| Most of us would probably agree that saving on | | | | 5. Durability: With the typical 20 - 25 year |
| our energy bill is the number one benefit of | | | | warranty, installing solar panels will typically last |
| building a home solar energy system, but finding all | | | | longer than you own your home. However, if you |
| the advantages of every venture are found in | | | | build and install solar panels yourself (DIY), there is |
| the details. | | | | no warranty and the durability will probably be |
| Some of the benefits of a solar home are: | | | | less. |
| 1. Independence: If you own a home, live in the | | | | 6. No Pollution: As photovoltaic systems (PV) |
| mountains or desert, or on a remote tropical | | | | produce clean energy, you are making use of the |
| island, solar power can provide complete | | | | best source of renewable energy, and in the |
| independence from the utility grid. Saying good | | | | process, making an impact on reducing global |
| bye to blackouts in your neighborhood during | | | | demand for fossil fuels. |
| those long summer months of electrical overloads | | | | 7. Safety: If properly constructed, PV systems |
| can keep your family cool and calm in the | | | | are very safe to use. |
| summertime. This assumes you have planned | | | | 8. Modularity: Once you make the decision to go |
| your home solar energy production to match or | | | | solar, you have the option to start out small with |
| exceed your home energy usage. | | | | one solar panel if you like, than add more as your |
| 2. Zero Fuel Costs: If you do not use backup gas | | | | financial situation allows or your energy needs |
| generators to resupply your batteries or your | | | | change. But remember, taking this approach will |
| home solar system during long bouts of cloudy | | | | cost you more if you hire a solar contractor as |
| days, solar energy will eliminate the need for | | | | building three 1 KW solar panel systems will cost |
| purchasing fuel. However, if some of your home | | | | you more than one 3 KW system. However, this |
| appliances run on gas, this is a mute point unless | | | | will be less of an issue if you choose to build (DIY) |
| you convert these appliances to electrical models. | | | | your own solar panels and install them yourself. |
| 3. Reliability: Even on cloudy days when solar cells | | | | 9. Increase Your Home Value: According to many |
| absorb less sunlight, your solar home will still have | | | | home builders, home buyers are willing to pay 2% |
| electrical power...during the daytime. And if you | | | | more for a solar home verses one which is tied |
| back-up your solar system with deep cycle | | | | to the energy grid. 2% may not sound much, but |
| batteries (recommended), you will have enough | | | | for a $250,000 home, that is $5,000 more you |
| power for lights and appliances at night - even if | | | | can sell your home for in the future. |
| your neighborhood is experiencing a power | | | | 10. Reduce or Eliminate Your Energy Bill: Doing the |
| outage. Again, the key here is planning...matching | | | | math, if you can save $100 or more on average |
| both your energy usage and production when | | | | per month on your energy bill with a home solar |
| designing your solar home. | | | | system, you can save $1,200 per year, or $6,000 |
| 4. Low Maintenance: Once you have built your | | | | over a five year period. If you plan on staying in |
| solar home, there is little maintenance to keep the | | | | your home long term, the advantages of building |
| system going except to remove leaves and dust | | | | a home solar energy system will increase. |
| off the solar panels to maximize solar absorption. | | | | The path to going solar has many routes. Doing |
| Cutting back nearby tree branches to handle the | | | | research will answer many questions, and create |
| leaves and minimize any shade on your solar cells | | | | a few more. Enjoy the journey along the way...as |
| is not a bad idea either. Also, checking on your | | | | building your own solar home will be an |
| batteries to make sure they are maintained and | | | | accomplishment you will never forget. |
| well ventilated is highly recommended. | | | | |