| Going green is the growing trend as people | | | | the popularity of these systems rises the options |
| become more aware of the impact they have on | | | | increase and the prices become more |
| our environment. This awareness has led many | | | | competitive. However, the thought of shelling out |
| people to seek out ways they can lessen their | | | | so much money for these systems can seem |
| footprint on the earth. One option is the use of | | | | daunting and make one give the deal a second |
| solar power for the home. Solar energy is the | | | | thought. The good news is that there are |
| converting of the sun's rays into energy and heat. | | | | government programs in place, such as tax |
| One way of doing this is to use solar panels on | | | | credits and rebates, to help offset the cost. Also, |
| your home to capture the sun's rays. Maybe you | | | | those who already use solar panels will tell you |
| are considering solar panels for your home and | | | | that they pay for themselves within a short |
| wondering if it is the right choice for your family. | | | | amount of time as you avoid the rising rates of |
| Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages. | | | | the electric company. In the long run you save |
| The benefits are plenty, the first being that you | | | | money. So, this one disadvantage isn't really much |
| become your own energy provider. You get to | | | | of a disadvantage at all. |
| crawl out from under the utility companies. As | | | | As demand has risen and technology has |
| electric rates continue to climb you will be | | | | advanced, the types of solar panels available have |
| unaffected. Another attractive benefit is that solar | | | | become more varied and more aesthetically |
| panels require little to no maintenance. They | | | | pleasing. In contrast to those of the past, modern |
| cleanly and quietly provide electricity for 25-40 | | | | panels blend right into the home. Solar panels can |
| years. Then there are the obvious environmental | | | | also vary depending on how much power you |
| benefits. The use of solar panels reduces the | | | | need. Words such as monocrystalline, and |
| consumption of fossil fuels. It reduces greenhouse | | | | polycrystalline refer to types of panels. The other |
| gas emissions. It reduce the nation's dependence | | | | type is amorphous. The three types work in the |
| on foreign energy sources. Every little step | | | | same way. The main difference is in the way |
| toward green has a significant positive impact on | | | | they are produced which can cause a slight |
| the environment. | | | | difference in efficiency. When purchasing panels it |
| So, even the use of a small solar electric system | | | | is important to know how much power you'll |
| is beneficial in a big way. There is only one | | | | need, how much space you'll have for panels and |
| disadvantage and that is the initial cost. The | | | | where you want them placed on your home. |
| installation of a solar panel system for the home | | | | Knowing these key things will help you decide |
| can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. As | | | | which panels will work best for you. |