Solar Panels Frequently Asked Questions

In an article published at HubPages, I reviewed questions and answers that many people have about solar power generally, and solar panels in particular.

Q: Is it expensive to install solar panels?

A: Not necessarily! Depending on where you live and your energy needs, you could install a home-based solar panel system for as little as $7,500. Many states offer incentives to off-set the cost of solar panels, as well. Don’t forget energy tax credits!

Q: How long will it take to recoup my investment in solar panels?

A: The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the size of the solar panel system (number of panels), your overall energy use, tax rebates and other incentives. Estimates range between 10-15 years. As solar technology leads to more efficient solar cells, and grid-payback systems are implemented by energy companies, expect the ROI to drop to 5-10 years.  Thinking beyond just monetary investment, your contribution to help slow global warming and reduce your carbon footprint will lead to an immediate payback.

Q: Does the process of manufacturing solar panels result in pollution?

A: Yes, there is some environmental impact from producing solar panels, as there is with any other manufactured good. But, the environmental costs of manufacturing are outweighed by the environmental benefits of reduced fossil fuel consumption. Even the smallest solar panel system can cut household greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 trees!  And remember that 100% of the electricity produced by solar panels is emissions-free!

Q: Solar power has always been a clean renewable resource – why has it taken so long for people to get interested in solar panels?

A: Since the earliest civilizations, people have been using solar power to warm their shelters and cook their food.  But modern solar panels have only been around for about 50 years.  Solar research and development is leading to more and more efficient solar cells, with higher conversion rates.  Prices are dropping, as well, as materials become more abundant and processes more streamlined.  Still, less than 3% of our nation’s electricity is generated by solar power.  Experts expect that to change over time, with solar energy generation growing at a rate of 20-30% annually. With added tax incentives, concerns about global warming and a strong desire to become energy independent, more and more people are willing to invest in solar panels.

Q: What about excess energy generated by solar panels?

A: If your solar panels create more power than you can use immediately, excess energy can be used to charge batteries on which you can draw later (if you are “off-grid”).  With grid-tied systems, the extra power is fed into the grid. Some utilities credit customers based on the amount of energy put into the grid. This helps defray costs of power drawn on overnight or during less efficient solar energy periods.

What questions do you have about solar panels or solar power in general?

Tags: solar frequently asked questions, solar panel questions, solar panels, solar power

View the original article here

Solar Powered Water Fountain

Solar powered water fountain

Today’s post inspiration came from working in the yard this weekend.  My husband has wanted to put in a small water feature for some time.   So, he found what he thought was a great deal – a stone water fountain for less than $300.   Turns out that it didn’t include the water pump and we’d have to trench wires to the fountain for its operation.

So, why not a solar powered water fountain?

Turns out that my idea has already been considered (of course) and a number of sites sell these items for a solar backyard or garden.  Like solar garden lights, Among the benefits of using solar power in your garden is that you will not have to trench and wire electricity to a solar water fountain.

Use solar power to operate pumps for garden fountains

Solar powered water fountains start as low as $40.  Small solar panels are usually employed to harness free solar electricity to run the pumps necessary for a garden water fountain.

Wondering where to buy a solar powered water fountain?  You can find them at major home improvement retailers and online.  Here are just a few sites:

I am relieved to find that I don’t have to worry about trenching or wiring to install a water feature in my backyard.  With solar power, I can have a convenient, easy to install and operate water fountain or bird bath.

What do you think about a solar powered water fountain.  Do you have one, or does it sound like a possible answer to your landscaping issues?

Tags: solar backyard, solar garden, solar powered water fountain, solar water fountain, water fountain

View the original article here

Solar Power Supported by American Mayors

U.S. Conference of Mayors shows strong support for solar power

At a recent municipal conference last week, a survey revealed that solar power is supported by American mayors, overwhelmingly.   The U.S. Conference of Mayors included leaders from all cities of more than 30,000 people, and took place in Baltimore, Maryland.

Among the issues facing municipal leadership are the development of clean energy technology, deployment of solar power and the creation of green jobs.  To get to the heart of the matter, a Siemens survey was revealed to illustrate the fact that renewable energy resources for clean power is a high priority for American mayors across the country.  This moves solar power, and other technologies, to the forefront.

