| You've heard all the arguments for and against solar | | | | Conservatively, use the last 2 years of your electric |
| energy, do you buy it? Many people would like a | | | | bills multiplied by 20 (solar panels warranties are 20-30 |
| solution for the energy that is now produced by fossil | | | | years). While we haven't included a factor for the |
| fuels that is a simple and a total fix. Yet our energy | | | | increase in your annual electric bill it's not unreasonable |
| needs today are supplied by a combination of fossil | | | | to say that in 10 years your costs will at least double. |
| fuels, we just don't consider that because it's simply | | | | The amount you now have is roughly your current |
| supplied to us by the electric company. It may be time | | | | cost to provide energy for your home for 20 years. |
| to change our perspective from letting utility companies | | | | To realize your return on investment: |
| provide us with electricity at unpredictable costs to | | | | - Start with a professional home audit. The savings |
| producing our own energy and taking back our | | | | you realize in reduced energy usage now will save |
| independence. | | | | thousands when you need to buy fewer solar panels. |
| By using solar panels to power cars, homes, RV's, | | | | - Shop around for the most efficient solar panel, |
| mobile gadgets, and businesses we use a clean, | | | | understand each manufacturer's requirements to |
| renewable resource that replaces the need for | | | | achieve maximum efficiency and combine that with |
| electricity, gasoline and a gross of AA batteries. The | | | | your situation. |
| solar technology industry is rapidly producing a variety | | | | - Take advantage of each and every federal, state |
| of options and ways for us to use solar. They are | | | | and local government incentive, rebates, and tax |
| overcoming some of obstacles in older technology and | | | | credits. Utility companies may also offer a rebate. |
| the price is coming down. It is part of the solution to | | | | - Make sure that the system you purchase qualifies |
| replace our dependence on fossil fuels. | | | | for all the incentives and rebates. |
| It's All About Location | | | | - Some solar companies offer financing or renting |
| Solar energy advantages and disadvantages vary | | | | leasing options. |
| widely depending on where you live. The amount of | | | | - Communities are creating innovative financing |
| direct sunlight your solar panels will receive is still an | | | | packages to support your transition to solar energy. |
| important consideration. Direct sunlight, at least 5 hours | | | | Now for some unexpected advantages of solar |
| per day is ideal, although some solar panels are now | | | | energy. Once your system is installed, there is no cost |
| efficient in lower light. The panels required to power a | | | | for maintenance and the panels have warranties that |
| home are large and roof space is limited. To truly have | | | | last 20-30 years. You will need to keep your panels |
| solar power provide enough energy to run your home, | | | | clean to achieve maximum efficiency. |
| living in an area where you don't have high heating and | | | | No one rejoices at the arrival of the electric bill, but you |
| cooling expenses may be just as important. The more | | | | will. With the cost of electricity rising, each month's |
| electricity you use, the more you will need to produce | | | | electric bill is higher than the month before, but you are |
| and that directly influences the cost. Companies are | | | | producing your own energy and your electric bill will be |
| producing more efficient solar panels and the | | | | worth framing. That monthly savings can be used to |
| technologies available and in development use a | | | | pay off your new solar system. |
| variety of methods to capture sunlight beyond the | | | | These are just a few of the solar energy advantages |
| popular photovoltaic panels. | | | | and disadvantages for homeowners today. Solar |
| Really interested in jumping into solar energy, but want | | | | technology is becoming more efficient, using different |
| to limit your expense, try solar-powered water heaters. | | | | approaches to capture sunlight and the cost is coming |
| They are an affordable way to get started and they | | | | down. Maybe it's time to put solar energy on your to |
| don't need as much sunlight. | | | | do list. Losing that unpredictable electric bill is a new |
| Return on Investment | | | | kind of freedom. |
| Begin with the true cost of your current system. | | | | |