Federal and state governments now offer tax breaks to help defer the cost of residential solar projects. They, too, are looking into new ways to expand the use of solar energy for energy consumption and recognize people who are also working towards that end. Here is some information about those tax incentives if you are thinking about using residential solar power.
With any tax incentive you come across, be sure to read it first. Some tax incentives only apply to commercial solar projects. What you want is tax information for residential solar projects.
The federal government has a form, 5695 where you can enter the costs that you have paid for your residential solar power system. Consumers can get a tax credit for up to thirty percent of their total costs up to $1,500 for existing homes through 2010 for home improvements. You can also claim a credit for a solar hot water heater if that is in your residential solar plans. The maximum credit amount of that is also $2,000.
Recently, the $2,000 cap was removed for solar hot water heaters. Consumers who use solar hot water heating can claim the full thirty percent of the cost of the system as a tax credit. This unlimited amount also applies to solar panels systems as long as they comply with electrical and fire safety codes.
Qualified costs for this tax credit include the money you spent on the solar system and the hardware. Most residential solar kits include the equipment and the hardware you will need to build a complete system. For a DIY residential solar power system, the costs can be less if you know where you shop for your components. You will reap more of the benefit of this tax credit.
Each state also has its own set of tax credits and incentives for residents who invest in solar electricity projects. A database was set up to catalog these incentives for renewable energy sources. It is called DSIRE (Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency). Check it out at www.dsireusa.org.
Let’s take the state of California for instance. Sacramento has implemented a residential energy efficiency loan program to help district residents defer the costs of their home improvements that use renewable energy sources. If you own your own property, you can qualify for one of these loans with an interest rate of 8.5 percent.
It doesn’t hurt to look and see what your state and federal government is willing to do for you when it comes to saving the planet. Use tax incentives to turn your residential solar power system into an affordable proposition.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Solar Power especially for RVs
If you like to travel during the summer, you might have invested in a recreation vehicle. Did you know that there are solar power solutions for your RV too? You can turn it into a solar machine that provides you with the power you need even in remote locations.
For your RV, mobile solar power kits offer a way to get the electricity that you need no matter where you decide to park. You don’t have to be limited to parks for recreation vehicles. You can vacation anywhere that is sunny and have a good time. If you can get around five hours of sunlight each day, you should have enough electricity.
Mobile solar power kits contain all the parts you need to outfit your recreational vehicle. There is less output that a larger solar array but you don’t need a lot of electricity for your RV if you practice energy conservation. Also, you won’t have to worry about mounting big panels on the roof of your recreational vehicle. These solar power kits can be costly so find a reputable dealer who won’t take you for a ride.
Kits come with directions for easy installation on your RV. If you have the money, ease of installation is a good move. Check with your dealer before you purchase the solar power kit to see if they have a good return policy. You’ll want that if you experience any problems.
The least costly way to outfit your RV for solar power is using a solar power system for mounting the solar panels on the roof. You’ll have to remember that they are there when going under overpasses and low bridges. It would be a shame to knock those panels off or worse to lose part of your roof.
One drawback to this type of RV solar power is the fact that mounting will require that you drill holes in your RV. Be careful with this step because you don’t want to do damage to your recreational vehicle. Also, it could be a problem if you decide to sell the RV later on. With a mobile solar power kit, the panels can be removed with ease and there is no drilling to mar the beauty of your RV.
Analyze your power needs. If you have the money, choose a mobile solar panel kit that is not too big for your RV but provides the right amount of electricity. An RV that gets a lot of use will pay for that system in no time.
For your RV, mobile solar power kits offer a way to get the electricity that you need no matter where you decide to park. You don’t have to be limited to parks for recreation vehicles. You can vacation anywhere that is sunny and have a good time. If you can get around five hours of sunlight each day, you should have enough electricity.
