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Oil costs are on the rise again, and electricity prices will surely follow. Over the last 25 years, the solar energy industry has made great advances in technology in producing solar energy.

With the price of power rising and the price of solar energy systems falling, now is the time to learn the facts about solar power.

Is Solar Energy Truly Affordable?

Yes, because of government rebates. The state, federal and local governments are now giving large refunds to home owners. Depending upon where you live, you may be incentivied 35% - 65% of the cost of your solar power system. With financing available through many solar energy companies (as well as house equity loans) you can potentially reduce monthly electric bills by more than the system costs.

Will the Power Companies Buy Extra Electricity from Me?

Yes, the power companies will “buy” your excess electricity as it is produced. If your solar power system produces more electricity than your house is using at that moment, the surplus electric feeds back into the power grid, and your power meter will actually rotate backwards! If you are away from your house, and leave as many electric items turned off as possible, the extra electricity can automatically flow back earning you money.

Are Professional Installers Available for Solar Power Systems?

Absolutely. In fact, because you are interfacing with the electric system of your home, it is strongly suggested that an experienced solar installer install the system for you. Most solar energy installation companies have their own electricians to handle this.

What is Required to Get a Solar Power System?

Generally, you should have a home with exposure to the south, southwest or southeast. You will want to have as few shadows on the roof as possible. Having your house in the southern US has advantages, but home owners to the north also benefit greatly from solar energy. Before you make a purchase, most reputable solar energy companies send an experienced technician to inspect your home, property and landscape to determine whether solar power is appropriate and what sort of savings you can see.

Is Solar Power Really Good for the Environment?

Absolutely. While power is does not produce polution, the fossil fuels required to produce the electricity is not. By using the energy of the sun, you are actually able to produce your own electricity with no impact on the environment. This reduces pollutants in the air, decreases our demand on foreign oil, and helps to lower the overall cost structure of power in this country.

Does the Fed Really Support Solar Power?

Yes. There are local, state and federal programs designed to encourage house owners to switch to solar energy (as well as wind and other alternative energies). Washington knows that the fossil fuels will not last forever, and our dependency on them is bad for our nation as well as our ecology. By offering incentives for people to convert to solar power, the fed is making an investment in you, to help sole the energy crisis. In the coming years, millions can switch to solar power, significantly reducing tax our dependency on foreign oil.

What Does a Typical Solar Power System Cost?

This varies based on the amount of energy you want to produce. Clearly the bigger the system, the more energy you can make. Solar Power Systems can range from $10,000-$30,000 or more based on your needs. If a solar energy system costs $20,000 and the government pays 65%, the cost to you is $7,000. depending on how you finance it, this may cost you approximately $50-$75 per month. Most will save more than this in their first month on their electric bill. The exact savings will vary based upon the price of the system you choose, any tax incentives, and the amount that you currently pay for electricity.

For more information, we invite you to see our website at WWW.SaveWithSolar.org