With the threat of global warming and rising oil prices, many home and business owners are making the switch to alternative power sources. Some are taking up green power on the grid, but alternative energy on the grid is not always an option. Solar power offers a low cost solution that can be scaled to your needs in any situation. Converting your home or business to solar power offers you energy independence free of the vagaries of fuel prices and without the risk of outages that grid connected consumers can experience.

The extent of your power needs will determine the cost of any system you install. A typical home creates about a quarter of your carbon omissions. If you are running a refrigerator, PC, televisions and washing machine will need between 15kWh and 10kWh which may cost up to $US40,000 depending on installation needs. However, solar power cost can be mitigated in many states through the application of incentives, which may reduce initial outlay by almost 50%. In some U.S. states you can sell your excess power back to the grid, further reducing your costs.

The U.S. offers federal tax credits of 30% for consumers purchasing Energy Star rated appliances for new and existing homes. This tax credit applies to solar hot water systems and photovoltaic systems and can substantially reduce your solar energy cost outlay. See the Energy Star site for more information. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency have guide to rebates available near you.

Affordable solar power cost options include leasing. Many companies are now offering leasing to homeowners and businesses, which for a low start up cost will include installation and maintenance over the life of the lease. Leasing offers a saving solution, reducing your power bills as well as you emissions.

If you live in the U.S. you can try this Solar Savings Calculator to figure out how much you will save by leasing to a solar power system. For instance a consumer in Arizona who uses $50 a month in electricity can save up to $1449 over a ten year lease, which equates to “37 tons of CO2, 146 lbs of NOx, 101 lbs of SO2, 11 lbs of PM, 1 lbs of VOC, and 10 lbs of CO. That is equivalent to taking approximately, 6 automobiles off of the road, or planting 107 trees.”

CityFIRST is another cost effective method of going solar. Piloted only in Berkeley, California to date, the program allows property owners to retrofit for solar and other renewable technology through a voluntary increase in their property tax. The tax funds the purchase cost of installation.

A partial solar power cost solution for home owners is the installation of solar hot water systems. In warmer climates you may never need to pay for water heating again, while in places with more cloudy days, solar heating can be supplemented with an electric back up. Installation will cost you between $US2000-$US4000, depending on the size of your water heating needs. Used on it\’s own, a solar hot water system can cut your utility bills by 30%.

A solar power cost solution should incorporate energy efficiency measures as well. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency offers some great ways to reduce your energy consumption though efficiency, including insulation, sealing, enhancing natural lighting and Energy Star rated appliances.

For those with technical skill or up for a challenge you can make solar energy cost savings by buying a kit. Affordable Solar have off-grid solar panel kits from about $US5000.

Author Bio: For more information of how you can go green with solar panels or other house additions to green your home, please visit our green home renovation resource.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: solar power, solar energy