- Rob__ / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
Solar panels and wind turbines are the hot button topics of late. As little as 10 years ago, we heard about this technology only in scientific journals. We thought this new age stuff was for the fringes of the debate, not for average people like us.
Now we’re listening, very closely. The economy has hit everyone hard. Considering a whole new approach to energy could be the answer. After the initial expense of these energy upgrades, the idea of saving money in the long run while helping the environment is quite appealing. Once you take into account the federal and state programs in place to help defray installation costs, this may be a cost-cutting idea you may want to consider. Let’s take a look at the basics about solar and wind power:
Solar Power Grows Up
The image of huge, bulky panels on the roof had many people running from solar power. The idea was to collect the solar radiation and turn it into usable energy for your house, but the collection method was often unsightly. Both homeowners and homeowners’ associations complained. As technology improved, the solar panel units got smaller and smaller. In fact, there are very thin, streamlined and hardly noticeable panels on the market these days. There is even a line of solar roof shingles that make it hard to detect any solar energy installation at all.
Wind Power Revs Up
This resource is renewable, yet still virtually untapped. Mentioning the term conjures up visions of towering turbines stretching across the horizon for acres. Like solar panels, however, times have changed. Homeowners now have the opportunity to purchase small wind turbines designed strictly for home use. They measure just a few feet in diameter, instead of the massive ones we are accustomed to, and are mounted on a pole in the yard. They are not much more noticeable than the average weather-vane. These turbines harness the power of the wind and turn it into clean energy for your home.
Initial Installation Considerations
The initial set up and installation costs for a solar or wind energy system is expensive, yes, but there are several government grant programs available. You’ll find federal programs that include a personal tax credit for a percentage of the cost of the system. This includes solar technologies for water heat, photovoltaic, fuel cells and solar electric technologies. You’ll also find programs to install geothermal, wind, and other renewable fuels.
Many states are offering their own versions of grants to encourage alternative energy usage. These programs are on top of the federal program, not instead of them. Be sure to contact your local utility company, as well. Many of them are also getting in on the act and encouraging customers to sign up for a renewable energy program.
The future of both solar and wind energy is obviously bright but how much can you save after your initial investment? It really depends on where you live, your energy usage and the time of year. Depending on the area you live in, you could save an average of 50% to 90% in your utility bills over the course of a year. With those savings, you can see how solar panels and wind turbines could pay for themselves quickly.
Utility companies also offer reimbursement for some of the energy savings. That’s right. The energy that your system is generating that you don’t use goes to the power company and they pay you. Now, that’s something to consider!
Is solar and wind power for you? You will only find out if you spend the time investigating the cost, your area, and the programs available for reimbursement, both by government programs and your local utility company. But, what if you could save 90% in your utility bills? Would it be worth your time to check it out? That’s a definite “Yes!”