Solar Energy Is Practical & Affordable

Affordable solar energy use for the masses may seem as far-fetched as walking on the moon once did. But as energy costs continue to rise, and governments and citizens demand alternative energy options, the technology has slowly but surely evolved. Perhaps solar power isn’t as affordable as we’d like, but in fact, it has never been more cost-effective to go solar than it is now.

For one thing, in the United States there are tax incentives being offered for solar implementation at the national, state and, in some areas, local levels of government. For another, while the cost of solar panels is not cheap, their initial investment, combined with solar tax incentives and rebates, makes for an almost irresistible offer. And the higher energy prices rise, the sooner that initial investment will pay for itself.

Why Are Solar Panels So Costly

Solar panels are constructed from wafer-thin sheets of silicone crystal. The cost of growing such crystals has dropped only gradually in the decades since it was first used for solar cell production. Scientists are working to find less expensive alternatives that also produce a viable amount of electricity. Interestingly, some researchers are taking a page from the plant kingdom’s photosynthesis process. Plants convert sunlight into energy. It is thought that blueberries, of all things, may hold the key to a low-cost alternative to silicon.

Thick vs. Thin Panels

A newer innovation, vacuum tube thermal solar panels, are thought by many to be superior to the traditional flat panel system. While the initial outlay is greater for these thicker panels, they appear to be more efficient and have lower maintenance costs associated with them.

What Are the Best DIY (Do It Yourself) Solar Options?

1. At the top of the list for ease of construction and investment cost would be a Solar Water Heater. These units can provide hot water for a family of four year-round even in cooler climates.

1. Solar Pool Heaters come a close second only because the majority of homes don’t include a pool. If they did, this might be number one.

1. Sun Spaces not only add warmth, but they provide an elegant living space. Depending on which company you go with, you can build a 3-season or 4-season sunroom addition that will give you energy efficiency as well as style and comfort. You should find that the price is comparable to adding on a traditional room to your home without the benefit of energy savings.

1. If you’re going to add on a room, why not combine Trombe walls or tube walls with a sun space?

1. Finally, why not design a solar home from the ground up? Use as many solar options as possible, including earth-sheltered designs. They’ve even solved the single-story problem and made multiple floors available.

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll need to do your research and planning. But at no other time in our history have materials, technology, and choices been so plentiful, and never has the need been so great to combat the rising costs of consumable energy. The sun is free. Why not use it now? There is no doubt, solar energy usage is not only feasible for consumers, it has never been easier.

You can follow any responses to this entry through our RSS 2.0 Feed.

Name (required)

e-Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website