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If you’ve wondered when the best time to invest in solar energy is, it’s now. With prices for photovoltaic panel systems at historically low levels, many people have begun to seriously consider adding solar energy to their homes and businesses. While photovoltaic panel costs may continue to decrease over the next few years, a key federal tax credit incentive is set to change next year. Once this important incentive is gone, PV solar system costs will increase, placing this important technology out of reach for some consumers. What Is the Federal Tax Credit? Purchasers of complete home or business solar systems, emergency backup systems and modules for some recreational vehicles and boats used as second homes are eligible for a...
Photovoltaic solar energy, despite its increasing level of popularity, remains a bit of a mystery to many people. This is especially true with regard to the science of transforming the sun’s energy to usable electric power. In this version of our ongoing Solar Glossary, we explain the fascinating phenomenon of solar insolation. To understand this concept, it’s necessary to back up a bit and examine its precursors. The amount of photovoltaic power at a given location is known as solar irradiance. Irradiance varies throughout the day as the sun moves through the sky, and throughout the year, as the earth moves around the sun. Weather also affects solar irradiance. The measurement of irradiance over a specific period of time is...
The average cost of solar panels may be even lower than you think. When it comes to alternative energy, many people are misinformed, holding onto the belief that high prices put this viable alternative energy source out of reach. For more and more home and business owners, installing a photovoltaic energy system has become truly affordable. How Costs Have Drastically Dropped Solar power prices have dropped steadily over the last several decades. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, when solar energy was first introduced in the ’70s, the cost was about $76.67 per watt. By the late 1990’s, the price had come down to less than $10 per watt. But at that price, even a small three-kilowatt system cost $30,000....
How efficient is solar power? Solar systems harness the sun’s power and convert it into usable — and free — electricity in a clean, simple and expedient way. With only a little extra effort, you can actually increase the capability and effectiveness of these revolutionary systems. The following methods can help ensure that your results exceed your expectations. Passive Solar Design Strategies Ideally, homes and buildings should be passively designed around the movement of the sun. The home’s windows should face the south to take advantage of the sun’s heat during cold months. An effective roof overhang can shield the windows during the summer. Of course, most homes and buildings are sited by the builder according to the lot’s conditions,...
When solar energy first became available in the 1970’s, the technology wasn’t economically feasible for most homeowners and business owners. Since then, however, prices have dramatically dropped — by over 80 percent, in fact. Financial and energy experts have proclaimed this the age of the solar economy. Thanks to the exponential growth of the industry, spurred by the now-affordable cost, solar technology is reshaping the very basis of industry and economics around the globe. Read on to learn how this new solar economy benefits us all, but especially those who are installing photovoltaic systems. Payback Period on Solar Systems Consumers who are interested in a solar energy system always want to know about the payback time. In other words, how...
Mobile solar applications can help meet your power needs if you are affected by strong storms, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. For emergencies that are more of a man-made nature — widespread power grid failure or civil disorder, for example — this type of alternative power source can be invaluable for keeping you and your family safe and comfortable. Emergency Lighting and Communication When the power goes out, emergency lighting is a top priority. Homes and businesses, of course, need lighting, but power also is needed to provide light to emergency operations centers and roadways. A variety of portable solar lighting options is available to meet individual and community needs. Small personal lights, such as LED solar-powered...
The financial benefits of solar energy are becoming increasingly apparent. Many people think that the best reason for going solar is to help the environment, but a great number of savvy consumers choose this alternative energy source for its impressive financial advantages. Solar energy can save homeowners and business owners a significant amount of money. Here’s how. Reducing Bills and Stabilizing Energy Costs An average residential electric bill in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and most other states in the Intermountain West ranges from about $100 to several hundred dollars each month. For commercial customers, that number can reach into the tens of thousands. If you install a solar energy system, that’s how much you’ll save each month. Potential cost savings equate...
Investing in solar energy is a wise choice today, and more and more people are following this trend. Of course, no investment is without risk, but especially when you consider the exponential growth and success of the industry, alternative energy is one of the most promising sectors for savvy investors. Whether your interest lies in finding the next big thing in the stock market or something a little closer to home, read on to learn more. Why Investing in Solar Stock Makes Sense Analysts consider many solar stocks to be undervalued, and the low prices are enough to lure many into investing. But adding solar stock to your portfolio makes sense for several other reasons as well. For one, residential...
How much do solar panels cost? That’s the biggest question for many home and business owners who have considered making the switch to solar power. While the benefits of using the sun’s energy may be obvious, the price for a system isn’t so clear-cut. Many factors figure into the cost of a system, and everyone’s needs are different. Calculate Your Electricity Usage The first step in getting an idea of how many photovoltaic panels you need to meet your needs is establishing how much electricity you use per month. Take a look at your electric bills from the past year, and find the average number of kilowatts (kWh) used by your household each month. Multiply your monthly kWh by 1,000...
Experts tell us that solar energy is one of the most effective disaster preparedness tools you can have. In today’s world, it’s important to ensure that your family’s basic needs are met in the event of a catastrophic situation, and you can be ready for anything with solar energy. After all, sunlight is a free and renewable source of energy, which makes it an excellent emergency power solution. Read on to learn more about how the sun can help you be prepared for anything. Solar Ovens and Water Systems You need to eat, even in times of disaster. With a solar oven, you can use the energy from direct sunlight to heat and cook food. Many solar cookers are portable,...