You will be hard pressed to find a group of people who treasure the land quite as much as farmers and ranchers; after all, their livelihood and way of life depend upon it. Farmers and ranchers realize that their future depends upon the preservation of our natural resources, and that is why California agricultural farms are leading the nation in agricultural businesses pursuing solar energy.

California has long been known for her warm sunshine and for centuries, those warm rays have facilitated the growth of a large percentage of our nation’s food source. Today, those sunny rays are being harassed for another purpose. California growers are recognizing the many benefits of converting to alternative solar energy, as the companies profiled in this article “Growing with Solar” show. Not only can they save money in fueling their operations, but they can also sell their unused energy credits back to the utility grid. They can take advantage of California’s incentive programs, and end up recouping the installation costs in only a few years time.

The key to the preservation of our world’s resources is respecting the land and doing all we can to encourage sustainable and renewable ways of life. Solar energy is the self-sufficient home and business owner’s best friend. You might look into how solar can benefit your lifestyle. As noted in the above-referenced article, our grandparent’s learned conservation during the Great Depression. We are once again faced with economic turmoil that is threatening to rival that time period. It is now our turn to tighten our belts and look for ways to reduce waste. If you are ready to make the shift towards solar energy in your home, then check out the incentive programs offered by your state. Remember, even though there is initial expense, the long-term savings normally balance it out. Request free estimates from prescreened solar installers in your area today.

Photo Credit: Kevin

Solar power for cars is one of the most promising alternatives being developed. Though still in its infancy stages, the technology made a major advancement recently when a completely solar-powered car made a successful journey around the world. Swiss teacher and adventurer Louis Palmer built his own car that runs completely off of solar power. It can go as fast as 55mph and can travel 185 miles on a full battery.

Palmer arrived at the U.N. Climate Conference this past week after spending the past 17 months traveling through 38 countries. Palmer’s journey represents the first solar-powered car to successfully drive around the world. Palmer undertook this mission to demonstrate to the conference and to the world as a whole that it is possible to cut fuel-related carbon emissions by 100%.

Even though Palmer’s car is still only a rough prototype, his main objective is to prove that it can be done. He has already driven his car for his own personal purposes for over a year in addition to his most recent trip, as well as given rides to prominent people such as New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kiboom. Thanks to Palmer, we now see that a fully functional solar-powered car is a reality. As he has said himself, the car manufactures should be more than capable of expounding upon his prototype and developing something for widespread use.

According to this article in the Marin Independent Journal, Marin County leads the Bay Area in the installation of solar systems. The article sites a number of reasons why Marin is so progressive. The area has always been more aware of environmental concerns, and with the recent higher energy costs and more awareness being brought to global warming, the number of new system installations has really increased.

The local government is also doing its part to encourage the movement. It is waiving or reducing all permit fees; and in combination with the state and federal incentive programs, the total cost of the system is reduced by more than $10,000 in many cases.

If you are in the Marin area and want to join your fellow citizens in installing solar power, here are three prescreened contractors who specialize in solar installations.

• Light Energy Systems. This Contra Costa based company has been in business for over thirty years. Unlike many of the new companies that have sprung up in more recent years, advancing the use of solar systems has been Light Energy System’s passion in life. They are all-inclusive, able to custom-fit whatever solar system you are interested in.
• Real Goods Solar. This company also brings many years of experience to their work. Established in 1978, they have led the alternative energy world by selling and installing solar systems, as well as educating the Marin area about the benefits of alternative energy.
• Super Solar. This small family-owned business has the advantage of their two owners building and installing every system themselves. This ensures quality control, and they place their pride of workmanship into every project. They hope “to be the best little solar company in the East Bay.”

These are just a few of the hundreds of solar installers we have prescreened for your convenience nation-wide. Check-out which installers are located in your area, and request free estimates today.

Photovoltaic panels are a key element in a solar system, so what is their average lifespan? Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electrical currents. A system that produces 1kWh of power costs averages around $5,000-$7,000. This number varies significantly based on your area, and many homes require a larger system than 1kWh. Ordinarily, these systems have a fairly long lifespan, lasting more than 20 years. Most manufacturers offer 10-20 year warranties. The amount of energy you’ll save in that time period should more than reimburse your initial expense.

The lifespan varies based upon the amount of usage. Proper routine maintenance will help to prolong the lifespan as well. Twenty years is a long period of time. To see how the installation expense compares to my current utility bill, I ran some quick figures.

My monthly electric bill averages $75 per month. Compute that over a twenty year period, and I am spending approximately $18,000 on electricity. In addition to that, I’m spending $45 per month on a gas hot water heater. Over twenty years, that is an extra $10,800. Even if we spend $15,000-$20,000 on a photovoltaic system, we will still be saving money in the long run. We can possibly even take advantage of a net metering program as well as any financial incentives offered by our state to reduce that expense. Ultimately, it’s a no-brainer decision. I can add value to my home along with achieving energy independence for less than what I’m paying right now.

