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Archive for the ‘Solar Electricity’ Category

Solar Electric its Great for Your Home

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

solar-panels
A lot of people love to wait for last minute deals. Early bird specials seem nonexistent today but they certainly still exist. A few homeowners are putting off purchasing a solar electric system because they think it will be cheaper if they wait. For those who think they’re going to save a lot by purchasing later should consider the current rebates. For those who are unaware of the assistance from the government here are the deals; California residents may receive a state rebate of anywhere from 22% to 44% on the total solar home system cost, federal government will provide a tax credit of 30% on the total cost. In total California resident could be saving 55-74% on their entire solar electric system.

Solar panels can power everything that runs on electricity in your home. When considering the cost of a solar electric system don’t forget to account for what can be saved NOW with a solar electric system. These numbers may eventually add up to the discount you’re seeking in the future.

There are a few concerns facing a solar electric system. An example of a concern is new technology for solar electricity. The only things that could or will change with solar panels are the shapes and sizes. Aside from that energy is energy and if you buy it today it’ll still be energy tomorrow. Unlike computers and cell phones solar panels do not need new purchases every few years to meet newer technology needs. These are labeled concerns but in all reality these concerns have no comparison to the amount of money you can save with installing a system now. Protect your future, protect yourself from rate increase, protect your family and install a solar electric system.

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Posted in Residential Solar, Solar Electricity | 10 Comments »

Going Green Can Save Your Money (and Your Health)

Monday, April 13th, 2009

“Going green” has become a frequently used expression in the last couple years. Everyone is doing what they can to be more earth-friendly these days. But, “going green” isn’t just good for the earth; it can be good for your finances too. For example, changing over to a solar system for electricity frees you from the ever-increasing electricity rates that utility companies charge. The federal government has also placed a 30% federal income tax credit on residential solar systems.

In addition to tax credits for going solar, there are some available for a variety “green” house modifications. Tax credits can be claimed for energy improvements to homes, such as windows, insulation, and envelope and duct sealing. Below is a list of the other modifications homeowners can make to receive these credits:

• Adding insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC (& supplements) specifications.
• Replacing windows and skylights, and exterior doors which are equal to or below a 0.30 U factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30.
• Sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce infiltration and heat loss - these should be sealed so as to be consistent with the 2009 IECC.
• Window films certified by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of a “qualifying insulation system.”
• Pigmented metal roofs, or an asphalt roof with cooling granules must meet Energy Star requirements.

In some cases, taking these measures will not only help you save money, but your health may benefit as well. For example, most homes built before 1980
contain asbestos. Asbestos was used widely throughout the 20th century for a number of things, but it was mainly used for insulation due to its fire-resistant qualities. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer typically forms in the lining of the lungs and is very difficult to treat effectively. This is because mesothelioma symptoms don’t usually show up until about 15 to 25 years after exposure.

There are a number of other alternative types of insulation that can be used that are more eco-friendly than asbestos and don’t pose any danger to your health. The United States Department of Energy has a list of insulation “Energy Savers” you can use when making plans to remodel your home.

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Posted in Green Benefits, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy 101 | 18 Comments »

Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home

Growing up I remember my parents always saying “don’t forget to turn off the lights, nobody is watching the TV so turn it off and most often shut the back door”. Now years later I implement all of those “lessons learned” plus more. Here are a few easy tips that can cut a few dollars off your monthly electric bill and help conserve your energy:

  1. Turn off all computer equipment when it is not being used and put a screen saver on your computer when it is being used.
  2. Turn off all lights when you’re not in the room and change all your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents.
  3. Keep all air vents clean and clear.
  4. If possible start washing your clothes in cold or warm water.
  5. Clothes dryers use a fair amount of energy so do not over-dry your clothes. If you notice your clothes are drying within 45 minutes do not set the timer to 60 minutes. Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
  6. On a monthly basis check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is properly connected.
  7. Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load of dishes.
  8. If possible replace your old refrigerator with an Energy Star approved model and if possible sell the old refrigerator. Placing the old refrigerator in the garage will only increase your energy so make sure your new refrigerator meets your demands for storage.
  9. Ensure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use so that neither heat nor A/C can escape.
  10. Make sure everyone in the home turns off all electrical devices that are not being used in all rooms in the home.
  11. Ensure all doors and windows are properly shut.

    Most importantly if you are looking at making a much bigger impact on your electric bill a solar home electric system is the best investment a homeowner can make. A solar home electric system can not only make you energy independent but also zero out your monthly electric bill.

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Posted in Green Benefits, Residential Solar, Solar Electricity, Solar Tax Benefits | 25 Comments »

It all sounds too easy…is that how solar really works?

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

It does sound easy and that is why a solar electric system is one of the greatest investments people can make. A home solar electric system consists of a number of roof-mounted panels, conduit and wiring that are connected to an inverter. The system panels produce Direct Current (DC) electric energy when the sun is shining on the array and the inverter changes it into normal Alternating Current (AC) which feeds into the grid (utility power lines).  The meter actually runs backward and you are given a credit for the excess production, which is used where it is most needed in your neighborhood. This socially useful service helps lower the need for additional power plants to meet the daytime peak electric demand. For that reason, you are granted partial funding off the system, via a state rebate and federal tax credits, which makes it more economical. Yes, it truly is good for your pocket book, the environment and the future of next generations.

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Posted in Electric Alternatives, Residential Solar, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy 101, Solar Facts, Solar Tax Benefits | 2 Comments »