Did you know you can save money with solar power? Its a common misconception that solar is prohibitively expensive. Quite the opposite is true. With today’s government incentives for renewable energy, it only makes sense to install solar panels to guard against future rate increases and also enjoy a dramatic drop in your monthly utility bills. And, for every $1 you save in annual energy costs, the value of your home increases by $20. That’s quite a return on your investment!
I know – you’re probably thinking about the upfront costs for solar. While a solar panel system may retail for $10-20,000, tax credits and rebates from both federal and state programs may allow you to recoup up to 80% of that cost. You can also negotiate group discounts for solar panels through sites like One Block Off the Grid. Other government programs allow for financing like solar energy loan programs, and even special deals on mortgage loans when homeowners go solar. Heck, you can even rent or lease solar panels! If you’re curious about how to finance solar panels, check out a two-part series:
How to Finance Solar Panels (Part 1)
How to Finance Solar Panels (Part 2)
There are so many ways to save money with solar power. But you also need to think beyond current circumstances. Many people who consider the cost of solar energy only think about the price of panels and their existing utility bills. They fail to contemplate the rising cost of power, against which they can guard by using free solar energy. They do not think about the environmental cost of continuing to burn fossil fuels, or the price we’ll pay as a planet if we do not change our ways.
We’re not just talking about the loss of polar ice caps or species extinction. Global climate change will literally cost us money from our pockets as we continue to respond to catastrophic events like Hurricane Katrina.
But even if environmental considerations are not at the top of your list of reasons to go solar, we can all save money with solar power if more of us invest in the renewable energy resource. One article noted that:
“Enough sunlight falls on the state of New Jersey in 4 hours to supply all of its electricity for the year, if we could collect and convert it all perfectly!”
Its true – you can save money with solar power. Why not invest in a solar panel system now so that you can avoid the higher winter utility bills this year? Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
Tags: cost of solar energy, government incentives renewable energy, install solar panels, save money with solar power, solar panel system

