by Raina Russo

I just returned from the Solar Power International (SPI) show, an annual event for the solar industry, and there were a few things I kept hearing over and over.

One was: “It’s simple: People can live better with solar.” The second was: “The price of electricity will rise over the next decade.”

Over the last 40 years, Americans have been fortunate to have largely consistent electric rates. But as utility providers need to replace aging systems and fuel costs rise, experts predict that homeowners will soon need to pay more for electricity.

In this economy, where jobs are uncertain and the cost of everything keeps going up, everyone wants to save money. But most of us don’t want to sacrifice to do it. With a solar installation, the panels are virtually maintenance-free. You don’t have to think about it any more than you think about the electricity used right now to power your home. You’re connected to the same grid. You flip the same light switches. You even pay the same company – except you’ll pay a lot less! And, those low prices will be locked in forever, regardless of how high electric prices rise.

Let’s Get Real: Facts and Figures on Solar Savings

In March, I purchased a 10.4kW system, which means it produces 10kW of electricity per hour in full sun conditions, or about 55kWh (kiloWatt hours) per day. I’ve consistently saved 60 percent or more on my home’s electric bills. My system is on the large side, though, and may not be a typical example.

A 4,000-watt DC system is an average size, and can reduce your utility bills by about 40 percent. The cost would average about $25,000, but don’t go into sticker shock; after rebates, tax credits and incentives, your out-of-pocket cost will actually be about $7,500 for your solar array.

If you’re an average homeowner in the New York tri-state area, you’ll save about $1,650 per year in electric. The system will literally pay for itself in about four years. Over the life of the system – about 25 years – you’ll save about $41,000. I personally can’t think of any other cash investment that promises a return of more than five times your initial investment. But you don’t have to wait 25 years. You’ll have extra money in your pocket because of lower utility bills from the first day you turn on your system.

Solar Leasing and No-Money-Down Programs

If you’re wondering how to afford that $7,500 upfront cost, this may surprise you: You don’t have to. No money down, zero percent financing and solar leasing programs are available to help you cover those costs. Your local solar PV installer can help you find the program that’s the best fit for you.

Sold on Solar?

You will save money with solar. As electric costs go up, as inflation drives up the price of everything, the cost of your home’s power will remain the same. As the saying goes, “your mileage may vary.” The price of solar, plus the savings you’ll enjoy depends on state and local municipality incentives available, plus the cost of electricity in your region, along with many other factors.
The solar savings calculator at www.ecooutfitters.net is a tool that will give you a good estimate of exactly how much you’ll save with solar, and a call to a local PV installer will let you know the exact cost of the system.

However, there’s one benefit to solar energy that is consistent regardless of where you live: You’re creating clean, home-grown power, reducing your family’s carbon footprint and showing a commitment to our environment. Solar isn’t just a way to save money. It’s peace of mind. It’s a better lifestyle – now and in the future. And you can take that to the bank!

For Raina Brett Russo, taking care of the environment is a necessity, not an option. Having grown up in Israel, a place where conservation is required and solar hot water heating is the norm, Raina knows the importance of solar energy. She is fortunate that her work as co-founder and president of EcoOutfitters.net, an information-rich online portal that bridges homeowners and businesses with qualified renewable energy installers, allows her to be involved in the solar industry’s growth.

With the rising cost of electricity people are starting to look to alternative ways to power their homes. Think about the increased rent you could charge on your investment properties! The need to provide electricity using more environmentally friendly methods is also becoming more important. Having solar panels for your home (or investment property) is one method of producing alternative power and many people have already taken this on board. If you go to sell your home there are certain real estate agencies that deal specifically with environmentally friendly homes, but it is also worthwhile speaking to conveyancing services who can offer you professional advice.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is created by collecting the sun’s energy in the cells of solar panels and transferring it to power. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your home and power your lights and your appliances. It can be used to heat your hot water system and your swimming pool and solar energy can even power cars. Small appliances like calculators can run on solar power. Solar power is a green alternative and does not create any carbon emissions in its production. Solar power is an extremely effective way of creating electricity.

