| Installing solar power systems in the home is not just | | | | 5% per year, so a residential solar system will actually |
| for the nature-lover anymore. The financial benefits of | | | | increase in value over time. Furthermore, any excess |
| solar power are ever increasing. Tax credits can | | | | energy that is generated by your solar system can be |
| reduce the initial cost and installation fees of a system | | | | sold at high rates during their high-demand hours. If you |
| in the short term. In the long term overall power costs | | | | have to draw power from the grid at night, you'll only |
| will be reduced, and you'll be less reliant on the | | | | be paying the low, off-peak prices. |
| ever-volatile energy market. Solar systems can also | | | | Solar power systems can increase the value of your |
| increase the value of your home, especially as | | | | home. A recent study from the Appraisal Institute |
| alternative energy and solar power become more | | | | shows an increase of $20 in value for every $1 |
| sought-after by home buyers. | | | | decrease in annual utility bills. On top of that, your home |
| A number of federal tax credits are available to | | | | will stand out, drawing more potential buyers. |
| homeowners that invest in solar power for their | | | | Considering the current, unfriendly housing market, |
| homes. For example, the Residential Renewable | | | | anything you can do to highlight your home's value is a |
| Energy Tax Credit will cover 30% of the cost of a | | | | major advantage. |
| solar power system. This covers systems placed into | | | | Solar power is a strong financial investment that will |
| service before December 31, 2016. Another credit is in | | | | only become more valuable in the future. Staying |
| place for hybrid vehicles. These can be plugged in to a | | | | ahead of the curve in the volatile energy market will |
| solar-powered system, further reducing cost. | | | | become more and more important as prices rise, |
| With the high price of foreign oil, and energy markets | | | | meaning lower bills for you and higher prices on the |
| constantly fluctuating, solar power systems can net | | | | energy you sell. And, of course, you'll also be doing the |
| both savings and peace of mind; lowering or even | | | | environment a favor! |
| eliminating your monthly bill. Electricity costs rise about | | | | |