Renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy offer an alternative source of power that is constantly replenished, compared to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are of limited quantity. There are active and passive options for solar energy systems. While active power requires storage cells, passive power doesn’t. Active power uses solar panels which often don’t require business carbon offsetting, a solar battery installation and mechanical systems. Passive energy is about using windows and insulation to keep your home warm and well-lit. We waste a tremendous amount of energy in the US. Recent studies have found that we waste 61% to 84% of our energy in the US, and that we use 11 times more energy than the UK despite having only 5 times the population.

Solar energy, as the name implies, is energy harnessed from the sun and is produced when the sun out throughout the day. This will require a solar panel installation in your roof or backyard. Solar is completely affordable for most homeowners now, yet most homeowners don’t even realize this opportunity is available to them. How much you save with going solar depends on your usage, rates, and your local utility.

The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is specifically created for middle class America. This stimulus package allows you to have the benefits of solar energy and save thousands of dollars, at very little to no cost. Go solar without the upfront costs with home solar loans. National Loans experts says that it function much like any home improvement loan. PPA Programs and Leases. They function a little differently from each other, but both options give you extremely low energy bills and free solar installation. While this isn’t necessarily “$0 down,” purchasing the panels outright provides the biggest savings and no interest. Upfront purchase provides immediate payback with zero interest and 70-90% lower electricity costs. There are mainly two common options for going solar.

Purchase your own system. You select, contract, and manage the installation of the system as well as monitor and maintain. Cons: A high upfront cost (you may have been deterred by in the past). You have to secure a system or installer, manage the install, and fill out all paperwork for tax rebates and credits.

Leased solar systems also called “third-party owned solar”. This option allows you to go solar with little to no upfront cost. The solar lease provider purchases equipment, installs on your roof, and handles monitoring and maintenance through the life of your agreement. You, the homeowner, pay a low rate for the electricity produced. Con: Leased solar isn’t available in every state.

You do not have to purchase an entire solar energy system at once. Sometimes it is more economical to start small. Solar-powered attic fans have temperature sensors that will turn your fan on and off automatically based on the attic’s temperature. This is a great way to keep your home cool, without incurring any additional costs. You can reduce the amount you spend on electricity by using solar panels or installing a solar water heater. Solar panels are ideal for locations that receive between 5 and 6 full hours of direct sunlight daily. If you have a heated swimming pool, consider installing solar water heaters to cut down on heating costs. When looking to save on energy costs!

Since 2010, the cost of a solar power system has fallen by about 50%. Now the average savings for Americans who go solar is $130 per month, or $1,560 per year. Unless you live in a remote area, your system will still be tied to the local utility. This is a good thing. In many places without Hydropower, when your system produces more electricity than you need, the excess is fed back into the grid, and you get credit that counts towards future energy needs. This net metering uses a special meter that runs forward and backward, so you never waste a drop of sunshine.

Bigger is not always better when you are considering solar panels. There is a lot that goes into the quality of a solar panel, including wattage, the types of the materials used in its build, and its warranty. Consider all of those before buying a panel. The efficiency of your solar panels will be dependent on their density. Getting high density solar panels may cost you quite a bit, but after a while they’ll pay for themselves because they produce more power. Be sure to compare densities of several different panels before making your final choice. Find solar panels that maximize energy to save money in the long run. Lots of new versions can store solar energy during the day, but allow for utilization of the power at any time. If you use a lot of energy at home in the evening, this is a good thing.

Even though solar energy panels are affixed to your roof, you must be able to adjust the panels angles as needed. In the event your panels are fixed in place, your energy production will vary with the seasons. Change solar panel angles during the seasons, or four times per year. As one season moves into another season, the amount and direction of sunlight will also change. By changing the angle of your panels, you can make sure to optimize the amount of energy you are capturing, making your investment a cost effective one.

As you search for solar panels, keep in mind that quality matters. Photovoltaic panels average 150 watts to 370 watts per panel, but where your panels fall in that range depends on the the size and efficiency of the panels you choose. Solar modules on panels produce electricity even on cloudy days, usually around 10-20% of the amount produced on sunny days. It just takes a quick consultation with a solar representative to find out if your home is a good candidate for solar. There are no fees or obligations with these types of consultations, so you have nothing to lose except your energy bill, while the incentives last.

People who reside in the south-west area of the USA are in a prime area for using solar power. Many areas or more optimal for solar energy, so always consider your location when thinking about solar energy. You should look into how much it costs if this is something you have not done yet.

The sun is over 90 million miles from the Earth. It takes less than 10 minutes for light to speed across that distance. The largest solar power plant in the world is located in Arizona between Yuma and Phoenix on 2400 acres.