Hydro Electricity

Harnessing energy created by moving water has been done for thousands of years. People would use flowing water to push a wheel that would then go on to grind grain. Today hydro electricity is created in much the same way. Water is directed to flow through a turbine which causes it to spin which then powers a generator. Much of the United States’ energy is created this way. Hydro electricity is a greener option and it is a recyclable energy source as the water can be directed back up through the turbine.

Wind Power

Australia has the resources to provide a substantial amount of energy created by the wind. The southern states are subject to the Roaring Forties and wind speed is enough to create a large portion of energy. Currently about two percent of Australia’s energy demand is being met by power created by wind turbines. There are fifty-two wind farms in Australia.

Geothermal

While it might only seem appropriate for those living near volcanic activity, geothermal power is actually viable anywhere you have some space to dig deep. Six feet down, the earth holds a constant of around 50° and 60° all year. By laying some pipes underground, running fluid through a “heat exhanger” – or heat transfer from one medium to another – and adding a compressor to the mix, it is possible to produce a consistent air flow that keeps you cool in the summer months and warm during the winter. To boot, a geothermal heating and cooling system provides better air quality than you get by circulating an A/C or heater.

Internet Giant Secures Second Fund for Residential Solar Leases in 3 States-

Google recently put up $75 million in funding for roughly 3,000 residential solar installations in Arizona, California and Colorado. Clean Power Finance will oversee the fund and will work with solar power installers to provide homeowners with financing options. The initiative will give consumers an option to enter into lease agreements or power purchase agreements with the installers, which is especially beneficial for the majority of homeowners who cannot afford cash down on expensive solar installations. This is Google’s second fund, with the first being a landmark residential solar deal between the company and California-based SolarCity to the tune of $280 million in project funding. The latter was established to provide installations, lease agreements and power purchase agreements in 11 states as well as Washington D.C. Currently, federal and state governments are providing long-term extensions of solar tax credits for residential and commercial solar installations which makes it a very good time to look into PPA’s and lease agreements in your state. Lowe’s, for instance, has partnered with Sungevity and are offering $0 down for residential solar installations in most states throughout the U.S.

If you have been concerned about the rising energy costs in your area, it might be a good time to look at ways in which you can save money with solar energy. Various areas in the world run on different power sources, which most of these sources being problematic in some way. The main problem is that even energy sources that are renewable use some sort of oil power to maintain them. This automatically increases the costs associated with the energy source, which is then passed onto the consumer. The vast majority of people are prepared to pay whatever the oil companies see fit, but you do not have to be one of these people if you are able to harness the money saving power of solar energy.

Durability

One of the most common ways in which people use solar energy is through solar panels. While these panels are somewhat expensive to install, they save you money over the years because of their durability. When you purchase a panel, it can provide you with energy for about 30 years. There are no other sources of energy that can come close to matching that level of durability. In addition, since it is at a one-time cost, you will be supplied with free green energy for many of these years after your original purchase. If you are a homeowner, having free energy coming into your home really adds up in a short period of time.

Power Levels

Another way in which solar power saves you money is by creating an unlimited amount of power for you. If you are running on gas power, you can use as much energy as the gas company will provide for you. Eventually, the planet will run out of fossil fuels and the gas company will no longer be able to provide you with this energy. As these levels get lower, oil companies will charge an even higher premium, which will cost you even more money. Solar power, however, is infinite because it comes directly from the sun. Since no one owns the sun, you can never be charged for harnessing as much of this power as you wants.

Taxes

While it might be a roundabout way to save money through solar energy, many locations will provide you with a tax break if you switch to solar power. It really depends on where you live, but some locations have made it very lucrative to switch over to alternative energy sources. In Australia, for example, the federal government supplies its citizens with an $8,000 grant for spending $16,000 on solar panels. When you factor in the monthly savings on your energy bill, it really makes sense to switch under those circumstances. As solar energy options become more readily available, we will likely see other countries jump on board with similar tax benefits.

