| Many Americans have decided to become more | | | | five years. The return is greater when you |
| energy independent, and want to play a part | | | | factor in rebates and incentives offered by |
| in avoiding a very foreseeable energy crisis. | | | | states and local governments. |
| They've decided to go solar. Creating a solar | | | | |
| powered home is an endeavor that requires an | | | | Solar Pumps- Depending on where you live, |
| initial investment, but the costs are being | | | | especially in remote areas, the cost of |
| lowered everyday. Solar power provides long | | | | traditional water piping may be exorbitant. |
| term benefits. Not just for the home owner, | | | | Unless you install a solar water pump. A |
| but the environment too. | | | | solar power panel collects solar energy and |
| | | | powers a battery which can keep a consistent |
| Now that solar power is more efficient, you | | | | and plentiful water supply. |
| can reduce or even eliminate your electric | | | | |
| bill, increase your home's value and | | | | Solar Paneling-The most obvious way to break |
| contribute to a cleaner environment, all at | | | | in to the solar age is to install solar panel |
| the same time. It's a great time to join the | | | | cells on your roof. Solar cells, also known |
| move to renewable energy resources, and the | | | | as PV cells, or Photovoltaics, come in many |
| perfect time to take advantage of the | | | | sizes, colors, and performance |
| generous government and local utility | | | | characteristics, made to fit a variety of |
| financial incentives that can cut thousands | | | | homes and lifestyles. Another important |
| of dollars off the price. And now that solar | | | | factor to consider is that when PV panels are |
| power is becoming even more main stream, it | | | | used in conjunction with energy efficient |
| is growing in accessibility. Manufacturers of | | | | appliances, not as many panels may be needed |
| solar powered products have realized the | | | | to power your home! Large scale home |
| potential for a solar age, and are creating | | | | improvement stores, as well as smaller, |
| new options for those who are considering a | | | | independent energy groups, offer |
| solar powered lifestyle. If you are ready to | | | | installation. But if you are a savvy |
| step into the solar age, you are probably | | | | do-it-yourselfer, you may decide to undertake |
| wondering how and where to begin. Below is a | | | | the project on your own! |
| list of ways to make your home a solar one. | | | | |
| | | | But don't bust out the screwdriver just yet. |
| Solar Attic Fans- Solar attic fans are a | | | | Whether you do it yourself, or hire someone |
| great example of a simple way to make your | | | | to do it for you, there are a couple of |
| home more energy efficient without spending a | | | | technicalities to be seen to before |
| lot of money. The need for air conditioning | | | | solarizing your home. Such as building |
| is reduced by venting hot air out of your | | | | permits. In order to legally install |
| attic. Installing a solar attic fan may also | | | | renewable energy sources in your home, you |
| increase the life of your roof materials by | | | | must contact your city or county building |
| keeping them at a lower temperature which | | | | permit agency to obtain permission. You will |
| also reduces moisture buildup in your attic. | | | | be able to learn about requirements specific |
| This prevents mold and rot in your home, and | | | | to your neighborhood. Don't forget about |
| can also reduce allergens and pollution. | | | | property and sales taxes. Depending on what |
| | | | state you live in, you may or may not be |
| Solar Heating- Solar heating systems are | | | | exempt from these when it comes to the |
| composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid | | | | purchase of your renewable energy system. |
| system to move the heat to its point of | | | | |
| usage, and a reservoir for heat storage. The | | | | Although it is not difficult to keep up your |
| systems may be used to heat domestic hot | | | | solar systems, frequency of replacement |
| water, swimming pool water, or for space | | | | should be considered. Solar thermal systems |
| heating. If you live in the southern half of | | | | need valves replaced every 3-5 years and |
| the United States or in an equally sunny area | | | | storage tanks replaced every 10 years. |
| you could potentially save between 50% and | | | | Luckily, solar PV systems typically do not |
| 80% on your water heating by implementing a | | | | require maintenance, other than a yearly |
| solar hot water heater. The initial cost is | | | | cleaning of the solar panels. PV panel life |
| hefty, but depending on how you use it, the | | | | is typically 25 years. |
| system may pay for itself in as little as | | | | |