Solar Power

I recently hosted an eco-learning event at my house, and we are presenting at many others this fall, starting Sept 24 here in Providence (look at our main site for details).  Here's a great, simple summary of benefits of one form of clean energy.

We hope you consider efficiency and renewables for your home. 

Solar Power - The Green Source of Energy

By masshjaaay                                                                              

CNN PRODUCER NOTE    

Solar Power, a renewable source of energy, is one of the most available sources on Earth. However, being an intermittent source of energy, it needs to be enhanced by storage or another energy source. Even though solar energy systems nowadays still have low average efficiencies, due to modern technology, research is being put into developing high-efficient and low-cost systems daily.

Using solar energy is beneficial because it allows a more environmentally friendly or a "greener" way of living. It is also a freely available resource, which is one of its many advantages as once installed and does not cost more than the cost of setting up and routine maintenance. Solar lights and other solar home products are, indeed, environmentally friendly. But you do not need to consider yourself an environmentalist to realize the benefits of using solar powered products.

What are some other benefits of solar powered home products? Well, when you use solar home items, your electricity bills will go down. Why pay outrageous prices for electricity when you can create your own electricity at home?

Another, less-thought-of benefit is the lack of wiring. If you buy solar lights to light up a garden path or if you have solar powered water features, you do not have to worry about installing any wiring.

Also, solar garden lights usually have darkness sensors, so you never even have to worry about turning them on or off. Pretty much, you can pull your solar lights out of the box, place them where you want them, and then never worry about them again.

Let us again go over the benefits of solar energy:
It is environmentally friendly. Solar energy is clean and renewable. It does not pollute (traditional forms of electrical generation do).

Solar panels require very little maintenance. You do not have to worry about recurring costs or adding extra fuel, etc. When you use solar panels in your home, you will save money in the long run. After all, energy from the sun is free once you have purchased your solar panels or solar lights, etc.

There are even some financial incentives from the government that can reduce your cost. And if you do not use as much energy as your solar system uses, you can sell that extra energy to your utility company. When you use solar energy, you are no longer affected by the supply and demand of regular fuel.

Power outages will not affect you if you have a full solar system in your home. When you use solar energy, you lessen your dependence on both centralized and foreign sources of energy. Many solar systems (especially outdoor solar lights and outdoor solar water features, etc.) are very easy to install and require no wiring.