Flexible Set Up

A common gripe with solar energy is that it costs so much to get started. This, however, does not have to be the case if you are smart about it. Your entire energy system does not have to be installed at once, as you can slowly add to it over the years. If you have enough money for one solar panel right now, you can install the first one and then wait to install a second. Having that first panel up will save you a little bit of money, as it can be used to store energy for when you need it. You can probably install these panels yourself as well, which saves money if you have to do it in multiple steps, since you will not have to hire someone each time.

Storing Energy

As was mentioned before, you can store your solar energy for when you need it the most, as long as you have a capacitor. If you produce too much solar energy for your home, you can either release this energy into a pool, where others would be able to use it, or you can store it for yourself. If you store the energy, you can use it whenever you wish. This comes in particularly handy if you have a prolonged period without much sunlight, as you can continue to rely on solar power. It is also useful during a blackout, as you can keep your house powered while the rest of the neighborhood is dark. Storing energy prevents you from having to rely on gas when you are not producing enough solar energy, which saves you money each time a cloudy period hits.

Other Methods

Solar power can also help you save money in smaller ways throughout the year, as long as you are smart about it. If you use flashlights when camping, bring a solar powered version to save on the cost of batteries. You can usually find radios that run on solar power as well, saving you additional money. All you have to do is remember to put the light or radio out in the sun during the day and you can enjoy the power when it is needed.

A simple way to harness some solar power to save money is to use black sheets on your bed or black curtains on your windows. If you do this during the winter months, you will find that your bed or room is warmer when you get into bed at night. This is because these black items store solar power naturally, which can cut down on how much you have to spend on heating your home each month. With so many ways to use the power of the sun, you should be able to find a money saving method soon.

About the Author: M.H is sharing his knowledge and passion about renewable energy sources at Alternative Energy Geek.com.

Installing new light fittings in your home can make a big difference to the look of a room, but remember that choosing the right fixture and light source for your particular needs takes careful consideration. It is important to have a qualified electrician to install them for you. Anything to do with your electrical services should be handled by someone who is a professional.

Size

Choose light fittings that are the right size to match the size of your room. In your larger rooms, such as the living area, you should choose larger fittings as anything too small will get lost in the space. Smaller rooms, such as a bathroom or walk in wardrobe, or even a bedroom, will need a smaller more compact fitting others they will dominate. Down lights can be good, because they don’t take up any space, but these are better in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens because they produce a much brighter light. Make your light fitting a feature of the room by having something that stands out, like a chandelier.

Style

When it comes to choosing light fittings pick something that will suit the style of your home and match the theme of each room. You might choose to have the same light fitting throughout your house, which is a good idea if the houses is fairly small but you do not need to have the same light fitting throughout your entire home. Pick something more casual for the living area and kitchen and have a more dressy or romantic looking light fitting for your bedroom. Down lights are great in bathrooms and areas that you need extra light to see clearly what it is you are doing. There are plenty of styles available, with the price range varying enormously.

Energy efficient

You can reduce your energy consumption by choosing light fittings that take energy efficient light globes. This will use less power, last longer and cost less to run. Having the right light fitting is important but by having energy efficient light globes in them you will be saving money on your power bill and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. If you want to be even more environmentally friendly you could look at buying light fittings that are made from sustainable materials, like wood or recycled plastic.

Fluorescent lights

Fluorescent lighting is much better than it used to be as these modern fluorescent lights are energy efficient and also create an excellent quality of light that is warm and can be used in all homes. As well as using a lot less energy they also last longer and require much less maintenance so if you are aiming at having a more environmentally friendly home then these are the types of lights you should consider using. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are relatively new and they can fit into traditional light fittings. These fluorescent lamps are up to eighty percent more efficient and can last up to fifteen times longer than normal globes. It is important to note, however, that CFLs are not very environmentally friendly when they break down, so LED can be a much better choice when considering long-term solutions for your home or office.

Health and Safety Best Practice with your Solar Panels-

Since they became something homeowners and environmentalists could install around their own properties, solar panels have proved incredibly popular. But whether you want them to save money or save the planet, it is important to have things like safety signs around to protect others.

