Even as the cost of home solar falls, the cost of conventional electricity continues to rise. The Energy Information Administration predicts that energy consumption will more than double by 2035 worldwide. Homeowners are starting to look at solar energy as protection against future price increases.
Fortunately, there are many solar options that will not only immediately reduce your monthly energy bills, but save you even more money over time. Here are five of the best.
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1. Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar water heaters can cut your hot water costs by more than 50 percent. That kind of efficiency means that you’ll recoup the initial installation costs in around 5 years. Since the solar panels for these systems last 20 years or longer, you’ll enjoy many years of extra savings. A number of rebates and incentive programs can substantially reduce upfront costs as well. In fact, in many areas, there are more programs offered for solar hot water than there are for home photovoltaic (PV) systems.
2. Small Residential PV Systems
Even a few residential solar panels can make a significant impact in monthly electric bills, particularly if your utility company has a tiered-rate system. Utilities typically offer a base rate to cover basic electrical needs, but as your consumption increases, so do the rates. Many utilities increase rates further during peak-demand periods. The time of day when electricity is most in demand is usually in the afternoon, when solar panels are at their highest efficiency. As solar panels are modular, you always have the option to add more later.
3. Ground-Mounted (Backyard) Systems
If you’d like to go solar, but your home’s roof simply isn’t a good candidate for solar panels, consider a ground-mounted system. In the past, ground-mounted systems were considered more expensive, as they require extra equipment. But more and more solar contractors are offering ground-mounted systems that operate with GPS technology, enabling them to tilt towards the sun as it crosses the sky. This increased efficiency can offset the additional costs.
4. Solar Shingles
If you’re considering installing a new roof on your home, incorporating solar shingles into the design is another affordable way to work solar energy into your life. You’ll spend less than if you purchased a roof and a home PV system separately.
5. Solar Leases
Solar leases make it possible for just about any homeowner to enjoy lower electrical bills for little or no money down. The solar provider will install a system for you, maintain and insure it, and you just pay the provider for the electricity that the system produces at a locked-in rate, protecting you from rising energy costs.
Have You Gone Solar?
Have you made the switch to solar? What type of system did you go for, and why? Let me know in the comments!
Posted
on February 3rd in Going Solar by Feyth.
Solar Power 