According to Deborah Dehaney-Howard, spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the survey did not focus exclusively on solar power.  However, the results did show that many city leaders believe solar electricity production, along with energy-efficient building technologies and LED lighting systems, is among the top three most promising clean energy technologies.  However, even though the mayors admitted that the Recession has impacted city budgets, they still plan on increasing use of green energy over the next 5 years.

Overall, one quarter of the cities represented at the conference have already established renewable energy production standards.  In fact, notwithstanding the absence of a national policy on green energy, many cities have incorporated policies to encourage clean energy like solar power within their master plans.

Cities encouraging solar power growth

Even with solar power supported by American Mayors, there are still some geographical differences across the country.  Generally speaking, you’ll find more solar electricity being developed in the West and Northeast.  Yet, overall, 46% of the cities surveyed responded in the survey that they see solar power as one of the most promising clean energy technologies.

Tags: clean energy, green jobs, solar cities, solar conference, solar panels, solar power, u.s. conference of mayors

View the original article here

Solar Panels Frequently Asked Questions

In an article published at HubPages, I reviewed questions and answers that many people have about solar power generally, and solar panels in particular.

Q: Is it expensive to install solar panels?

A: Not necessarily! Depending on where you live and your energy needs, you could install a home-based solar panel system for as little as $7,500. Many states offer incentives to off-set the cost of solar panels, as well. Don’t forget energy tax credits!

Q: How long will it take to recoup my investment in solar panels?

A: The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the size of the solar panel system (number of panels), your overall energy use, tax rebates and other incentives. Estimates range between 10-15 years. As solar technology leads to more efficient solar cells, and grid-payback systems are implemented by energy companies, expect the ROI to drop to 5-10 years.  Thinking beyond just monetary investment, your contribution to help slow global warming and reduce your carbon footprint will lead to an immediate payback.

Q: Does the process of manufacturing solar panels result in pollution?

A: Yes, there is some environmental impact from producing solar panels, as there is with any other manufactured good. But, the environmental costs of manufacturing are outweighed by the environmental benefits of reduced fossil fuel consumption. Even the smallest solar panel system can cut household greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 trees!  And remember that 100% of the electricity produced by solar panels is emissions-free!

Q: Solar power has always been a clean renewable resource – why has it taken so long for people to get interested in solar panels?

A: Since the earliest civilizations, people have been using solar power to warm their shelters and cook their food.  But modern solar panels have only been around for about 50 years.  Solar research and development is leading to more and more efficient solar cells, with higher conversion rates.  Prices are dropping, as well, as materials become more abundant and processes more streamlined.  Still, less than 3% of our nation’s electricity is generated by solar power.  Experts expect that to change over time, with solar energy generation growing at a rate of 20-30% annually. With added tax incentives, concerns about global warming and a strong desire to become energy independent, more and more people are willing to invest in solar panels.

Q: What about excess energy generated by solar panels?

A: If your solar panels create more power than you can use immediately, excess energy can be used to charge batteries on which you can draw later (if you are “off-grid”).  With grid-tied systems, the extra power is fed into the grid. Some utilities credit customers based on the amount of energy put into the grid. This helps defray costs of power drawn on overnight or during less efficient solar energy periods.

What questions do you have about solar panels or solar power in general?

Tags: solar frequently asked questions, solar panel questions, solar panels, solar power

View the original article here

Solar Power Supported by American Mayors

U.S. Conference of Mayors shows strong support for solar power

At a recent municipal conference last week, a survey revealed that solar power is supported by American mayors, overwhelmingly.   The U.S. Conference of Mayors included leaders from all cities of more than 30,000 people, and took place in Baltimore, Maryland.

Among the issues facing municipal leadership are the development of clean energy technology, deployment of solar power and the creation of green jobs.  To get to the heart of the matter, a Siemens survey was revealed to illustrate the fact that renewable energy resources for clean power is a high priority for American mayors across the country.  This moves solar power, and other technologies, to the forefront.

According to Deborah Dehaney-Howard, spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the survey did not focus exclusively on solar power.  However, the results did show that many city leaders believe solar electricity production, along with energy-efficient building technologies and LED lighting systems, is among the top three most promising clean energy technologies.  However, even though the mayors admitted that the Recession has impacted city budgets, they still plan on increasing use of green energy over the next 5 years.

