The boom in solar energy for homes, offices and industrial uses also means an increase in the creation of jobs all over the world and close to home. In addition to its environmental and energy cost-saving benefits, solar power also brings economic-boosting power on the local, regional and national level.
Read More10 Questions to Ask a Solar Panel Installer
If you’re interested in home solar installation, you’ll want to first have an audit of your property. You’ll be asked for details about your roof, your garage roof and other available space. You’ll discuss your current energy usage, the age of your shingles and the availability of any incentives, if applicable.
Read MoreInfographic: Home vs. Community Solar: Which Option is Right for You?
The popularity of solar energy has seen an incredibly steep incline within the past few years. Innovations in technology, falling hardware prices, and a cultural shift towards a sustainable lifestyle has opened up options for many consumers across the country.
Read MoreMoney on the Rooftop: How Solar Can Help You Save Money
A home solar installation can help you build equity and gain independence from utilities. That’s because you’ll own the solar panels that are installed in your home, either through direct purchase or financing. The value of those panels will be included in all future assessments of your property.
Read More3 Important Questions to Ask a Community Solar Garden Before You Subscribe
If you pay an electric bill, you might be able to join a community solar garden (CSG). They are a popular way to “rent” available solar energy each month. You become a subscriber to the garden by signing a contract for a specified amount of time. Then credit shows up on your monthly electric bill.
Read More4 Easy Steps to Get Started with Solar Power
If you’re considering switching energy use to solar power, there are a few great options available. You can select a home solar system, in which solar panels are installed on the roof of your home or ground-mount them somewhere on your property. Or you may be able to choose to subscribe to a community solar garden, which is a collection of solar arrays located in a sunny area in your county or a neighboring county that allows contract-holders to receive utility bill credit for energy generated.
Read MoreWhat's the Return on Investment with Solar? (Video)
The return on investment on a new solar system will depend on:
- The size of the system and the layout of your site,
- Your current energy consumption and costs,
- And how you decide to finance your solar system.
eBook: Home vs. Community Solar
Home solar typically refers to privately owned and stationed solar panels on your rooftop or hosted on your property. Community solar gardens (CSGs) are a way to “rent” available solar as a member of a community.
Read MoreAre Solar Panels Affordable? (Video)
State governments are encouraging the installation of renewable solar energy by offering enticing incentives—often working collaboratively to ensure painless installation.
Read MoreInfographic: The Horrific Truth About Your Appliances
Energy vampires and zombies are appliances in your home that use electricity even when turned “off” or in standby mode. These culprits syphon off more energy than you're probably aware of, cost your wallet heftily over time.
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