How to Move to Solar Power

Solar panels collect energy from the sun and can be used to reduce your electricity useage.

Make the move to solar inexpensively and without compromising quality by researching solar alternatives to non-renewable power sources. Even though solar products can cost more initially, in the long run they can save you money because they can reduce energy and labor costs.

Things You'll Need

• A budget
• A home energy audit

Instructions

Going solar

1. Do a home energy audit and decide how much of your electric and gas needs you want to be supplied by solar energy. It's up to you and your budget.

2. Replace battery operated household appliances like portable fans, flashlights, and desktop calculators with solar powered ones.

3. Consider day lighting and solar panels in your roof for more light to enter into the building. Solar batteries can store excess energy.

4. Replace your traditional water heater with a solar water heater.

5. Replace your traditional refrigerator with one powered by solar batteries.

6. Reduce the use of your air conditioning system by adding an energy efficient solar attic vent to your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that incentives, tax credits and rebates from the state and federal government and many utility companies can help offset the initial investment.

• Solar energy production requires lots of sun exposure on a relatively large area. Places with lots of cloudy days will have reduced energy production.

References

• Solar Solutions
• Government Solar Solutions

Resources

• Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit
• Consumer Energy Tax Incentives