Mobile solar power kits contain all the parts you need to outfit your recreational vehicle. There is less output that a larger solar array but you don’t need a lot of electricity for your RV if you practice energy conservation. Also, you won’t have to worry about mounting big panels on the roof of your recreational vehicle. These solar power kits can be costly so find a reputable dealer who won’t take you for a ride.
Kits come with directions for easy installation on your RV. If you have the money, ease of installation is a good move. Check with your dealer before you purchase the solar power kit to see if they have a good return policy. You’ll want that if you experience any problems.
The least costly way to outfit your RV for solar power is using a solar power system for mounting the solar panels on the roof. You’ll have to remember that they are there when going under overpasses and low bridges. It would be a shame to knock those panels off or worse to lose part of your roof.
One drawback to this type of RV solar power is the fact that mounting will require that you drill holes in your RV. Be careful with this step because you don’t want to do damage to your recreational vehicle. Also, it could be a problem if you decide to sell the RV later on. With a mobile solar power kit, the panels can be removed with ease and there is no drilling to mar the beauty of your RV.
Analyze your power needs. If you have the money, choose a mobile solar panel kit that is not too big for your RV but provides the right amount of electricity. An RV that gets a lot of use will pay for that system in no time.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Precautions When Using Solar Power
Alternative forms of renewable energy saves money for homeowners who want to invest in such projects as a residential solar system. When working with solar power for your home, be aware not only of the advantages but also the disadvantages of working with solar electricity.
Benefits of Solar Power
The major benefit is less of a dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are smelly and costly. Burning them has contributed to the Greenhouse Effect that is affecting the polar ice caps.
More importantly, fossil fuels will eventually run out. When that happens, we will literally be in the dark without a viable option for alternative energy. This is where solar power comes into play.
Be Careful with Solar Electricity
Solar power is not cheap. Even with the tax incentives and loans, you might still have to shoulder a portion of the cost. This has some people turning to DIY solar electricity projects. Here are some tips to know with DIY solar projects.
• Find a solar kit that is very detailed. You don’t want to get started and then find out you are missing a component.
• Be sure you are committed to the project before starting. DIY involves building our own solar panels, finding our own components and hiring someone to install the solar panels if you can’t do that part. You don’t want your rooftop solar panels to come crashing through your window or smashing to the ground after all of your hard work.
• Hire an electrician to wire your system. Unless you pay for the company to come out and install your solar system, you need an electrician. No one else is qualified. You could end up electrocuting yourself or short-circuiting something that could start a fire.
• Know your neighborhood regulations and city ordinances about solar panel mounting before you buy the system. It is a costly mistake to find out that you don’t have the room or the permission to put up big solar panels. You probably could have opted for solar roof tiles.
• Solar electricity may not be a good idea if you live in an area without much sun. The cost you will pay for the residential system won’t be deferred by your savings because there won’t be any. In a shady part of the country, try another alternative energy source like wind energy.
Are you considering residential solar electricity? Know what you are getting into and evaluate your commitment before investing in the project.
Benefits of Solar Power
The major benefit is less of a dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are smelly and costly. Burning them has contributed to the Greenhouse Effect that is affecting the polar ice caps.
More importantly, fossil fuels will eventually run out. When that happens, we will literally be in the dark without a viable option for alternative energy. This is where solar power comes into play.
Be Careful with Solar Electricity
Solar power is not cheap. Even with the tax incentives and loans, you might still have to shoulder a portion of the cost. This has some people turning to DIY solar electricity projects. Here are some tips to know with DIY solar projects.
• Find a solar kit that is very detailed. You don’t want to get started and then find out you are missing a component.
• Be sure you are committed to the project before starting. DIY involves building our own solar panels, finding our own components and hiring someone to install the solar panels if you can’t do that part. You don’t want your rooftop solar panels to come crashing through your window or smashing to the ground after all of your hard work.
• Hire an electrician to wire your system. Unless you pay for the company to come out and install your solar system, you need an electrician. No one else is qualified. You could end up electrocuting yourself or short-circuiting something that could start a fire.
