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Install solar electric (PV)

Why This is Green

Solar-electric systems use the ultimate renewable energy source, sunlight, to power part or all of a home's electricity needs. Any energy generated replaces other forms of electricity that have much higher negative environmental impacts, particularly in parts of the country where coal or fossil fuels are used.

Some concerns exist with respect to the manufacture and disposal of solar panels and the water required to support solar power generation. Fortunately, some solar-panel manufacturers have made it a priority to reduce the waste generated and energy used to manufacture solar panels on one hand, while working to recycle the main components of solar panels at the end of their useful lives.

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How To

An investment in a solar-electric system for your home is substantial, but the payback can be relatively quick if your home receives decent sunlight and the system should last for 25 years. It is valuable to evaluate other renewable energy options (wind, geothermal, co-generation) in parts of the country where wind is viable or sunlight isn't as prevalent year-round. You may find other renewable choices can produce more energy for less cost.

Your choice of an experienced contractor, with all the necessary certifications, licenses, permits and insurance, will be vital to the success of a project of this scale. Many financial incentives exist for installing solar systems, and taking advantage of them requires that the contractor understands how each works and how best to take advantage of the range of available incentives.

Some important considerations, with respect to your individual home, include the orientation of your home (i.e. south-facing is best), the amount of shading your home receives, whether net metering is available, and zoning/historic considerations.

One final important note: Performing a wide range of energy-efficiency measures before installing any renewable-energy system is essential for such a project to make sound investment sense.