Solar Power: An Alternative Energy That’s Time Has Come

Other people feel that switching to coal and diesel fuel will solve our problems.

President Bush is right; we Americans are addicted to oil. Sadly, many of us feel that it is the other person’s responsibility to conserve energy and save our planet. While traveling during the holidays, I over heard a couple of business travelers speaking. They were in agreement that something has be done about the increasing price of gas, but neither were willing to give up their high performance cars. One person evenly laughingly stated, “Why should I care about what happens to the oil supply in the next 200 years? I won’t be here.”

Other people feel that switching to coal and diesel fuel will solve our problems. However, according to the coal industry, there is only 250 years of reserve coal. In addition, it is important to understand that since 1980, the coal usage has increased over 75% because of our growing demand for electricity.

So, whether you are tired of paying exorbitant energy bills, or you’ve decided that you do want to live a more environmentally friendly way of life so that your children and grandchildren will have a cleaner planet to live on. Solar power is a choice that offers many advantages, including that it doesn’t produce any harmful waste. In fact, solar energy produces no waste at all. Another benefit of solar energy is that it is a free and renewable energy source. However, the initial cost of outfitting a home for solar power can be costly. Yet, the amount of money saved over approximately 10 to 12 years will quickly pay for the cost of the installation.

For many homeowners, the most common method of harnessing solar power is with the use of solar panels, which are also called solar collectors. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells (PV cells). These PV cells have the ability to covert sunlight into electricity that can be used to provide hot water, heat to the home, and even power the electrical appliances. The solar panels are generally mounted on the roof of a
building, facing true south so that they can receive the maximum amount of sunlight. The amount of energy consumed by the homeowner will determine the size of the solar panel needed, as well as the type of solar panel. For areas that have building restrictions, there are solar panels that closely resemble roofing tiles. Other benefits using solar panels is that they require very little maintenance, and will last for decades.

To help reduce energy cost and to teach children about conservation, many school systems have already or are in the process of converting to solar power. This has also provided a means for the school systems to use the money, which was being spent on their enormously high
electricity bills and spend it on better educating the children in these systems. Think about what you could do with the money you save if you install a solar energy system.

If you are seriously considering using solar energy, you’ll be happy to know that many states offer solar energy grants and insensitive to help pay for a portion of the costs associated with installation. These grants and incentives include the installation of solar water and photovoltaic systems. Check with your local energy administration bureau or check the National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE). DSIRE offers information on financial and regulatory incentives to promote renewable energy technologies. The website for DSIRE is: www.dsireusa.org