Submitted by: Nathan Sprott
If you are concerned about increasing energy prices, the vagaries of the oil market, and the risk of power outtages, then energy independence is now a viable solution. Solar power electricity can provide 100% of your home energy needs, and when used in combination with efficiency measures and passive solar water heating, can significantly reduce your costs.
Will solar be enough for my home?
The beauty of solar power electricity is the scalability of a system to meet your energy needs. If you do an energy audit of your current energy consumption, you will be better placed to estimate the amount of electricity you need to generate. There are many online tools for doing an audit.
How easy is it?
Installation of a complete household solar electricity system, while techically complicated for the novice, is usually taken care of by your supplier and factored into the price. Whether you lease of buy, installation will be handled by your supplier.
However, you can save money by installing your own system. Kits are avaialbe to take you through this process, with how-to videos and a help line if you strike difficulties.
An area that is just starting to show growth is the “plug-n-play” solar electricity system. Using your current AC wiring, a “plug-n-play” panel can connect directly to your house without any technical skill or need for an electrician. The system converts the panels DC power to AC and will supplemnt your current energy consumptions, reducing prices. Greenway Solar presently sell a 250w “plug-n-play” kit for $US1893 Clarion Technology are developing a stylish awning model that will be released in mid 2011. It is expected that the advent of plug-n-play will make solar technology more assessable for everyone.
Is it cost-effective?
New home developments frequently incorporate energy sustainability options in the U.S. Energy efficiency in itself will reduce your electricity costs, but combined with solar power electricity you can expect significant reductions.
Many new homes are being grid connected and supplemented with solar power electricity and hot water systems. If you are in a location that can't take advantage of on-grid solar, you can still have a grid-connected solar electricity system that will reduce your energy costs and enable you to sell excess power back to the grid. If you have a system that well supplies your needs, the energy companies will eventually be paying you!
Existing and owner-built homes can also benefit from installing a solar power system, this is especially cost effective if you live in an isolated area, where the costs of running power poles is prohibitive.
In recent years solar power electricity prices have dropped, while efficiency has increased. In addition, rebates and tax incentives that are offered in many United States locations mean that you may pay half the ticket price on solar power electricity systems. In some locations you may be able to sell excess energy production back to the grid if you choose a grid-connected option, further reducing your overall costs. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency have guide to rebates and incentives available near you.
The typical solar off-grid household system will cost between $US10,000 and $20,000 depending on your energy needs and how much of the work you are willing to do yourself. Self-installation can save you thousands of dollars and further savings can be made by purchasing DIY solar panel kits that can either work off grid, or make grid connection easy. Solar leasing is also becoming a popular option in the U.S. Environmental group, The Sierra Club have developed a convenient online tool for calculating the costs and saving of installing an off-grid solar energy system in your home or business.
Acquiring a solar power electricity system will mean that you can be partly or completely safe from the vagaries of the energy market, immune from outages and energy independent.
About the Author: For more information of how you can go green with solar panels or other house additions to green your home, please visit our green home renovation resource.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: https://www.isnare.com/?aid=834936&ca=Computers+and+Technology
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