Solar panels worth the investment, especially for cities

Many people have asked: are solar panels worth the investment?  Well, you might guess my opinion as the author and editor of this blog.  But what about people that are “on the fence?”  Should you buy solar panels?  Why or why not?

Solar energy is one of the fastest (if not the fastest) growing renewable energy industry in the world.  Solar power can provide clean, free electricity and also clean, free hot water.  From solar-powered flashlights to solar phone chargers, photovoltaic and thermal panels are showing up everywhere.

Is it time to part with the green in your wallet to go green?

Consider the following video that postulates that solar is the new oil for transportation:

Despite the fact that solar panels will pay for themselves in a few years through energy savings and increased property values, you can also save money through federal and state tax credits/rebates.  Even some power companies themselves now offer incentives to people that wish to install rooftop solar panels.

Install solar panels

For example, I read that Duke Energy wants to rent rooftops for solar panel installation. Do you have some empty space to lease out?  The corporation will maintain the panels and take care of all the “dirty” clean energy work.  I think its safe to say that we can look for other companies to follow Duke’s lead.

But if you are more of a DIY kind of person, or perhaps don’t want to jump through corporate hoops, consider hiring a college-aged person to help you install solar panels.  Its not too difficult, and with a bit of training and/or experience, you can get assistance in putting up your new renewable energy system in a matter of days, if not hours.

Are solar panels worth the investment?  Only you can decide.  But with electric utilities across the nation raising their rates, wouldn’t it be nice to be locked in to free solar power for the rest of your life?