Why look at Solar Energy Options?
With rising energy prices and concerns for the environment, homeowners are increasingly looking at solar energy options. Experts say new benefits and current conditions are making solar energy systems a practical reality for a growing number of homeowners.
This has been aided by a new federal tax credit, plus some province/state and local incentives encourage adopting solar systems. The government offers a tax credit for a significant percent (depending on where you live) of the cost of a solar electric or solar water heating system. There is no cap for business owners and homeowners receive a maximum $2,000 credit for each system installed.
These credits make solar energy systems a feasible solution for hot water heating and electricity production for many building owners. There are many homeowners who already benefit from solar heating for their pools and spas without government incentives and this is great.
As awareness grows it is expected that thousands more will consider solar options in the near future. With continued rising energy costs and consumer interest in clean, renewable energy I believe more homeowners and business owners will look for sustainable alternatives in the upcoming year.
In many provinces/states, another advantage of solar electric systems (also called photovoltaic or PV) is the option to send excess energy back to your local utility grid and get paid for it. For example, if you are a residential customer, your system may generate more electricity than you need during the day when your family is away at work and at school. Net metering allows you to send this excess electricity to the grid, spinning your meter backwards, and reducing or offsetting the electricity you use at other times.
Today, solar energy equipment sold by reputable companies is high quality, reliable and backed by warranties. When bought from any of these reputable firms they also will be installed by experienced contractors.
There are also many resources to learn more about solar energy. FindSolar.com is a great starting place to learn more about solar energy and to check out the options for your own particular home or building. With minimal inputs, including where you live, and typical monthly energy bill, the site provides you with estimates of system size, costs, savings and other benefits.
In places such as Germany and Spain where they don’t have as much sunshine, yet they have still managed to harness the sun’s free energy to produce large quantities of clean green electricity. Unlike Germany, we in North America have a strong solar footprint, yet we have very few solar systems installed to take advantage of the sun’s energy that rains down on us every day. We can do more.
Your decision to go solar is the first step. Now you must choose an experienced, reliable partner to walk you through the process, from design to installation to rebate paperwork. But you can do it. Don’t pick the first company you bump into but start looking today.
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Dog posted on January 4, 2010:
I would like to start using solar and need to start some where and I found your site. good info
Mups posted on January 13, 2010:
This is a very good article. I didn’t realize the government was giving help to the home owner in this area.