Solar panels aren’t cheap, so if you do happen to be investing in them and are not confident of your own DIY skills, it may be advisable to contact a professional. The complexity of the installation will depend entirely on the make, model, size and position you choose – so think very carefully about whether or not it is something you will be happy doing on your own.

If you do decide to take on the project yourself, it is best to be prepared. Even if you are only installing compact solar panels, it is likely to be a messy task and will require electrical equipment and tools. Therefore, warning or hazard signs might be useful while you are doing the job. Of course, this is something to consider whenever you tackle a home improvement project – especially if yours is a family home where inquisitive hands are likely to be around.

When you start the installation process, try to do some research to help you understand roughly how your solar panels or system is going to work. If you don’t have at least some knowledge of the reasons why you are drilling holes and stringing cables up all over the outside and inside of your home, you are more likely to come unstuck – or worse still, damage the equipment itself before you’ve even had chance to enjoy its benefits.

If all of this sounds too complex, rethink the possibility of employing a professional. You’ll want to figure out whether the panels are to be flush against the roof of your property or tilted up, as well as whether they need individual panel mounts. This is all information that a qualified person will be able to help you with – so don’t hesitate to contact one if you find yourself scratching your head! Regardless of who ends up putting them in though, make sure you fit trip hazard signs where necessary to make sure people are a aware they are there.

Solar panels can be a great addition to your home and, in the long term, could help you save money on your energy bills. Installing them properly will help you make the most out of them too and reduces the risk that they will need attention or replacement later on.

With the increased importance of going green, more and more homeowners are beginning to consider clean energy options for their home. The alternative energy industries are relatively new so many consumers aren’t fully informed about the choices they have and the benefits and drawbacks of each. Wind and solar power are two growing alternative energy markets that many people speculate will play a critical role in sustaining our planet. While both wind and solar are clean energy sources, it is important to learn the pros and cons of each in order to determine which option is best for your home.

One benefit of wind power in comparison to installing a solar PV system is the lower initial cost. Studies have shown that the total cost per kWh produced is less for wind power. Therefore, at this time it is apparent that wind power is typically more cost effective than solar. Even though the initial cost of wind may be lower than solar, it is important to also consider the maintenance costs that will incur throughout the life of the system. Because PV systems have no moving parts, they require very little maintenance and can be operated unmonitored for extended periods of time. Every once in a while, the dust and dirt needs to be removed from the solar panels which can easily be done by spraying them off with water. On the other hand, due to the moving parts that comprise a wind turbine the system is much more complex and difficult to maintain. Another benefit of installing a solar system in comparison to a wind turbine is the unobtrusive nature of the system. In addition to the large size of a wind turbine, they tend to produce a considerable amount of noise in high wind conditions. Solar systems on the other hand make no noise and aren’t distracting to the residents. When considering these options, it is important to also factor in the local climate and weather patterns. Solar produces more energy during summer months, whereas wind tends to produce more during winter months. Some areas experience windy conditions and are therefore great for producing wind energy. In sunnier climates however, solar may be much more advantageous. The orientation of the home and yard space available also factor in to the feasibility of each system. Wind turbines are fairly large and require a large amount of yard space. They also need to be situated away from trees or structures that may obstruct the flow of the wind and hinder the efficiency of the system. For a solar PV system, an unobstructed Southern facing roof space is an ideal space to install the solar panels. As long as there is little or no shading and a large enough surface area, most roofs can accommodate a PV system. Investing in a clean energy source is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on future electric costs. When determining which is the best energy source for your home it is important to consider the location and orientation of your home and property, as well as the initial and future costs of each system. Having these clean energy options is great for the future of our planet. Both alternatives are very promising, so it’s now a matter of homeowners discovering which option is the most feasible for their home.

Health and Safety Best Practice with your Solar Panels-

Since they became something homeowners and environmentalists could install around their own properties, solar panels have proved incredibly popular. But whether you want them to save money or save the planet, it is important to have things like safety signs around to protect others.

