Learn How Home Solar Energy Helps Power Your Home

As the world focuses more and more on global warming and carbon emissions, homeowners are left wondering how to best do their part to help. Home solar energy provides one option!

The U.S. federal government offers tax credits up to $2,000 for home solar energy systems. Additionally, some states offer more incentives, which may cover more than 65% of the cost of the system! Learn more about home solar energy incentives!

Typically, energy efficient upgrades always make the best initial step. However, renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, offers options for homeowners searching for a more impactful option. Plus, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide reliable and remain popular.

A PV system includes a series of panels (or shingles or new films) mounted on the roof of your home, garage or outbuilding. These panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Plus, PV panels contain no moving parts, fuel or  pollution! Is a solar PV system right for you? GreenHomes America helps examine the pros and cons of home solar energy.

Biggest Negative of Expense is Offset

The biggest negative of PV systems remains cost. The systems range from$20,000 - $30,000. Fortunately, federal and state government incentives, along with tax credits help pay up to 40% of your PV system. Additionally, local and federal legislation continues every year, which possibly increases subsidies.

The Benefits Far Outweigh Any Negatives

Home solar energy offers many benefits, which generally outweigh the negatives. Financially, home solar systems provide several short and long term advantages:

• You produce your own electricity. So no more bills from the power companies.
• Once you pay off your system, the electricity you produce remains yours, free of charge.
• If electricity prices rise, as most people expect they will, your system cost stays the same. As a result, this increases your return on investment and savings.
• A home solar system adds value to your home. Studies show that for every dollar you reduce your energy bill, your home's value increases up to $20.
• Some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for customers with home solar power.

The Environmental Results Are Most Impressive

• Solar power leaves the air as it is, contributing no radiation, carbon, or other air pollutants, as does burning coal, gas, or oil, or nuclear
• Solar helps fight global warming and reduces the need to build new power plants. For example, most people don’t realize more than 50% of U.S. electricity is produced by burning coal!
• Solar produces no noise or waste during production.
• Solar does not use a lot of land. Home solar systems are mounted on top of buildings.

To magnify the benefits of a solar PV system, the first thing you should do is figure out how to reduce your energy use. The more efficient your home, the smaller PV system your home requires. Call an experienced contractor like GreenHomes to get a complete home energy assessment! Only professional auditors provide an honest set of recommendations.

So, the bottom line is, if you want to watch your utility meter spin backwards, protect the environment or just be more energy independent, home solar PVs just may be right for you!