Solar power for homes is a topic of interest to many people. Solar energy comes from the sun, and it is therefore inexpensive, clean, renewable, and readily available. Solar energy has been around for quite some time, although solar panels up until recently were expensive, big, and bulky. This made it rather impractical for most families to have solar energy systems in their homes. This changed starting in the 1990’s. With this change came a renewed interest in this green technology. It must be stated that while solar energy is more expensive than gas, oil, or electricity in the short term, it is much less expensive than other forms of energy in the long run.

Solar energy has become very efficient in today’s world, although with this aside, it accounts for less than one percent of the energy needs in the United States. Most people who do opt to use it combine solar power with a more traditional form of energy. For example, solar power heating could be backed up by a furnace.

Where cost is concerned, it is expensive to start up a solar energy system in a home. It is estimated that it costs approximately $4,000 to $10, 000 for materials such as solar panels. However, the price tag gets very hefty where initial installation costs are concerned. If a family is to only use solar energy in their home without combining it with a more traditional form of energy, it can cost an astounding $100, 000 to $200, 000 in installation expenses alone.

Solar water heaters that are fully installed run for about $3,000. Solar panels have a life span of about forty years, while a solar water heater can last for approximately twenty years.

In terms of installing solar systems into a house, most states in the USA require professional companies to conduct the installations in order to meet building codes. People can be penalized or be subject to significant fines if their solar systems do not measure up to building codes. It should be noted that there are federal and local tax incentives and rebates available that can help offset the costs of having solar energy systems installed into homes. However, a professional installation is required most of the time in order for people to qualify for these special incentives.

Approximately twenty panels would be needed to heat up a home, along with a radiant heating system and a hot water heater. Installing the panels requires about two days and two people to do the job. Installing the heating system and water tank take another two days.

Many people find that having their homes entirely powered by solar energy is unfortunately cost prohibitive, at least at this point in time. However, that does not mean that they can not take advantage of different ways to at least partially employ green energy in their homes. For example, they can have skylights installed on a side Brand Viagra of the house that typically gets more sun. Another idea is to install energy efficient windows. The recent stimulus package signed into law in 2009 provides some tax incentives for people who install energy efficient items (such as windows or doors) in their homes.

At this time, people can rely greatly on the Internet for a lot of updated information on green technology and what it takes to make a home more energy efficient today. The search engines can direct people to websites that are rich sources of information in these areas.

In conclusion, solar energy is not expensive over the long term, though initial installation costs run high. Energy powered by the sun is clean and readily available. Professional installation is typically required to avoid fines and penalties as well as to qualify for certain government provided incentives that are used to offset the cost of installing a solar energy system. People who find it too expensive to power their entire home by solar energy can take advantage of other ways to partially power their homes through solar power. The Internet is an excellent source of information for people who are considering the use of solar power in their homes.

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