Friday, November 6, 2009

Solar Power: Slash Your Electric Costs Now


Oil prices are on the rise again, and electricity prices will soon follow. Over the last 25 years, the solar energy industry has made great strides in producing solar energy.

With the price of power rising and the price of solar power systems falling, now is the time to educate yourself about solar power.

Is Solar Energy Really Affordable?

Yes, thanks to government incentives. The state, federal and local governments are now giving large incentives to home owners. Based on your location, you may be incentivised 33% - 60% of the price of your solar power system. With financing available through many solar power companies (as well as home equity loans) you may be able to reduce monthly electric bills by more than the system costs.

Will the Utilities Buy Surplus Electricity from Us?

Yes, the utilities will "buy" your excess electricity as it is produced. If your solar energy system produces more electricity than your house is consuming at that moment, the extra electric feeds back into the power grid, and your power meter will literally spin backwards! If you are away from your house, and leave as many electric items turned off as possible, the surplus electricity can automatically flow back earning you money.

Are Professional Installers Available for Solar Power Systems?

Absolutely. In fact, because you are integrating with the electric system of your home, it is recommended that an experienced licensed electrician install the system for you. Most solar power installation companies have electricians to handle this.

What is Required to Get a Solar Energy System?

Generally, you should have a home with exposure to the south, southeast or southwest. You will want to have as few shadows on the roof as possible. Having your home in the southern United States has advantages, but home owners in the north also do extremely well with solar energy. Before you make a purchase, most reputable solar power companies send an experienced technician to inspect your home, property and landscape to determine whether solar energy will work and what sort of savings you can see.

Is Solar Energy Really Good for the Environment?

Yes. While electricity is clean, the fossil fuels required to generate the electricity is not. By harnessing the energy of the sun, you are truly able to produce your own electricity with no negative impact on the environment. This reduces pollutants in the air, decreases our demand on foreign oil, and helps to lower the overall cost structure of power in this country.

Does the Government Really Support Solar Power?

Yes. There are local, state and federal programs designed to encourage home owners to switch to solar energy (as well as wind and other alternative energies). Washington knows that our dependency on foreign oil cannot continue, and our dependency on them is bad for our nation as well as our ecology. By offering financial assistance for people to convert to solar power, the fed is making an investment in you, to help sole the energy crisis. In the coming years, millions can switch to solar power, significantly reducing tax our dependency on foreign oil.

What Does a Solar Energy System Cost?

This depends on the amount of energy you want to produce. Obviously the larger the system, the more energy you can make. Solar Energy Systems can range from $10,000-$30,000 or more depending upon your needs. If a system costs $20,000 and the subsidies are 65%, the cost to you is $7,000. depending on how you finance it, this may cost you approximately $50-$75 per month. Many will save more than this in their first month on their electric bill. The exact savings will vary based upon the cost of the system, the tax incentives, and the amount that you currently pay for electricity.

For more information, we encourage you to visit our website at http://WWW.SaveWithSolar.org

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