| Solar energy for homes is a great source of | | | | solar energy is also a nice back-up power supply if |
| alternate energy, if not the best. Solar energy for | | | | you live in an area that's prone to blackouts or |
| homes provides clean, renewable energy and | | | | loss of power. Most of all, solar energy emits |
| requires minimal maintenance after the initial | | | | absolutely nothing in terms of greenhouse gasses, |
| installation. With home solar panels installed, you | | | | and considering the state of our planet, every |
| can significantly lower your utility bill or even | | | | little bit helps. |
| receive credit from the electric company if you | | | | There are many credits and rebates available to |
| produce more power than you utilize. Depending | | | | anybody who may decide to install a home solar |
| on where you live, you may also be eligible for a | | | | energy system. Residents of California receive a |
| rebate of 20%-70% on your home solar energy | | | | 40% rebate on the total cost of the installation |
| system. | | | | and many other states have similar incentives. As |
| Solar energy for homes typically consists of | | | | stated above, you can also receive credit from |
| anywhere from 2 to 30 solar (photovoltaic) panels | | | | your electric company if you generate more |
| mounted on the roof of your home or a nearby | | | | power than you can use. This is called "net |
| mount that you can build yourself. Solar panels | | | | metering" and most utility companies offer this |
| must be mounted in an area which receives | | | | program to people who install solar energy for |
| plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. | | | | homes. However, some companies don't offer |
| Typically, this will be the southern side of your | | | | this exact service, but instead, will reimburse you |
| home. The solar energy company that you picked | | | | once a month in the form of a check. |
| should include installation in the price. Solar cells and | | | | When choosing solar energy for homes, you will |
| solar receive sunlight and then convert it into DC | | | | want to check around with different companies |
| power. The power is then wired through an | | | | and merchants to decide which types of panels |
| inverter to convert it into usable AC electricity for | | | | are available to you. Some solar panels are only |
| your home. Any additional power can either be | | | | 5-10% efficient while the better solar panels are |
| stored in a back-up battery system, or sent out | | | | about 30% efficient. Many solar providers will |
| onto the grid (that's when you receive credit for | | | | offer you great package deals that include panels, |
| your unused energy!) | | | | inverters, and batteries with a very |
| There are quite a few reasons you may choose | | | | comprehensive maintenance plan. Some |
| solar energy for homes. If you build a house in a | | | | companies allow you to trade in old batteries for |
| very remote area, solar power might be your | | | | new batteries, should the need arise. |
| only option until a utility grid is built nearby. Home | | | | |