Converting to Solar Power--Is Solar Power Worth the Cost
When most people think "Solar Energy" the only thing that comes to mind is the large panels on the roof for large industrial buildings, or the few homes in the area. Usually the water heat and attic fan are sole usage in the homes. The Nay Sayers will point out the cost of installation against the savings and quote the time it will take to recoup the cost in savings.
There is a valid point to be made against spending thousands of dollars up front to save hundreds per year. Even with the tax credit, a 20k expenditure will equate to around 12k. The savings on the power bill, by converting the water heater, and adequately ventilating the attic, will normally be about 30% of the total usage. While this is significant, it will take several years to recover the cost.
Cost is not the entire story, however. Being able to have a copious supply of hot water is a very nice luxury. Especially if there are three or four people in the household, who all seem to need showers at the same time, hot water is a blessing.
There are ways to have your solar power without spending an arm and a leg. With a little ingenuity, and perhaps help from your friends, it is possible to build your own solar system. If you know where to look, and who to ask, you can obtain most of the supplies at very little cost.
It is relatively simple to produce enough power to charge the batteries of any battery operated items in your home. Keeping phones, game boxes, lap top computers and such charged is one of the first steps to getting off the grid. Powering a fan for your deck, cooking with solar power, and other smaller projects will get you in the mood to tackle larger ones.
The goal to get totally off the grid, perhaps to even sell power back to the utility company, sounds optimistic and lofty. It can be done.
The consideration of whether you want to tap into the grid, or be off the grid will determine some of the requirements. Be sure to get a licensed, well qualified electrician to handle any work that requires tapping in to your home's electric wiring.
Having a generator for backup will be especially helpful during the storm season. Bear in mind that you can plug into the generator, with the proper inverter, at any time. You don't have to wait to use it for emergencies. Saving money is always a good thing.
There is a valid point to be made against spending thousands of dollars up front to save hundreds per year. Even with the tax credit, a 20k expenditure will equate to around 12k. The savings on the power bill, by converting the water heater, and adequately ventilating the attic, will normally be about 30% of the total usage. While this is significant, it will take several years to recover the cost.
Cost is not the entire story, however. Being able to have a copious supply of hot water is a very nice luxury. Especially if there are three or four people in the household, who all seem to need showers at the same time, hot water is a blessing.
There are ways to have your solar power without spending an arm and a leg. With a little ingenuity, and perhaps help from your friends, it is possible to build your own solar system. If you know where to look, and who to ask, you can obtain most of the supplies at very little cost.
It is relatively simple to produce enough power to charge the batteries of any battery operated items in your home. Keeping phones, game boxes, lap top computers and such charged is one of the first steps to getting off the grid. Powering a fan for your deck, cooking with solar power, and other smaller projects will get you in the mood to tackle larger ones.
The goal to get totally off the grid, perhaps to even sell power back to the utility company, sounds optimistic and lofty. It can be done.
The consideration of whether you want to tap into the grid, or be off the grid will determine some of the requirements. Be sure to get a licensed, well qualified electrician to handle any work that requires tapping in to your home's electric wiring.
Having a generator for backup will be especially helpful during the storm season. Bear in mind that you can plug into the generator, with the proper inverter, at any time. You don't have to wait to use it for emergencies. Saving money is always a good thing.