• Know your neighborhood regulations and city ordinances about solar panel mounting before you buy the system. It is a costly mistake to find out that you don’t have the room or the permission to put up big solar panels. You probably could have opted for solar roof tiles.
• Solar electricity may not be a good idea if you live in an area without much sun. The cost you will pay for the residential system won’t be deferred by your savings because there won’t be any. In a shady part of the country, try another alternative energy source like wind energy.
Are you considering residential solar electricity? Know what you are getting into and evaluate your commitment before investing in the project.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The True Cost of Solar Power
Solar power can save you money. What was once a fad has taken off in a big way as government scientists look for ways to break our dependence on the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. Now that you have the opportunity, can you afford to use solar power?
Solar energy will pay for itself once you have set up the system but the problem is the initial cost to the consumer to get the system going. For a business, these costs can be handled because there is more capital available. For a homeowner, it is not as simple.
First of all, how much solar energy you will need to power your home depends on your energy consumption. With solar power, many families learn how to live on less to gain the most cost savings. If you live in the city, you are still tied to the grid system. This is the electrical grid that powers homes within the city limit and outlying areas.
Some want to eliminate their energy bill altogether. That requires more solar panels than someone who wants to subsidize their energy bill with a residential solar power system. Solar kits can run you anywhere from $8,000 to over $20,000. This includes the equipment, the cost of having the site inspected and hiring someone to prepare the land for the panels if mounted in the yard or having someone mount them on your home’s roof. You will also need the services of an electrician to wire the components into your home electrical system - even if you are on a grid intertied system (uses a battery to store solar electricity until needed).
The federal government and state governments applaud those who are committed to saving energy and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. You can look into government tax incentives and grants to defray a portion of the overall cost.
For those who are ambitious and like DIY projects, you can create your own residential solar power system. Choose a DIY kit that gives you all the information and blueprints for the system. They may even suggest where you can find the component parts for a lower cost such as eBay or your local hardware store.
The key to success with a DIY system is planning, planning and more planning. If you are not committed to the task it can get pretty grueling pretty quickly. But, it does keep you from paying such a high price upfront for the benefits of residential solar power.
Only you can decide if you can afford the cost of a residential solar power system. Think about reducing your energy consumption and other fuel costs to save money towards your new system.
Solar energy will pay for itself once you have set up the system but the problem is the initial cost to the consumer to get the system going. For a business, these costs can be handled because there is more capital available. For a homeowner, it is not as simple.
First of all, how much solar energy you will need to power your home depends on your energy consumption. With solar power, many families learn how to live on less to gain the most cost savings. If you live in the city, you are still tied to the grid system. This is the electrical grid that powers homes within the city limit and outlying areas.
Some want to eliminate their energy bill altogether. That requires more solar panels than someone who wants to subsidize their energy bill with a residential solar power system. Solar kits can run you anywhere from $8,000 to over $20,000. This includes the equipment, the cost of having the site inspected and hiring someone to prepare the land for the panels if mounted in the yard or having someone mount them on your home’s roof. You will also need the services of an electrician to wire the components into your home electrical system - even if you are on a grid intertied system (uses a battery to store solar electricity until needed).
The federal government and state governments applaud those who are committed to saving energy and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. You can look into government tax incentives and grants to defray a portion of the overall cost.
For those who are ambitious and like DIY projects, you can create your own residential solar power system. Choose a DIY kit that gives you all the information and blueprints for the system. They may even suggest where you can find the component parts for a lower cost such as eBay or your local hardware store.
The key to success with a DIY system is planning, planning and more planning. If you are not committed to the task it can get pretty grueling pretty quickly. But, it does keep you from paying such a high price upfront for the benefits of residential solar power.
Only you can decide if you can afford the cost of a residential solar power system. Think about reducing your energy consumption and other fuel costs to save money towards your new system.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How Does Solar Power Really Work?
