Solar and Wind Power

Oil prices are on the rise again, and electricity prices will soon follow. Over the last 15 years, the solar power industry has made tremendous strides in producing solar energy.

With the price of electricity rising and the price of solar energy systems coming down, now is the time to learn the facts about solar energy.

Is Solar Energy Truly Affordable?

The answer for most is “yes” because of government incentives and rebates. The state, federal and local governments are now giving large refunds to house owners. Depending upon where you live, you may be rebated 35% – 65% of the cost of your solar energy system. With financing available through many solar energy resellers (as well as house equity loans) you can potentially reduce monthly utility bills by more than the system costs.

Will the Utilities Buy Surplus Electricity from Me?

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 actually 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 Energy Systems?

Absolutely. In fact, because you are interfacing with the electric system of your home, it is highly recommended that an experienced solar installer install the system for you. Most solar energy installation companies have their own electricians for this purpose.

What is Required to Get a Solar Power System?

In general, you should have a house 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 benefit greatly from solar energy. Before you make a purchase, most reputable solar power companies send an experienced technician to inspect your house, property and landscape to determine whether solar energy is appropriate and what sort of savings you can see.

Is Solar Power Really Good for the Environment?

Yes. While electricity is does not produce polution, the coal required to produce the electricity is not. By harnassing 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 Fed Really Support Solar Power?

Yes. There are federal, state and local programs specifically designed to encourage house owners to switch to solar energy (as well as wind and other alternative energies). Our government is aware that the fossil fuels will not last forever, 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 alleviate the energy crisis. In the coming years, millions can switch to solar power, significantly reducing tax our dependency on foreign oil.

What Does a Typical Solar Power System Cost?

This varies based on the amount of energy you want to produce. Obviously the bigger the system, the more energy you can make. Solar Power Systems can vary from $10,000-$30,000 or more depending upon your needs. If a solar energy 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. Most will save more than this in their first month on their electric bill. The exact savings will be based upon the price of the system, any tax incentives, and the amount that you currently pay for electricity.

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