It is almost impossible these days to turn on the news or open a paper without hearing or reading about the need for future alternative energy. With the cost of fuel skyrocketing and the adverse environmental impact of fossil fuels it is becoming critical that we look for alternative ways to provide the power that we need for our day-to-day lives. You might ask, “So what can I do as an individual home owner to help?” The answer is to reduce your demand for electricity from the power grid. There are two ways of doing this:
1. The first is to learn ways to conserve electricity in your home.
2. The second is to learn ways to generate electricity at your residence. In times past, the cost to do this for the individual home owner was cost prohibitive, but with the Federal Energy Tax Credit of 30% it is becoming much more cost effective. In addition to the 30% Federal Energy Tax Credit, many states and local power companies offer further incentives that reduce the initial cost of these systems even further.
The one source of alternative energy that is available to all of us is the Sun. No matter where we live, we have this resource available to us free of charge. The challenge is in converting this free resource into electricity. A residential solar power system is the best way to do this.
The first step in determining if A Residential Solar Power System is right for you is to see if you fit into one of the following 4 categories:
1. You want to lower your average electric bill.
2. You have an interest in reducing your dependence on your utility company.
3. You would like to reduce the environmental impact of electricity production.
4. A grid connection is not available in your area or can be made only through an expensive line extension. (The cost of running a power line to the utility grid at a remote site can be prohibitive, ranging from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per mile, depending upon the terrain.)
Secondly, there are 3 location factors to consider when determining whether you have a site that is appropriate for Solar Panels.
1. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere your site must have southern exposure. For maximum daily power output, Solar Panels should be exposed to the sun for as much of the day as possible, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. The site must be free of obstructions such as trees, mountains, and buildings that might shade the panels. Consider both summer and winter paths of the sun, as well as the growth of trees and future construction that may cause shading problems.
3. You also have appropriate terrain and sufficient space to install the solar system. (A lot of people with south facing roof tops put them there instead of taking up yard space).
If you fit into one of the 4 categories and you meet all of the location factors then you need to ensure:
1. You have a strategy for meeting your energy needs during times of darkness or in really bad weather.
2. Your state or utility provides for electricity net metering, which allows you to connect your system with your utility and sell any excess electricity to your utility.
The sun is a free resource that provides unlimited potential. If you fit into one of the 4 Categories and your location meets all of the location factors then you should seriously consider installing a Residential Solar Power System. Once you learn how to tap into this resource you will greatly reduce your dependence on the power grid while reducing, if not eliminating, your average monthly electric bill.
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Submitted by Everett Payne, http://www.averageelectricbillrelief.com which provides information on residential home energy saving tips as well as various methods to tap into alternative energy resources. |
