Warming Up to the Idea of Solar Power

Experts say new benefits and current conditions are making solar energy systems a practical reality for a growing number of homeowners. There’s good news for those who claim there’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to saving on energy bills, by using solar power.

With rising energy prices and concerns for the environment and about national security, homeowners are looking at solar energy options. A new federal tax credit, plus some state and local incentives, encourages adopting solar systems. The government offers a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of a solar electric or solar water heating system. There is no cap for business owners; homeowners receive a maximum $2,000 credit for each system installed.

These credits make solar energy systems a feasible solution for hot water heating and electricity production for many building owners. Many homeowners already benefit from solar heating for their pools and spas without government incentives.

“As awareness grows, along with summer air-conditioning bills, we expect thousands more to consider their solar options,” says Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society, based in Boulder, Colorado. “With continued rising energy costs, consumer interest in clean, renewable energy from secure U.S. energy sources, and federal tax incentives, we believe more homeowners and business owners will look for sustainable alternatives,” he adds.

In most states, another advantage of solar electric systems (also called photovoltaic or PV) is the option to send excess energy back to your local utility grid. For example, if you are a residential customer, your system may generate more electricity than you need during the day when your family is away at work and at school. Net metering allows you to send this excess electricity to the grid, spinning your meter backwards, and reducing or offsetting the electricity you use at other times.

Today, solar energy equipment is high quality and reliable; it is backed by warranties from large, reputable firms and installed by experienced contractors. There are also many resources to learn more about solar energy, have look around the site to see if something interests you.

Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar Fountains

Fountains are a popular addition to most landscaped yards. Solar fountains give you the benefit of traditional fountains without running up your electrical bill every month.

Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar

Mention solar power and people get an image of large, bulky solar panels on the roof of a home. This stereotypical view is really incorrect as large panel systems are now going the way of the dodo bird. Current solar technology is all about small size and unique applications. Heck, they even make them for kayaks now.

Solar fountains may sound like a fairly complex landscape addition. They really aren’t. Solar technology has advanced to the point where most landscaping items are now best run on solar technology. This includes solar lighting used for paths, overhead lighting, bird deterrents and general ambience.

At their root, solar fountains are incredibly simple pieces of machinery. The solar aspect of the piece is simple the power generation for the pump. Practically all solar fountains look the same as regular fountains. The energy source is simply a small panel system either connected directly to the fountain or placed in a location that gets plenty of sun. The type of system is dependent upon the amount of flow you want to move with the pump.

Solar fountains range from incredibly simple to complex applications. You can buy floating solar pads that you simply put in a pool. The panels look like black pads and power a small pump that sucks content out of the pool. More sophisticated solar fountains include entirely contained systems as well as systems that move massive amounts of the pool from low points on your property to higher areas where gravity takes over. There really is something for everyone in this area.

Much like solar lighting, solar fountains are a cost saving addition to your landscaping and provide soothing ambience. Plenty of quality models exist, so give them a look.