Considering Converting To Solar Energy

The idea of getting your energy from the sun is appealing. It is free and utterly dependable. It is sustainable, and using it will help reduce the use of fossil fuels and, therefore, the pouring of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. But although the solar rays are free, the equipment needed to convert them into electricity is expensive. Progress has been made in solar technology, and prices have come down. But the initial cost of installing a solar system to power your home is still quite high. This means that it is a choice you want to research carefully before you make it. The following tips can help guide you in making this decision.

There are simple formulas by which you can find how large a solar array you would need to power your home. First, go over your past year's energy bills and see how many kilowatt hours you used per month. Then use meteorological date from the Department of Energy to determine how much solar radiation your location receives. This will give you a figure in "solar hours" per month. The amount will be higher in southern regions, lower in the northern ones. Divide the your monthly kilowatt hours by the solar hours. This will tell you the number of photovoltaic solar panels you will need. You can double check this figure by using a tool called a "solar calculator" used by companies that sell and install solar power systems. They will make this available to you.

The next step is to get prices for solar panels, support equipment, and installation. You can check out a number of company's offerings online. Now you have an idea of how much your conversion to solar energy will cost. The price may be daunting at first. But you should pro-rate this over the 25 years or so lifetime of the solar panels. Compare this to the sum you are paying the electric company each month. Solar will begin to look possible. Add in the tax credits available when you install solar, and the picture looks even better.

So far you have approached the decision on solar power from a financial standpoint. There are definitely cost benefits over the long term. But for many people another factor is equally important. That is concern about global climate change and your responsibility for your own "carbon footprint." How much are you contributing to the problem? or to the solution? Converting to a solar powered home is a big step toward reducing greenhouse gases. You can feel good about it.

Be sure to talk this decision over with your family. You will likely find strong support from the younger generation, many of whom are keenly aware of what global warming means for their future. If the decision is made to go ahead with solar power, you are ready to get down to the details. There are online courses that can give you information. If you have some experience in maintenance and electrical work, you may even consider doing the installation yourself. Solar kits are available that provide all the equipment you need.

We hope these tips will guide you in your decision. If your do go ahead with installing solar, you can reap benefits in costs and also in personal satisfaction.