While alternative energy is nothing new in the United States, the popularity of these alternative options has increased dramatically as the cost of tradition energy sources such as natural gas and electricity has increased dramatically.
There are a wide range of options including hydro power, geothermal power, and solar power as three of the most common. Of those three, the most common is probably solar power due to the increased understanding of solar power and the relative ease for homeowners to purchase and have installed in their existing homes.
On average, heating and cooling costs make up half of all utility bills in the United States. For home owners attempting to cost their monthly expenses, exploring solar is essential. Some may be scared away by the initial costs, which are typically higher than traditional utility expenses. However, the long-term savings more than make up for the initial investment made.
According to recent reports, heat gain and loss in a home typically through the windows accounts for 25% to 30% of total energy costs. That is a significant amount of money being wasted. Lowering overall heating costs will also reduce the amount lost through doors, windows, or poor insulation. Investing in better insulated doors and windows will also significantly decrease the amount wasted.
The more heat or coolness that is being lost, the more the furnace or air conditioner have to work to maintain the proper temperature. In addition to increased monthly costs, this means the equipment will also wear down faster causing earlier repairs and replacements, which are also expensive.
One report asserts that solar and wind power systems have a 100 times better lifetime energy output than nuclear or fossil fuel systems. Again, this means lower long-term costs while also benefiting the government by utilizing completely renewable sources of energy. The energy used to produce solar panels is paid back within 1 to 2 years of use due to the extreme energy savings they create. This is just one of the many ways they are overall better for the environment than traditional options.
Due to the many benefits, both environmental and financial, solar power installation and usage has increased 20% a year for the last 15 years. As more and more homeowners are opting for solar, more contractors are learning solar panel installation, which is making it even easier for homeowners. The positive cycle created within the industry has reduced the overall cost of solar power and increased its availability.
Before choosing a contractor for your solar panel installation, look into their business history. You want to choose a contractor who has worked with solar power before and is intimately familiar with the solar panel installation process. If not installed properly, you will experience problems and aggravation from the start, which will not accurately demonstrate the benefits of solar.
There are many options in solar panels for homes, so be sure to ask your contractor what they feel your best options are. The technology of solar panels has increased dramatically in recent years making them more efficient and visually appealing. Solar panel installers will be able to review your options given your specific home, the size, geographic location, and possible locations for the panels.
Residential solar energy was once considered a dream or something only for the rich. However, it has transformed into an everyday option. Residential solar companies are popping up all over the country, and it is unlikely that you will struggle in finding a company to help you in your quest to reduce utility costs with solar panel installation.
