While only one percent of the earth’s population is using residential solar power, the use of solar energy for solar powered homes is increasing as the benefits are becoming obvious and the costs are decreasing. The fact is, as third world countries start emerging and using more electricity, their need for energy will increase tremendously. That means that in a few years, there will be more people than ever vying for the earth’s finite energy sources. Solar power for homes becomes a viable alternative to combat rising energy costs. Is a passive solar house in your future?
Solar power for homes is one of the reasons people are rethinking the use of solar energy. Solar energy is generated by the sun as sun’s rays convert photovoltaic cells into energy. The sun has infinite power, making it the most reliable energy source there is. Almost any house can become an energy efficient home, although areas with lots of sunlight are easiest to convert to solar powered homes.
Many people are hesitant about using residential solar power because as of now, it is still quite expensive. Purchasing solar panels can be a major expense. The initial cost of installing a solar system can run up to $20,000. For an average house, solar panels will cost up to $75,000. However, since energy is generated immediately, the cost of electricity decreases immediately, as well. That amounts to immediate savings using residential solar power. Also, tax incentives and rebates lower start-up costs considerably. It can take up to a dozen years to recoup the initial investment in solar panels, but after that, the expense of producing solar energy will be negligible. Once it is running, a solar system for the home will keep on functioning for a long time without expensive maintenance. In effect, energy becomes free in a passive solar house. In some communities, any excess energy produced can be sold back to the utility company, thus turning electricity into a profit. Another amazing benefit of residential solar power is that solar energy does not depend of a costly and fluctuating fuel supply.
As more and more homeowners convert to residential solar power, the price of getting set up keeps decreasing, making the conversion to solar even more cost effective.
Solar energy is a clean form of energy. It does not release greenhouse gases or carbon dioxide into the air, nor does it damage the ozone. It protects and sustains our environment. In addition, solar energy is reliable and will always be there, just as the sun will always be there.
Solar systems that are battery powered are self-sustaining and are not subject to power outages. That means that during a blackout, a solar system will continue to produce electricity.
There are many immediate and long-term benefits to using solar power for the home. A cleaner planet is just one of them.
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