Solar power is energy from the sun. You feel it every day when the sun shines. That giant star in our solar system provides heat for the earth and light. But, what is going on when people decide to use solar power for their homes?
Solar Energy BasicsSolar Energy Project (Basic Solar Kit)
It all starts with the sun’s rays. The sun bombards the earth with solar radiation. We know it as UVA and UVB radiation. Much of those rays are reflected back into space but there is enough of that energy that is absorbed by the earth to fuel homes all across the planet. Unfortunately technology hasn’t caught up with our grand ideas to save the planet but you can do your part with residential solar power.
You’ve seen solar panels on rooftops and in yards. They have gotten a bit more streamlined since they first came out. Before, only someone with a lot of money could afford residential solar power but the systems are widely used now.
Each solar panel is composed of photovoltaic cells. These cells are usually made of silicon or other semi-conductive material. The cells are arranged uniformly with a positive and a negative end to create the solar panel device. When the light hits the panels (usually placed on the south side of the roof or the lawn), it is absorbed into the solar cells.
The light energy (photons) hits the solar cells and electrons are knocked loose. These loose electrons move through the array and create the electricity you need to power your home. At this point, the electricity that is produced is DC, or direct current. Your home uses AC or alternating current so the energy has to be converted.
This is where the rest of the system takes over. The electricity that is produced by the solar PV (photovoltaic) array, is then passed to a DC disconnect device. This device interrupts the flow of electricity from the array.
From there, you can use one of two methods for funneling the electricity into your home. If you use a residential solar power system that is directly connected to your electrical system, the electricity will then pass through an inverter to change the DC to AC. If you are using a system that uses a battery to store solar electricity for later use, solar electricity is sent to a battery bank where it is stored until needed. When you are ready to sue the electricity, it then passes through an inverter for use by AC outlets in your home.
Residential solar power lowers your home electricity bills. When used you are tapping into the future of the earth which is alternative renewable energy.
Solar Energy BasicsSolar Energy Project (Basic Solar Kit)
It all starts with the sun’s rays. The sun bombards the earth with solar radiation. We know it as UVA and UVB radiation. Much of those rays are reflected back into space but there is enough of that energy that is absorbed by the earth to fuel homes all across the planet. Unfortunately technology hasn’t caught up with our grand ideas to save the planet but you can do your part with residential solar power.
You’ve seen solar panels on rooftops and in yards. They have gotten a bit more streamlined since they first came out. Before, only someone with a lot of money could afford residential solar power but the systems are widely used now.
Each solar panel is composed of photovoltaic cells. These cells are usually made of silicon or other semi-conductive material. The cells are arranged uniformly with a positive and a negative end to create the solar panel device. When the light hits the panels (usually placed on the south side of the roof or the lawn), it is absorbed into the solar cells.
The light energy (photons) hits the solar cells and electrons are knocked loose. These loose electrons move through the array and create the electricity you need to power your home. At this point, the electricity that is produced is DC, or direct current. Your home uses AC or alternating current so the energy has to be converted.
This is where the rest of the system takes over. The electricity that is produced by the solar PV (photovoltaic) array, is then passed to a DC disconnect device. This device interrupts the flow of electricity from the array.
From there, you can use one of two methods for funneling the electricity into your home. If you use a residential solar power system that is directly connected to your electrical system, the electricity will then pass through an inverter to change the DC to AC. If you are using a system that uses a battery to store solar electricity for later use, solar electricity is sent to a battery bank where it is stored until needed. When you are ready to sue the electricity, it then passes through an inverter for use by AC outlets in your home.
Residential solar power lowers your home electricity bills. When used you are tapping into the future of the earth which is alternative renewable energy.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Solar Systems for Home Use
There are many manufacturers of residential solar power kits for people who want to lower their energy bills. You can peruse the websites for these brands to see who has the best prices. But, before you do that know what type of residential solar system you are going to use.
