What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy comes in two forms: solar thermal that uses the sun to heat water and solar photovoltaic (PV) that uses the sun to generate electricity. Solar energy is a highly reliable and proven technology for producing clean energy at your home. A good quality professionally installed solar PV system is likely to outlast the rest of your home. Solar thermal is less expensive than solar PV and often has a quicker return on investment. Solar can be installed anywhere that you have a south-facing location that is not shaded.
The modern solar industry began with the oil embargo of 1973-1974 and was strengthened with the second embargo in 1979. The solar market was helped during this period by government assistance, both Federal and State. In recent years, the solar industry has seen tremendous growth as more people realize the practicality and affordability of solar energy. The expansion of the use of solar energy has many benefits including cleaner air, economic development, national security and the prevention of global warming.
What Incentives are There?
To encourage more people to use clean solar energy, many states and/or utility companies provide financial incentives that make the purchase easier. Visit the Database of State Incentives of Renewable Energy (DSIRE) web site for a list of available incentives in your state. Starting on January 1, 2006 the federal government starts giving out the first federal solar tax credits since the Carter Administration. Here are downloadable fact sheets on how to apply for the federal tax credits; for Homes and for Businesses. There is also a federal grant for rural businesses that is part of the Farm Bill, here is a link for a downloadable fact sheet on the Section 9006 grants. (Downloads Coming Soon!)
Is Solar Installation Safe? Solar energy has now been around for decades and is now a widely available and proven technology. To assure a high-quality solar installation, we recommend a professional installer that is NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified.Click here for their web site and a list of qualified installers. Please contact SACE for more information on how you can be a generator of solar energy.
Solar PV vs. Solar Thermal Photovoltaic (PV) technology turns sunlight directly into electricity. While the capital cost of installing photovoltaic equipment is high, the fuel (or sunlight) is limitless and free. In addition, photovoltaic modules outlast most other parts of the house and are an excellent added value to your home. There are two types of photovoltaic modules: crystalline or multi-crystalline and thin film. While thin film is cheaper and more flexible, at this time SACE recommends the purchase and use of proven crystalline and multi-crystalline PV modules because of the high levels of efficiency and long-term reliability of this technology.
Solar Thermal devices use direct heat from the sun to heat water to useful temperatures. Currently, solar thermal devices do everything from heating water for your Kitchen or swimming pool to being used for heating your home. Solar thermal has a much quicker pay back period and is much more affordable than installing a PV system the two also complement each other when installed together.
When faced with energy outages and electricity price increases, homeowners can really benefit from the added economic value and security of installing either a solar thermal or solar PV system to their home or business.
