Is It Time To Consider Solar

An average 2 bedroom home in the southern US uses 25 KWH per day. You may want to acquire more than one estimate and if you have an installer or are handy enough to do it yourself you can often save money by purchasing your components through ebay or other avenues.4 ~ If you intend to tie into the grid then sizing will not be as critical as it is for an independent system. Size your system for the month with the highest use ensures that you'll produce enough power for any month of the year.10 ~ Solar panels not only increase the value of your home but pay monthly dividends in electric bill savings for up to 40 years. Remember that the panels themselves only account for about 45% of the cost of your system. (In warm climates that'll be summer and in colder climates it'll be winter. (Some of these costs will not apply to a grid tied solar power system. The utility grid will pick up when the solar power falls off. A grid tie system will cost significantly less because you don't have to size the system to cover all of your power needs.5 ~ Price out your system.Is it time to consider solar power for your home? Recent solar research has uncovered some amazing technologies which will not only make solar more efficient but will finally bring solar prices into the average householder's price arena.9 ~ Once the system has been installed there is little maintenance required (some battery maintenance and periodic inspections of the solar panels) and interruptions in power will be a thing of the past. (Be careful, you may not qualify for warranties)6 ~ Other set up costs are ~ inverter, charge controller, batteries, installation and various wires and hardware.If you think the solar energy solution is for you here are 10 steps to get you powered up. Check with gov't and power companies in your area to see if solar power subsidies exist. Install a solar power water heater and possibly a wood, pellet or corn husk stove. Plant deciduous trees (leaves fall off in winter) in a position where they'll shade the windows in the summer but allow the winter sun to shine in.8 ~ Many nations, countries and municipalities provide substantial subsidies, grants and tax incentives which reduce the price to you by half or better. Replace all heating and cooling appliances (fridge, freezer, air conditioner, stove, oven, dryer) with the most energy efficient model available or switch to gas or propane where possible.The more energy efficient you make your home the lower your cost to convert to solar power. Solar power is here to stay and about to take its rightful place at the energy table..)7 ~ Without subsidies expect to pay at least $75,000 USD (August 2007) for an independent solar energy system.1 ~ If you're building a home, orient the largest windows and the roof toward the south, smallest windows to the north.2 ~ Make your home as energy efficient as possible.3 ~ Check your electricity.