| Pros of home solar power system | | | | what prevents many homeowners from installing |
| - First and most obvious - it will save you a lot. | | | | it. The costs really are quite high - they can run |
| For example, most common system is 1kW and | | | | four to six thousand dollars for a most common |
| if it is well located, it can generate energy worth | | | | household solar power system of 1kW. |
| $2000-2500 a year. | | | | However, as already mentioned, the government |
| - Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emission. | | | | provides some rebates for households that |
| It might not seem like a good enough reason to | | | | qualify. It also helps you to spread the payment |
| go solar, but think about it this way - the more | | | | over several years without paying the interest. |
| people use solar panels, the better ecology we all | | | | Look for government supported solar power |
| have | | | | loans. That is the best way to pay for your new |
| - You would be able to take advantage of | | | | renewable energy system. |
| government rebate program, so part of your | | | | Another approach is to start with a smaller |
| initial installation costs will be returned to you | | | | system and add more panels as the time goes. |
| Cons of going solar | | | | Also different solar energy companies can give |
| - The largest drawback is installation cost, even | | | | you different prices, so you always should shop |
| with rebates you should be prepared to pay a | | | | around and obtain several quotes before you sign |
| few thousand dollars. | | | | with one or the other contractor. |
| - A typical 1kW solar home system probably will | | | | More ways to use solar power |
| not cover all your electricity needs. For a family | | | | Apart from using solar photovoltaic energy to |
| of four (two adults and two kids) it usually covers | | | | power appliances in your home there are several |
| only about 25% of all your electricity cost. To | | | | other ways sunlight power can save you even |
| reduce cost even more you would need to put | | | | more. |
| up solar water heater, which is a separate item | | | | - Use portable solar panels for your garden lights |
| with its own installation costs. | | | | or even as mobile phone and computer chargers |
| - Solar systems perform well only if the panels | | | | - consider thermal water heater even if you have |
| can catch enough sunlight. So if your house is | | | | gas, in the long run water heated by sunlight will |
| surrounded by tall buildings or shaded by the | | | | cost you less then by gas |
| trees, the system will be a waste of money. | | | | - If you have a swimming pool use direct |
| What are installation costs? | | | | circulation systems to heat up your pool water. |
| Initial investment into the solar power system is | | | | You do not need to install any panels for that. |