Every manufacturer advertises low prices and superior quality. You can choose from BP, Kyocera, General Electric, Mitsubishi Electric and others. But, each offers one of three main residential solar systems for your use.
Residential Solar System Types
Grid Intertied Electricity System
Let’s start with the simplest system which is grid intertied solar electricity system. The grid that they are referring to is the power grid that your home sits on. Each city has constructed a power grid so that the power company can supply electricity to your home. If you are on a grid, then you are paying for electricity as soon as you open an account and switch on the lights.
With the grid intertied system, any solar electricity that you create from your residential solar system is funneled directly into your home electrical network. Electricity created in the solar panel array is then passed through a DC disconnect panel. This device interrupts the electricity flow from the array.
Next, an inverter changes the DC current of solar electricity into AC current for your home outlets. The inverter is connected into your breaker box. When you use solar electricity, you may even see your meter run backwards as you defray the cost of your electricity bills. Inform your power company and employ a skilled electrician to do the rewiring work.
Grid Intertied Electricity System with Battery Backup
The difference between this system and the first is that you can store excess electricity for a rainy day, literally. When the sun is shining bright and strong like during the summer months, you can use a grid intertied electricity system that is equipped with a battery.
Solar electricity still flows from the PV array to the rest of your system, but is sent to a battery dump. A charge control panel regulates the flow of electricity. Electricity then flows to the inverter and the rest of the system just like the grid intertied system. Only the excess is kept in the battery.
Off-Grid Solar Electrical System
This system works well for people who are not attached to a grid. They live too far away from cities and towns to be included. The solar electrical system is their only source of electricity.
This system flows much like the grid intertied system with battery backup. A battery stores energy for days when the sun isn’t strong. You still need electricity on those days. From the breaker panel, the energy goes directly into your outlets and not to a meter since you are not on a grid. You’ll also see a backup generator with these systems.
Each residential solar system differs in cost. The price goes up with more components. Choose a system that meets your needs to save as much money as you can on electricity for you home.
Every manufacturer advertises low prices and superior quality. You can choose from BP, Kyocera, General Electric, Mitsubishi Electric and others. But, each offers one of three main residential solar systems for your use.
Residential Solar System Types
Grid Intertied Electricity System
Let’s start with the simplest system which is grid intertied solar electricity system. The grid that they are referring to is the power grid that your home sits on. Each city has constructed a power grid so that the power company can supply electricity to your home. If you are on a grid, then you are paying for electricity as soon as you open an account and switch on the lights.
With the grid intertied system, any solar electricity that you create from your residential solar system is funneled directly into your home electrical network. Electricity created in the solar panel array is then passed through a DC disconnect panel. This device interrupts the electricity flow from the array.
Next, an inverter changes the DC current of solar electricity into AC current for your home outlets. The inverter is connected into your breaker box. When you use solar electricity, you may even see your meter run backwards as you defray the cost of your electricity bills. Inform your power company and employ a skilled electrician to do the rewiring work.
Grid Intertied Electricity System with Battery Backup
The difference between this system and the first is that you can store excess electricity for a rainy day, literally. When the sun is shining bright and strong like during the summer months, you can use a grid intertied electricity system that is equipped with a battery.
Solar electricity still flows from the PV array to the rest of your system, but is sent to a battery dump. A charge control panel regulates the flow of electricity. Electricity then flows to the inverter and the rest of the system just like the grid intertied system. Only the excess is kept in the battery.
Off-Grid Solar Electrical System
This system works well for people who are not attached to a grid. They live too far away from cities and towns to be included. The solar electrical system is their only source of electricity.
This system flows much like the grid intertied system with battery backup. A battery stores energy for days when the sun isn’t strong. You still need electricity on those days. From the breaker panel, the energy goes directly into your outlets and not to a meter since you are not on a grid. You’ll also see a backup generator with these systems.
Each residential solar system differs in cost. The price goes up with more components. Choose a system that meets your needs to save as much money as you can on electricity for you home.
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