Goal For The Green

You probably already know that installing solar panels is one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, but did you also know that you could wind up saving money in the process?

English: On 140 acres of unused land on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., 70,000 solar panels are part of a solar photovoltaic array that will generate 15 megawatts of solar power for the base. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fact that solar can save homeowners money is driving increased interest on the part of consumers. Here are some surprising Facts on Who Goes Solar? According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. residential solar market grew nearly 62%  (see chart) last year and isn’t expected to slow down any in 2013.

Are You ready to go solar at your home or business? Perhaps you didn’t know that the typical solar customer is changing, too. While solar panel buyers ten years ago focused on environmental benefits, today’s solar consumer is looking at other factors. Many homeowners today are buying solar for the same reason they’re buying hybrids: It saves money, and the choice to go with solar powered electricity these days just makes sense.

If you’ve been paying electrical bills for more than a handful of years, you are already well aware of the fact that those bills continue to increase every year and usually consume a large chunk of your monthly expenses.

The cost of solar panels has declined dramatically in recent years. According to Rhone Resch, president and chief executive of the Solar Energy Industries Association, the prices of solar panels decreased 60% last year, making it a more affordable option for many homeowners to consider.

Federal tax credits for solar installations have helped,too. Solar systems installed from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2016 can get a tax credit of 30% off the cost. State and local incentives can even further reduce the cost of installing solar panels.

When calculating the cost of solar panels, homeowners should consider how much they’ll save on utility bills. Beware of solar installers though, that are overly aggressive in estimating how much you’ll save. Remember, any projection of utility bill savings is an estimate at best; it’s impossible to know how electric rates will fluctuate or how your home energy usage will change.

It’s unclear whether low solar panel prices are here to stay, but one thing is certain: There’s never been a better time to go solar. Now’s the right time to act on this current information. You can feel good about looking into your options for going solar and saving green.

About the Author: Ryan McNeill is president of Renewable Energy Corporation, which helps homeowners make the transition to solar power homes.

Keeping with the topic of going solar, as in my previous posts, Ready to go Solar? and  Facts on Who Goes Solar, here is an new info-graphic from 1Bog(One Block Off the Grid).  Just click the link and you will go to 1Bog. There the graphic examines how we Americans are rating our utility companies, our commitment to renewable/green energy sources, and solar versus grid usage. When at their site, you can also sign up for news from 1Bog, and also see what solar offers are available in your area.

As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts by commenting, to let me know if you agree with the information presented in the info-graphic. Enjoy, as it is quite useful info.

Are you ready to go solar, at your home or business? You may have noticed, that I have spoken about the benefits of solar power on several occasions. Most recently, I posted about  Facts on Who Goes Solar?  The choice to go with solar powered electricity  these days just makes sense.

English: On 140 acres of unused land on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., 70,000 solar panels are part of a solar photovoltaic array that will generate 15 megawatts of solar power for the base. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For most of us, the decision to invest in solar powered electricity, is made primarily to help the wallet of the purchaser. Interestingly, most purchasers of solar systems are middle of the road income earners, who are both liberal and conservative. They care more about jobs, than they do about the environment, and they regard their decision to purchase a solar system, basically as a wise and sound financial investment.

The good news is, most solar systems can be paid off in as little as five years. Depending on the cost of electricity in your area, they give you a good return on your investment, especially after they are paid for.  Just imagine, NO more power bills.

Solar powered electricity, is a great way to take care of your home energy needs. Local contractors  in your area, have been offering sun-powered options since the early 2000’s, to help promote a cleaner environment, and offer customers lower energy bills.  Solar energy is renewable clean energy, that is the wave of the future. It’s a great way especially for those living in naturally sunny areas, to reduce their dependence on traditional electricity, while saving money in these challenging economic and uncertain ecological times.

These days, finding new ways to make use of renewable energy resources, is one of the best choices most Americans can make.  At a time when the economy is at an extraordinarily fragile point, and many home and small business owners are struggling to make ends meet, investing in solar powered electricity is a wise economic choice.  It also helps reduce our dependence upon less abundant and more costly forms of energy, by keeping our environment intact and in good shape for future generations.

Electric Solar contractors, are making it more affordable and more rewarding than ever before, to bring solar energy to your home or business.  Many are offering convenient financing options, some are even including zero down financing.  In addition, it’s time for both home and business owners, to take advantage of and maximize on government incentives, that have been created to help encourage the use of this natural energy source. Most solar purchases and installations, qualify for at least a 33% reduction in the cost, due to the government incentives and tax credits currently being offered.

Like I said earlier,  it just makes sense, for the average person to reap the benefits of going solar now, especially at 1/3 the normal cost. This could be the best time for your wallet and for you, to consider going solar while working toward a better tomorrow!