Overall, one quarter of the cities represented at the conference have already established renewable energy production standards.  In fact, notwithstanding the absence of a national policy on green energy, many cities have incorporated policies to encourage clean energy like solar power within their master plans.

Cities encouraging solar power growth

Even with solar power supported by American Mayors, there are still some geographical differences across the country.  Generally speaking, you’ll find more solar electricity being developed in the West and Northeast.  Yet, overall, 46% of the cities surveyed responded in the survey that they see solar power as one of the most promising clean energy technologies.

Tags: clean energy, green jobs, solar cities, solar conference, solar panels, solar power, u.s. conference of mayors

View the original article here

Save Money with Solar Power and Smart Meters

Many homes and businesses in California will be having smart meters installed pursuant to a mandate of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).  But what does this mean, exactly?  How can smart meters help you save money?

How can smart meters help you save money?

In short, smart meters give consumers the tools they need to help them manage their electricity demands and lower utility bills.  When you have solar panels on your property and are grid-connected, they can also account for excess solar electricity generated, which can end up giving you a credit on your bill.

In short, a smart meter collects information for the smart grid.  They have been described as connecting your home to the grid in a similar manner as a cable or DSL modem connects your computer to the Internet.

Unlike the electro-mechancial analog meters with which you are probably familiar, smart meters include digital displays that precisely record the amount of energy you use, and then sends the information directly to the utility company.  That’s right…. the traditional “meter reader” is replaced with direct, 2-way communication between your property and the utility.  This is more efficient and more accurate.

Utilities can cut costs related to on-site meter reading and can even address service disruptions remotely.  The other benefit is that peak load times can be better managed.  Utilities can match real-time demands on the grid with information flowing directly to it.  Moreover, instead of simply looking at a consumer’s total consumption, smart meters pinpoint the exact times of day that electricity is used.  If you want power during peak hours, you will pay more than if you shift energy consumption to off-peak hours, say by washing dishes or doing laundry later at night.

Generally speaking, smart meters record the solar power generated by your residential solar power system.  This allows you the opportunity for net metering to get credit for solar electricity you feed back into the grid.

Consumers are finding that they can save money with solar power and smart meters.  First, installing solar is more affordable than ever with falling prices and continued government rebates and incentives.  Second, its much easier to finance solar power, which can further cut down on the cost of solar electricity.  Experts believe that TOU (time of use) pricing via smart meters for residential use is just a few years away.  When you factor in solar power, the impact of such a structure will be minimized because homeowners can “smooth out the gaps” in generation vs. demand.  Lots of solar electricity generation during the day (when people are at school and work), and then higher demand in the evening and morning hours.

Turns out to be a win-win for both the homeowners and the utilities with solar power and smart meters!

Tags: smart grid, smart meters, smart meters solar, solar power, solar smart meters

View the original article here

Solar Powered Water Fountain

Solar powered water fountain

Today’s post inspiration came from working in the yard this weekend.  My husband has wanted to put in a small water feature for some time.   So, he found what he thought was a great deal – a stone water fountain for less than $300.   Turns out that it didn’t include the water pump and we’d have to trench wires to the fountain for its operation.

So, why not a solar powered water fountain?

Turns out that my idea has already been considered (of course) and a number of sites sell these items for a solar backyard or garden.  Like solar garden lights, Among the benefits of using solar power in your garden is that you will not have to trench and wire electricity to a solar water fountain.

Use solar power to operate pumps for garden fountains

Solar powered water fountains start as low as $40.  Small solar panels are usually employed to harness free solar electricity to run the pumps necessary for a garden water fountain.

Wondering where to buy a solar powered water fountain?  You can find them at major home improvement retailers and online.  Here are just a few sites:

I am relieved to find that I don’t have to worry about trenching or wiring to install a water feature in my backyard.  With solar power, I can have a convenient, easy to install and operate water fountain or bird bath.

What do you think about a solar powered water fountain.  Do you have one, or does it sound like a possible answer to your landscaping issues?

Tags: solar backyard, solar garden, solar powered water fountain, solar water fountain, water fountain

View the original article here