The Challenge Of Going Solar – Are You Ready?

Have you heard that the U.S. is full of possible, and as yet undeveloped, sources for renewable energy? Especially solar energy, but other renewable sources also. For example, we have such things as wave energy (from ocean waves), and wind energy. All these renewable sources have lots of un-tapped potential.

Fossil fuels like coal and oil have powered the western world for over a hundred years. Well, that was then, and this is now. Coal and oil have been used because they were cheap and abundant. Also, these energy sources were simple and convenient to use.

It is now evident that the Earth’s stored fossil energy reserves are running low. Getting at them becomes harder and harder. Then there is the spectre of the Global Warming.

I don’t know about you, but I have come to the conclusion that this issue must be taken very seriously. It doesn’t take a genious to realize that as we burn coal and oil, enormous amounts of carbon dioxide end up in the atmosphere. The origin of this is carbon which has been fossilized and tucked away in the Earth since long before the age of the dinosaurs. Now we humans are opening a Pandora’s box by releasing tremendous quantities into the air.

During the 1900s, there has been an enormous increase of the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Why is this a problem? It’s because of a property of CO2; the “greenhouse effect”. This gas is invisible to us but reflects infrared radiation back to the surface of the Earth. Which means that as the CO2 level goes up, so will the Earth’s temperature go up also.

You will be affected in different ways depending on where you happen to live. In some parts of the world, it can lead to disastrous consequences – drought, desertification, famine. Plus the polar ice caps are now melting away at a really alarming rate. If this trend continues, the ocean levels could rise several feet. If so, you can expect a watery future for such cities as New York. And large parts of countries like The Netherlands would also end up under water.

What can we do about these problems? The remedy is to make every effort to phase out the use of fossil energy. The time has come for solar panels and other kinds of renewable energy – time to develop their potential. I guess you belive solar panels are way too costly? Not anymore. You can set up home solar panels yourself and save money.

In case you happen to be a rugged and self-reliant person, I am sure you have an interest in DIY solar panels. Get them set up on your rooftop, and thumb your nose at these pesky bills from the utility company. People in the U.S. have a great reputation for being self-reliant action-takers. So, I think they will be able to handle this challenge also.

Residential Solar Power Statistically Speaking

Did you know that the average American household uses around 10,000 kWh of electricity per year? This amount would be lessened if people would invest in more energy efficient windows and appliances, and replace their insulation. These cost saving improvements alone would save hundreds of dollars a year. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones is another cost saving opportunity that many people are using (and it is a fairly cheap upgrade now as well). Other cost-saving measures include turning lights off when you leave a room and unplugging items that you’re not using. However, the only way to finally break your ties to the power grid is through residential solar power. The initial not-so-inexpensive costs of having the system installed will pay off once you can power your own house.

What Size Does Your Home Need

There are a variety of residential solar power systems available for use. System capacities range from 1,000 watts to cover 50 square feet, to 25,000 watts, to cover 1600 square feet. A 10,000-watt system will save the average homeowner approximately $50,000 over 25 years while still supplying the 10,000 kWh needed. Because of the different sizes of homes and the amount of power each household uses, homeowners’ savings from using a residential solar power system may vary. Many people choose to supplement rather than replace their reliance on the power grid with residential solar power as solar power systems powerful enough to supply enough electricity for the average home are still a little expensive. For many homeowners, the $75,000 cost associated with the installation of this kind of system is not possible, even for the promised thousands of dollars of savings.

Tax credits and Government incentives are available for those homeowners looking to upgrade their home that can be used to lower the initial set-up fees. For example, if your $75,000 solar power system is eligible for a tax credit of $35,000, that means you will only have to pay $40,000 out of pocket. Tax credits greatly decrease the cost of residential solar power, spurring the market with monetary incentives.

More Solar Energy Advantages:

As our cars make the transition from gasoline engines to electric motors, our power grid will be taxed even further. Switching to residential solar power will ensure that our power grid is available for our grandchildren, decrease our household expenses in a time when costs are going up, and preserve our environment.