| More than ever, people are realizing the advantages of | | | | homework at this step, as 15 extra minutes in direct |
| solar power. Some like the idea of reducing their | | | | sunlight can make the difference between running "off |
| carbon footprint, others take pride in using a renewable | | | | the grid" and still paying the power company. |
| green energy source. But perhaps one of the most | | | | 3) Build A Large Capacity Energy Storage System. I |
| popular reasons for converting to solar power is a | | | | like to think of storage capacity like rollover minutes for |
| significant reduction in electric bills. | | | | a cellular phone plan: you can save what you don't use |
| Through proper planning, it is possible to reduce - and | | | | for later. Obviously the sun won't be beating down on |
| often times eliminate - a residential power bill. If you're | | | | your panels for 24 hours per day, to ensure you're still |
| considering adding solar power to your home, or even | | | | using green energy after nightfall (or overcast skies) |
| if you're looking for simple ways to lower your utility | | | | you'll need to save what you don't use throughout the |
| costs, here are the most common ways to take | | | | day. The more storage capacity, the better. |
| advantage of solar power for financial savings: | | | | 4) Build Your Own Solar Panels. The days of |
| 1) Conserve Your Energy Use. Granted this is a | | | | ultra-expensive price tags are long gone, so long as |
| general guideline that isn't specific to solar, but cutting | | | | you're willing to do a little handy work yourself. Thanks |
| your energy use to essential needs means you'll need | | | | to several DIY solar power guides available on the |
| less. The smaller your needs, the more impact a green | | | | Internet and in popular bookstores, this is easier and |
| system - like a solar panel array - will have. | | | | cheaper than ever. Many of these guides include plans |
| 2) Put Your Panels Where They Will Receive The | | | | to make your own solar panels for about $200 each, |
| Most Sun. The more sun rays that strike your panels, | | | | which is much cheaper than commercially-built ones, |
| the more energy they'll create. It's important to do your | | | | which can cost $1,000s. |