Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Solar Energy- What Do You Stand To Lose?

The world today has become highly dependent on fossil fuels as a source of energy and the search for alternative fuel sources has already begun. Having reliable solar power systems seems to be our best bet. But a lot of us are still pessimistic about this new kind of energy generation. Why? The answer is simple; we haven't tried it out yet. Using this alternative energy, we don't lose anything but stand to gain a whole lot of benefits. Let's look at a few of them.    
1. Saves you cash on energy bills
Once the initial investment on the purchase and installation of the solar kit is recovered, the electricity generated from the sun is practically FREE. The amount of electricity your household uses will determine how fast you recover your initial investment.
If the energy that you utilize is less than what your system produces, that excess energy will run your meter backwards, thus crediting on your own account. This is called net metering. This will be the case if you are connected to your utility grid. Since solar energy does not require any fuel, there are on costs incurred after installation and the savings are immediate and for several years to come. Its use also indirectly reduces health costs.

2. Living Green
Unlike oil, coal and other nonrenewable forms of energy, solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, thereby protecting environment. It doesn’t contribute to the pollution of our air through the release of gases like nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury to the atmosphere.
Therefore solar energy has nothing to do with global warming or acid rain. By not using any fuel, solar energy does not have problems with transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste (in the case of conventional sources).

3. Independence
With solar power, the consumption of energy supplied by utility companies is reduced. Reducing your electricity bill is just a fraction of its benefits. Whenever there's an electric outage, it serves as a backup supplying your home/ business with electricity. Being that Solar technology systems can operate independently, they can therefore be installed in remote locations (that have no connection to the grid), which makes it cost-effective.
Solar technology utilization is not influenced by natural disasters or international events. You don't have to worry about increase in energy bills, and so it makes a sustainable and energy independent future more realistic.

4. Low/ no maintenance
Most solar energy systems have over twenty years warranty (over two decades) and are maintenance free. Once installed, there are no recurring costs and so you get to be your own energy provider. Unlike backup generators, solar systems have no moving parts and operate silently. Neither does it release offensive smells nor do you need to add any fuel. Upgrading is also easy. More solar panel systems can certainly be added as your home or business demands for it.

The time to switch from fossil fuels to an inexhaustible source of energy has come. Over the years, stopping the pollution and damage caused by these fossil fuels to the environment has become a priority. Today, due to global warning, the need for alternative energy sources has been realized. Solar powered system is the energy solution for consumers today. Why don't you try it out.

Renewable Energy- Few Ways To Make Money with Solar Power

Imagine making money from a free source of energy with no electric bills attached. After reading through this article, you'll get to know a few of the many ways to make money with solar power.

Ever since the advent of electricity, man has been tied to that monthly ritual of paying electricity bills. A lot of electric utility companies have made money off us and in a crazy way too. It's just like paying the car dealer every time we use the car purchased from him. How stupid! I guess one of the main reasons for the low availability of solar electricity is cost. The good thing is that once a home can become power independent, the initial investment of purchasing the solar energy system is returned over time, usually a few years. But not many people are willing to wait that long. So how can you make that initial investment back within a shorter period of time? Below are a few hints to get you started. 

1. Sell it to a Business startup
Installing the complete solar energy system into your home immediately after purchase might not be a good idea, especially if you want a quick return on investment. Instead, sell it at a profit to a startup offering rental services. Why? Businesses offering rental services like halls for occasions need to have a standby generator in case of power failure. This is common in countries that have unreliable power supply, like mine.
The people renting end up being charged for the use of the generator. In the case of using solar power, the business charges the customers for the use of the sun. Well, in the form of hidden charges of course. That business would be grateful to you and you can still buy another complete system and still have extra cash.

2. Start Your Own Business  
If you already own a rental service business, install the solar energy system. It'll save you on electric bills as discussed earlier. If you don't, start one. How? One way is to get a hall and install your solar energy system. Another way is to use your house. If you have a spacious garden, beautify it and make it more attractive. When customers pay you, you won't have to pay any bills so most of the money goes into your pocket. Well, you'll have to pay for cleaning if you want more patronage.

3. Make it an Added Advantage for Your Customers
If you run a roadside bar, lemonade or coffee joint, you could include a small charging depot on the go. This will be good for customers who while going to or coming from work stop by to take a bite or drink. They could recharge their accessories like phones or laptops while munching. You must have built a reputation of trust with your customers before doing this due to issues of theft.

4. Learn About Solar Installation
If the previous tips don't work for you, then you could take a guide on solar electricity installation. Before or after you purchase your solar electricity components, you can take a course on installation and get the necessary tools. That way, you can sell your solar components and even offer to install it as an added service. You'll get your money back with profit. This is one easy way to build a solar electricity business.

5. Increase Your Real Estate Value
If you're into real estate,  you can purchase an apartment house, renovate it and install solar electricity. This will really boost the value of the house. Afterwards, you can rent  out the apartments at any price of your choice. The number of flats you rent out will determine how fast you get a return on your initial investment.  

Throughout the world, the cost of energy generation continuously increases. Many homes and businesses have realized that the only way to stop these rising costs is to switch to solar energy. Though the costs of installation can be high, the money comes back to you. But don't just let your solar energy system save you money, let it make money for you.

Alternative Energy- Increase Your Home Value with Solar Power

Do you know that there are many ways to increase the value of your home? Well, I know of a way that will not only save you lots of money, it will increase the initial cost of your home in multiple folds. I am talking about solar energy. Let me explain…

Solar energy is not only an inexhaustible way to run your home but it is also energy-efficient. How? Well, since the sun is not on a payroll to shine, it's rays are basically free. This is one of the numerous gifts given to us by nature. So how do we use these free rays to generate free electricity for our homes? Well, in simple terms, the rays from the sun are converted into electricity through the use of solar panels and a bunch of other devices. In this way, we save our nonrenewable resources by getting off our local electric utility grid and become energy independent.
Turning your house into a green home will increase it's selling price, thereby increasing it's value. In doing this, you'll be rendering the future homeowners a favour because they will not have the energy bill they are used to. Alongside the monthly savings, they will get a tax break for going green (well, in countries that have tax-faithful citizens). That fact alone would attract buyers, especially when the house next door has a huge monthly energy bill.

It's one thing to want a solar powered home, it's another thing to install it. Most people often feel thrilled about the idea of a solar powered home but then get discouraged when they hear about installation costs. You don't need to worry about the installation costs. You get your initial investment back within four years of use. The amount of money saved using this alternative energy is definitely something to look forward to.

The value of your home is enhanced if solar panels are used all over it. The free electricity produced can be used to heat water, your pool, turn on lights, bake, power your pc, and more. The advantages of having a green home are endless.

If raising the value of your home is on your to-do-list, then I guess you should consider owning a solar powered home. It will not only increase the value of your home, but your will save money on energy bills and even make money from it every month.