| Home solar electricity is much more affordable | | | | the various products available to you. Efficiency, |
| and practical than it was even just 10 years ago. | | | | ease of maintenance, price, warranty and |
| There are even tax rebates available in many | | | | installation costs are all important factors to |
| states for families that are converting to home | | | | consider. You may find that the cost of the solar |
| solar electricity. If you've been thinking of using | | | | panels and installation is way above your budget. |
| PV (photovoltaic) panels for your home solar | | | | Thankfully there are alternatives to that. If you |
| power, but are finding that it is too expensive, | | | | are a little bit handy you can do it yourself for a |
| there are other options. There are many green | | | | fraction of the professional costs, but be sure to |
| energy suppliers that provide power from various | | | | take the time to find a good installation guide! |
| renewable resources, such as solar electricity, | | | | There is one more decision you will need to |
| wind power and hydroelectricity. By going this | | | | consider. Do you want a grid-tied system where |
| route, you would just be switching from your | | | | you are still connected to the grid, using a |
| current power company to a more green | | | | combination of your own solar power and the |
| provider. If you've decided that solar power is the | | | | power supplied by the utility company? Or you |
| way you want to go, you will need to determine | | | | can combine your own home solar electricity |
| your actual power needs first. | | | | system with the grid, selling back any excess |
| The first thing you need to determine is how | | | | power that you don't use to the power company. |
| much electricity you need your home solar | | | | Or, lastly, you can go completely off-grid, where |
| electricity system to generate. Your power | | | | you are not connected to your local power |
| consumption is going to vary in summer from | | | | company at all and you simply use the power |
| that in the winter, so be sure to determine your | | | | that your system generates and store the rest in |
| power consumption for the entire year and | | | | batteries for use when the panels aren't producing |
| identify your maximum consumption per day. | | | | as much. |
| Obviously if you live in a northern climate, your | | | | Once you feel you've done all your homework |
| consumption will be higher in the winter, whereas | | | | and know your options for your home solar |
| if you are in the south it will be higher in the | | | | electricity, you are ready to start shopping. |
| summer months. You should be able to get this | | | | Remember to research your purchase well, |
| information from your monthly power bills. If not, | | | | because a professional installation is a big |
| then your utility company can provide you with a | | | | investment. If you've decided that you want the |
| breakdown of your power usage. | | | | faster return on your investment of doing it |
| Once you're ready to start shopping for your | | | | yourself, make sure you get the best installation |
| home solar electricity system be sure to research | | | | guide available. |