In Focus: Solar Rebates And Incentives

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There are many reasons to utilize Solar Energy to run your home. The benefits of a solar home installation far outweigh the initial costs. It is a fact that solar energy will save you money and is better for the environment than traditional forms of energy. In addition to naturally saving money month to month, there are various government federal and state incentives and rebates for using energy renewables and efficiency. 

For example, in the state of Massachusetts there is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Incentive, which is offering income-eligible residents and landlords an opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and residences. Up to $2,600 in improvements can be made at no cost to the resident. Incentives such as this vary from state to state.

There are also many Federal incentives, such as the Energy-Efficient Mortgages, which can be used to either finance energy efficiency improvements to existing homes, including renewable energy technologies, or to increase their home buying power with the purchase of a new energy efficient home.

   
There are many useful facts to note about solar electrical generation. The main household uses for solar irradiance are electricity production and water heating. For example, the sun energy can: heat swimming pools, power cars, power cooking appliances, and other appliances. 

But let's analyze how solar generation would help an average household...

In a normal household, electric ovens, microwaves, and central air conditioning consume most of the electricity. According to the US Department of Energy, in 1999 an average American household used approximately 866-kilowatt hours per month costing them $70.68.

Solar energy is measured in kilowatt-hour: 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts. A 1 kilowatt home solar system will generate approximately 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate (receiving 5.5 hours of sunshine per day) and approximately 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate (receiving 2.5 hours of sunshine per day). Most states in the United States receive 4.2 hours to 6 hours of sun irradiance per day. Massachusetts receives 4.2 hours per day.

Solar energy is collected and stored/used in batteries or on the electrical grid, reflected, insulated, absorbed and transmitted. By utilizing the battery back up, a solar energy system can provide electricity 24x7, even on cloudy days and at night. It is important to note that a 1-kilowatt home solar system will prevent approximately 170 lbs. of coal from being burned, 300lbs of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere and 105 gallons of water from being consumed each month! 

Solar generationSolar Energy is the answer for preserving the environment and providing energy at very low cost. Shell Oil predicts that by 2040, 50% of the world's energy will come from renewable sources such as solar power. Consider that in one hour, more sunlight falls on the earth than the energy used by the earth's entire population in one year.

Currently, Americans make up about 5 percent of the world's population and consume about 26 percent of the world's energy. By utilizing solar energy, Americans can make great strides towards conserving the earth's natural energy sources such as coal, gas, and petroleum. Solar technology can revolutionize how people live, it is a viable solution for the 2 billion people in the world who are currently without electricity. In fact, many third world countries represent the fastest growing market for solar generation.  Utilizing Solar Energy is more than simply going green, it is a significant contribution towards the welfare of our future.

For more information on Federal and State Solar Rebates and Incentives, visit: www.dsireusa.org

For more details and facts about Solar Energy, visit: www.facts-about-solar-energy.com

Original Article on The Boston Solar Company Blog

Source: http://www.solarfeeds.com/the-boston-solar-company/17824-in-focus-solar-rebates-and-incentives

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