Solar panels aren’t cheap, so if you do happen to be investing in them and are not confident of your own DIY skills, it may be advisable to contact a professional. The complexity of the installation will depend entirely on the make, model, size and position you choose – so think very carefully about whether or not it is something you will be happy doing on your own.

If you do decide to take on the project yourself, it is best to be prepared. Even if you are only installing compact solar panels, it is likely to be a messy task and will require electrical equipment and tools. Therefore, warning or hazard signs might be useful while you are doing the job. Of course, this is something to consider whenever you tackle a home improvement project – especially if yours is a family home where inquisitive hands are likely to be around.

When you start the installation process, try to do some research to help you understand roughly how your solar panels or system is going to work. If you don’t have at least some knowledge of the reasons why you are drilling holes and stringing cables up all over the outside and inside of your home, you are more likely to come unstuck – or worse still, damage the equipment itself before you’ve even had chance to enjoy its benefits.

If all of this sounds too complex, rethink the possibility of employing a professional. You’ll want to figure out whether the panels are to be flush against the roof of your property or tilted up, as well as whether they need individual panel mounts. This is all information that a qualified person will be able to help you with – so don’t hesitate to contact one if you find yourself scratching your head! Regardless of who ends up putting them in though, make sure you fit trip hazard signs where necessary to make sure people are a aware they are there.

Solar panels can be a great addition to your home and, in the long term, could help you save money on your energy bills. Installing them properly will help you make the most out of them too and reduces the risk that they will need attention or replacement later on.

Ontario Makes Seed Money Available to Develop EV Charging Infrastructure-

In an effort to spur EV development, Ontario, Canada has announced $80 million in funding for companies who will work to advance recharging technology and expand facilities around the area. The seed money aims to ensure that charging stations will be readily available to consumers in order to get more EVs on the road. The province currently offers car buyers incentives to choose electric cars, including up to $8,500 and “green license plates” which allow drivers to use the network of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. “We’re taking the next step to ensure car-charging stations are in the right place to power the next generation of vehicles. Just as we worked hard to become North America’s number one producer of cars, we’re working hard to become number one in North America when it comes to clean energy. Today’s announcement takes us one step closer to our vision,” said Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. The announcement is part of the Ontario government’s development plan, in which it will invest more than $35 billion into the province’s infrastructure over the next three years. In similar news, large scale auto manufacturer Toyota has recently announced it will begin manufacturing its newest RAV4 EV in Woodstock, Ontario.

Partnership Will Bring Jobs, Green Energy to Canada-

MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. and SunEdison have signed an agreement that will lead to large-scale production of solar panels in Ontario, Canada. The green investment is thanks to Ontario’s progressive clean energy strategy, through which the city intends “to become North America’s leading manufacturing centre of excellence in solar energy production,” says Sandra Pupatello, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Manufacturing solar panels on this large a scale will help lower the cost of installations throughout the city, and will (more importantly) develop a more reliable electricity system to meet tomorrow’s needs. “SunEdison is pleased to be part of building a long-term and sustainable solar market in Ontario. We believe that solar and other renewable energy solutions are key components of the province’s supply mix as they create jobs and cleaner energy solutions,” said Jason Gray, VP and Country Manager of SunEdison.

Here are just a few ways that the city has brought green energy investment to the mainstream:

• Ontario’s clean energy economy has attracted more than $20 billion of investment.
• Since 2009, more than 30 businesses have announced they are setting up or expanding plants in Ontario to manufacture parts for the solar and wind industry.
• Ontario has the most solar energy of any jurisdiction in Canada, and Ontario is home to the 10 largest solar farms in Canada.
• Ontario forecasts that by 2018, 10,700 megawatts of renewable power from wind, solar and bio-energy will have been brought online – enough electricity each year to power more than 2 million homes.
• Coal-fired generation was down 90 per cent in the first three months of 2011 compared to the same timeframe in 2003.
• Ontario has conserved more than 1,700 megawatts of electricity over the past five years – the equivalent of taking more than half a million homes off the electricity grid.