| With all the talk about global warming and oil | | | | newer energy-efficient ones, that free half will |
| shortages, coal and nuclear power, political and | | | | become two-thirds or more. As solar devices get |
| environmental activists start to sound like a | | | | more common, the price will drop, and you can |
| modern game of dueling dogmas. In the end, we | | | | augment your system with a simple tie-in of new |
| each make up our minds based on whatever | | | | panels. You'll reach your energy-independent goal. |
| information and prejudices we pick up and carry | | | | If that's your goal. |
| around. So how does a person decide what to do | | | | Reason #2: Too complicated, period. |
| about alternative energy ideas? Here are the top | | | | Was true; isn't anymore. Today's systems are |
| five reasons to decide to put off deciding. | | | | well designed and far more efficient than those |
| Reason #5: Solar power is just too darned | | | | just ten years ago. The 20-30k price is for an |
| expensive. | | | | installed system. If you can do a little carpentry |
| It's true. To generate enough electricity to run a | | | | and basic wiring, you can buy a kit with all the |
| typical home north of Maryland, a good system | | | | components for much less. You'll want an |
| of solar panels costs from $20,000 to $30,000. At | | | | electrician for the final tie-in to the grid if you're |
| 2004 energy rates, it would take 10 to 12 years | | | | going to stay connected, but the rest is within the |
| to pay off the cost. At 2008 energy rates, it | | | | range of a moderately skilled amateur. |
| takes considerably less. At least until December | | | | Instructions are widely available, and most kit |
| 2008, there is a federal tax incentive program | | | | sellers provide a lot of hand-holding while you |
| that will subsidize a large percentage of most | | | | mount your system. This would be a great |
| systems. Many states provide an additional credit. | | | | barn-raising project if several people in a town |
| Some go so far as to prohibit towns from taxing | | | | bought kits. There could be a roving group of |
| the increase in property value a solar electric | | | | owner-assemblers for each installation, and only |
| panel provides. After it's all done, your payback | | | | one electrician would be needed for the checkout. |
| time drops to 7 to 10 years, after which you | | | | A neighborhood improvement project, anyone? |
| have at least another 15 years of essentially free | | | | And finally, Reason #1: I'll just wait until they get |
| electricity. And don't forget, you can sell excess | | | | the bugs ironed out. |
| output to the power company if your system | | | | Yup, that's always an option. I'm still waiting for |
| ties into the grid. | | | | the perfect car for under $5000, and maybe I |
| Reason #4: These things are kind of New Age-y. | | | | should wait another five years before I buy a |
| Not true. Most energy conservation measures | | | | computer; think how great they'll be then! |
| make use of technology used in the Roman | | | | Meanwhile I'll walk and let the internet pass me by |
| Empire. It's not New Age. It's cutting edge. | | | | completely. Sorry, this one just doesn't wash. The |
| Besides, it makes you increasingly independent, | | | | minute your solar panels are generating electricity, |
| which in this country means increasingly free. | | | | you start saving money. If you're thinking of solar |
| Taking responsibility for 'making our own' | | | | to combat global warming, to decrease your (our) |
| whenever we can is not a modern concept. | | | | dependence on foreign energy sources, to save a |
| Independence; freedom; responsibility - sounds | | | | lot of money, or just because it feels like the |
| pretty old fashioned to me. | | | | right thing to do, consider these five reasons |
| Reason #3: I live too far north. Solar will never | | | | carefully before you decide to not decide. Don't |
| provide all my energy needs. | | | | wait until the only place you can get |
| Maybe true in 2008. Probably not true in 2015. | | | | solar-generated electricity is to buy it from the |
| More important though: it is NOT all or nothing. | | | | same utility companies and energy suppliers |
| Even if a solar panel provides only half your | | | | you've always dealt with. Take responsibility for |
| electrical needs, that's half you don't have to buy | | | | yourself, your home, your life. The rest of the |
| from the grid. As you replace appliances with | | | | world can follow you for a change. |