| Benefits of Solar Energy: | | | | paying a monthly bill and getting no return on |
| 1. Solar energy is renewable. We never have to worry | | | | investment. |
| about running out of sunlight or using it all up. The sun is | | | | 6. There is a huge variety of solar panel systems |
| a consistent power source meaning it's always going | | | | available. Some can cost tens of thousands of dollars, |
| to be there every day. | | | | and some cost just a couple hundred. This means |
| 2. Solar energy is environmentally friendly. Compared | | | | anyone can get into solar, there's an entry point for |
| to fossil fuels which release greenhouses gases, | | | | just about everybody. |
| carcinogens and carbon dioxide, solar cells don't | | | | 7. You're not required to connect to the power grid. |
| release anything into the air. | | | | You can be completely self-sufficient and live |
| 3. Solar panels are extremely reliable. There are no | | | | off-the-grid. Imagine never paying another monthly bill |
| moving parts so you don't have to worry about | | | | or hook-up charge. |
| replacing anything. In fact, most people generate | | | | 8. Sell excess electricity. If you build a large enough |
| electricity for 1000s of hours with little or no | | | | solar panel system, you can make your electric meter |
| maintenance. | | | | spin backwards! Most power companies will gladly buy |
| 4. Solar cells make no noise while collecting energy. | | | | or credit you for this excess electricity. Contact your |
| There are no other renewable energy sources that | | | | local power companies for more details. |
| are completely silent. | | | | 9. Government tax credits. Most governments will |
| 5. In the long run, solar electricity is cheaper than buying | | | | provide some kind of tax credit or incentive for people |
| it from the power company. There is a start up cost, | | | | purchasing solar energy systems. On average, rebates |
| but then it starts paying for itself. Once you break | | | | usually cover 20-30% of the system cost. Contact |
| even, everything after that is profit. Compare this to | | | | your local representatives for more details. |