerbocker Group for more information: 633-6563 or dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com.