Solar Energy, How Hot is it really?

For most of us, we’ve all heard plenty about solar power, and I’m not speaking about the very popular solar powered garden lights. With rising fuel prices, using solar energy has become a reasonable means for providing heat to homes as well as a long-term solution to high-energy bills.

However, solar energy is not a cheap investment. In fact, it takes the average homeowner approximately 10 to 12 years to recoup the cost of the solar panels with the amount they save on their energy bills. Sadly, too many people are not willing to wait this long, which is why many states offer rebates. However, these rebates vary from state to state, so the amount of money a person saves in California may be more or less than a person in Georgia, who installs the exact same type of solar equipment. To find out about solar rebates and incentives in your state please visit the National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy at: www.dsireusa.org

As expensive as solar equipment is to install, I must state at this point that it is less expensive than what it was in the 1970s. In fact, the price has dropped an estimated 90% since then. In addition, the incentives offered to install solar cells can reduce the overall cost to a homeowner by nearly half in some areas of the country.

If you are deciding between solar energy and a conventional type of heating for your home, please weigh your options carefully. The following are some basic things to consider when deciding if solar energy is right for you.

Your energy consumption—If you are considering installing a solar systems, then you have to know how big a system to install. This means taking into consideration your highest consumption levels as well as the possibility that it will increase over time.

How will a photovoltaic system cost—Once you know the size of the system you will need to meet your needs, you have to know the precisely how much it will cost you. Remember the size of the system depends both on your energy needs and the amount of available sunlight you have.

Rebates and incentives—You need to find out about all the available rebates and incentives available to you and how much they will help to decrease your costs.

Knowing the difference between “On the grid” and “Off”—On the grid gives you the advantage of selling excess electricity when you have it or buying electricity when you don't have enough. Off the grid systems a battery that stores excess electricity for you to use as backup.

What are the environmental benefits worth to you—This is a personal question that only you can answer.

When you choose to use solar power in your home, it has to be a choice that you can live with and not because it’s the latest thing and you want to keep up with the times. Solar power is an investment that will take several years for you to earn back with savings on your energy bill. However, it is one that will also help save the environment.