PRACTICAL SOLUTION FOR HOME OWNERS

The Basics of Solar Energy

Solar energy is the primary source of energy on Earth and is responsible for almost all natural processes.

Get the Facts About Solar Energy

#1. The earth receives about 1,366 watts of direct solar radiation per square meter.

That’s an incredible amount of energy. In fact, it has been estimated that the total surface area required to power the world with solar energy is only around 366,375 square kilometers. That may seem like a lot unless you visualize the area like this.

#2. Amount of solar energy in solar radiation that ‘goes to waste’: 99.99%

Homes with solar energy in the United States hover at somewhere under 1% of the total. That’s an incredibly low market penetration when compared to something like air conditioning (50-60% of homes). While there are obvious practical barriers affecting residential solar installation rates, the solar energy industry is expected to grow 20-40% per year for the next 10 years.

#3. Amount of US electricity that comes from coal: 43%

Most people are unaware of this, but some experts assert that global civilization is firmly planted in the golden years of the coal era. Without taking into account the embedded costs of coal mining, distribution, and burning for energy, coal-powered electricity is cheap. This will not always be the case. U.S. electricity prices increase at a rate of 6% per year and future policies, like carbon tax credits or solar renewable energy credits, could change the game very quickly. Even without these changes, solar energy has already reached what is called grid parity (it’s as cheap as coal-based electricity) in some areas (like Hawaii), and this area is expected to expand rapidly by 2012.

#4. Return on Investment (ROI) of home solar: over 100%

A major solar energy industry report from 2009 indicated that there are four primary barriers to solar adoption: cost, complexity, misinformation, and inertia.
It’s important to consider that solar panels are the only home improvement that pay for themselves, and depending on local factors (especially electricity rates and state rebates) full payback can occur very quickly. Every state in the US offers the Federal solar tax credit and has a unique blend of  state, and local utility incentives, subsidies, and rebates available to homeowners interested in solar power.
In some areas, as much as 90% of the cost of a home solar array can be offset by rebates and solar energy credits. All of this will be covered in more detail on Solar Energy Facts. In addition to this there are many emerging companies aimed at helping consumers navigate the solar buying marketplace.


 

Solar Power Facts is here to help.

We want you to be informed, so we’ve compiled a great deal of information and resources that should help you become a smart, savvy consumer. We’re also here to help you go solar, in the event that you want to get a few free quotes from local solar installers.

Because buying solar energy for your home IS complex.

Buyer beware. There is no standard pricing for solar panels, and solar installation companies have little incentive to offer you the best price. The online researcher must be extremely cautious when searching for general information, since the search engines have reached a saturation point with solar companies, individuals, and middlemen trying to sell you solar.
There are numerous good solar companies out there, as well as services that are trying to make it easier for homeowners to go solar.