Installing solar panels in your home can be a great way to reduce your energy bills and also do your bit to help the environment. Most people don't need convincing of the benefits of generating their own power and hot water from solar panels, but what stops them from making the switch to this natural energy source is usually the cost, and whether they will actually see a return on their investment. If you've been thinking that installing solar panels in your home might be a good idea, here are some of the things you need to think about.
Once a home owner has installed an average sized solar power system into their home, they could typically expect to save around $200 a year on their fuel bills. This sounds like a pretty good saving, which most households would be very happy with. However, when you consider that it would probably cost in the region of $15-20,000 to install the solar system in the first place, all of a sudden it doesn't seem like such a great investment after all. But things get more interesting when you take into account all the figures.
It may cost several thousands of dollars to install solar panels in your home, but you don't have to foot the bill on your own. Thanks to various contributions, rebates and tax breaks from the federal and state governments, as well as regional energy companies, you might only need to find about 10-20% of the actual cost of installing your new solar power system. When you consider this, an investment of $2000 to help you save $200 dollars every year doesn't look so bad, and you could actually be in pocket after about 10 years.
Plus, energy isn't getting any cheaper. With much of our power still coming from resources that will eventually run out, traditional energy prices will be a lot more expensive in ten years time, than they are today. All of which means an even greater return on your solar power investment as your savings increase.
As with any investment, it can take time before you get your money back, and you might want to move before your solar panels are in profit. However, seeing as homes that benefit from natural energy can be more valuable, you shouldn't lose out. Of course, you could put your money in the bank, or even into stocks and shares instead. But if you take full advantage of the various incentive schemes that are available, the kind of returns you could get from helping to save the planet are a lot more attractive.
Learn More : Photovoltaic Solar Panels Or Solar Panels
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June 05 2011 | Home Improvement | No Comments »
Solar energy is without a doubt today's number one alternative energy choice. It is no wonder then that one of the most searched for terms on the internet is cheap solar panels.
With the environmental disaster we are seeing unfold off the gulf of Mexico (The BP oil spill) more and more as a society we are finding our consciousness pricked into looking for cleaner and greener ways to help the environment.
For most people the idea of having their own solar system is indeed desirable, but there has always been the major stumbling block of the enormous cost of the solar panels.
Having a solar system installed can cost many thousands of dollars, money that many households simply do not have to spare, no matter how much they stand to save in the long run or how much they want to help the reduce their carbon footprints.
This alternative comes in the form of a DIY (do it yourself) kit. Now I'm sure some of you just tuned out at the thought of building your own solar panels, sounds complicated doesn't it? Well surprisingly it isn't, in fact it's all most child play.
The kits come in the form of an easy to follow video series and instruction manual which you can downloaded in a matter of seconds online
All the materials you need to build your own panels are available from most hardware stores (tip: save even more money by sourcing the parts from your local salvage or junkyard). Armed with the most basic handyman skills, you can assemble your panels in just a couple of days (I recommend freeing up a weekend to give yourself ample time).
It's a great project to get your children in on, provides them with an alternative to playing computer games all day, gives them a lesson in environmental issues and energy conservation. You won't believe the buzz they will get when they realize the solar panel they built is powering a laptop etc.
Not only will you stand to save a lot of cash by building your own cheap solar panels as opposed to purchasing them pre built, you will also cut (depending on the number of panels you build and your homes energy needs) anywhere up to 80% (in some cases above this) off your traditional power usage, this can translate to hundreds of dollars saved on every power bill.
So whether you are looking to help reduce your carbon footprint or simply want to save a few dollars, take a look at the following link for side by side reviews of the leading Solar Power Kits and build your own solar panels today.
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August 16 2010 | Home Improvement | No Comments »