| It is almost impossible these days to turn on the news | | | | (The cost of running a power line to the utility grid at a |
| or open a paper without hearing or reading about the | | | | remote site can be prohibitive, ranging from $15,000 to |
| need for future alternative energy. With the cost of | | | | more than $50,000 per mile, depending upon the |
| fuel skyrocketing and the adverse environmental | | | | terrain.) |
| impact of fossil fuels it is becoming critical that we look | | | | Secondly, there are 3 location factors to consider |
| for alternative ways to provide the power that we | | | | when determining whether you have a site that is |
| need for our day-to-day lives. You might ask, "So | | | | appropriate for Solar Panels. |
| what can I do as an individual home owner to help?" | | | | 1. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere your site must |
| The answer is to reduce your demand for electricity | | | | have southern exposure. For maximum daily power |
| from the power grid. There are two ways of doing | | | | output, Solar Panels should be exposed to the sun for |
| this: | | | | as much of the day as possible, especially during the |
| 1. The first is to learn ways to conserve electricity in | | | | peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| your home. | | | | 2. The site must be free of obstructions such as trees, |
| 2. The second is to learn ways to generate electricity | | | | mountains, and buildings that might shade the panels. |
| at your residence. In times past, the cost to do this for | | | | Consider both summer and winter paths of the sun, as |
| the individual home owner was cost prohibitive, but | | | | well as the growth of trees and future construction |
| with the Federal Energy Tax Credit of 30% it is | | | | that may cause shading problems. |
| becoming much more cost effective. In addition to the | | | | 3. You also have appropriate terrain and sufficient |
| 30% Federal Energy Tax Credit, many states and | | | | space to install the solar system. (A lot of people with |
| local power companies offer further incentives that | | | | south facing roof tops put them there instead of taking |
| reduce the initial cost of these systems even further. | | | | up yard space). |
| The one source of alternative energy that is available | | | | If you fit into one of the 4 categories and you meet all |
| to all of us is the Sun. No matter where we live, we | | | | of the location factors then you need to ensure: |
| have this resource available to us free of charge. The | | | | 1. You have a strategy for meeting your energy needs |
| challenge is in converting this free resource into | | | | during times of darkness or in really bad weather. |
| electricity. A residential solar power system is the best | | | | 2. Your state or utility provides for electricity net |
| way to do this. | | | | metering, which allows you to connect your system |
| The first step in determining if A Residential Solar | | | | with your utility and sell any excess electricity to your |
| Power System is right for you is to see if you fit into | | | | utility. |
| one of the following 4 categories: | | | | The sun is a free resource that provides unlimited |
| 1. You want to lower your average electric bill. | | | | potential. If you fit into one of the 4 Categories and |
| 2. You have an interest in reducing your dependence | | | | your location meets all of the location factors then you |
| on your utility company. | | | | should seriously consider installing a Residential Solar |
| 3. You would like to reduce the environmental impact | | | | Power System. Once you learn how to tap into this |
| of electricity production. | | | | resource you will greatly reduce your dependence on |
| 4. A grid connection is not available in your area or can | | | | the power grid while reducing, if not eliminating, your |
| be made only through an expensive line extension. | | | | average monthly electric bill. |