1. Alternative Energy Ltd. Engineering is based out of Jefferson, Colorado. This company provides and installs photovoltaic panels, along with the rest of the components needed for an alternative energy system all over the State of Colorado. The above link provides visual examples of their work.
2. A & M Energy Solutions. this general contracting company specializes in marketing and installing photovoltaic systems in the Los Angeles area. As demonstrated in the pictures provided, they pride themselves in creating modern, attractive, and efficient systems for both residential and commercial applications.
3. All Seasons Roofing Services is unique in that it is a roofing company that specializes in building integrated photovoltaic solar power (BIPV) into roofing systems. They have been in business in the San Francisco region for over 20 years.

This is just a sampling of the hundreds of solar contractors our service has screened for your convenience in many states throughout the country. Every major solar contractor in California is currently certified through CalFinder Solar. If you want to find out more about installing solar on your home, then request free estimates from a CalFinder Solar-certified solar professional in your area.

1. The sun is a renewable and unlimited form of energy for us to tap. With enough solar farms, the sun could supply enough energy to everyone in the world with some to spare.
2. Currently, 85% of the United States’ energy is being supplied by fossil fuels. Not only are these resources in short supply, they will eventually run out, and we are purchasing them from some nations that don’t like us and are growing rich off of our patronage.
3. Solar panels are no longer the ugly albatross they once were. Now, you can choose between pole mounts, roof mounts, roof shingles, and solar trees that are modern and attractive.
4. All of those fossil fuels we are burning are producing harmful gasses, harming the atmosphere and depleting our natural resources.
5. Many states are pursuing active programs to promote solar installation. They offer a number of financial incentives in the form of rebates, tax credits, and loans. Check out what your state has to offer. Solar energy may be more feasible than you previously imagined.

These are a just a handful of arguments in favor of solar energy. In addition to these, why not create your own energy independence? Why remain reliant on utility grids and fossil fuels, when you can create a more self-sufficient lifestyle that is not harmed by unexpected blackouts? Request free estimates from prescreened solar contractors in your area, and you may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it really is.   

Florida, the sunshine state and a favorite for vacationers and retirees. Looking out my window at our dreary rainy Oregon weather, Florida is sounding pretty appealing at the moment. If you already are enjoying her tropical beaches or are considering a move in that direction, these new tax credits may peak your interest.

In a progressive mindset, the State of Florida has taken the initiative to offer tax incentives to builders to encourage the inclusion of solar systems into new home construction. Florida already had a number of incentives in place, but the recent housing rescue plan included some additional tax credits that make the inclusion of solar systems into new homes surprisingly affordable for contractors. After deducting all of the financial incentives, a 2 kWh system will only cost the contractor $2500-4000. The new homeowner can also benefit, receiving $450 back from the utility company and up to 30% of the total expense back.

Amazingly, this allows contractors to offer a great selling feature to potential homebuyers, and homebuyers reap the benefits by getting a new home with alternative power for the same price as they would have paid for a new home without the custom feature four years ago. This is a great concept that other states should implement as well. Not only does it give the construction industry a boost, but it also encourages the advancement of alternative energy. In addition, it is helping to stimulate the lackluster housing market, providing incentive at an affordable price.

It’s cold and rainy outside, and there is a good chance you have just received your first heating bill for the season. Whether you have gas, wood, or electric heat, all are pretty expensive this year, leading many of us to look for more affordable alternatives. Solar is one of the first that comes to mind for many, so how do you know if there is solar in your neighborhood?

Technically, you individually can have solar pretty much anywhere. You invest in the photovoltaic panels which are installed in your yard or on your roof. There are other solar methods you can incorporate into your home, such as passive solar heat gain and solar hot water systems. If cost is a concern to you, check-out what financial incentives are available in your state and community. Remember that even though the initial expense is high, you will earn that money back over time in lower energy bills.

Aside from installing solar equipment, you can see what community programs are already in place. Sometimes, your public utility company may already be supplementing the power grid with some form of alternative energy. This can include their own solar or wind farms, or a net metering program that rewards customers for producing their own alternative energy, allowing them to sell their excess back to the utility.

Talk with friends and neighbors regarding what programs are available in your area. In some areas throughout our country, there are organized programs that encourage neighborhoods to switch to solar energy together. Sometimes, this can help with affordability and the success of the systems. Here are a few quick FAQs regarding solar systems to get you started. Request free estimates from prescreened solar installers in your neighborhood.

Ever considered buying manure? Probably not, unless you like to garden or to use it around your yard. Well, you might just find yourself investing in a little manure sooner than you might think. There is a new manure-based farm-to-consumer energy program being developed dubbed Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) Cow Power.

CVPS is the public utility company sponsoring the program. The Rutland, Vermont United States Forest Service is the most recent major partner to join the program, one of the first of its kind. The program works by an entity such as the Forest Service or anyone interested in joining by paying more for their electricity, a $0.04 premium on 25% of the amount of electricity consumed. The funds raised are given to farm-producers, providing them with generators fueled by methane produced from manure. These farms have renewable energy systems that have the ability to produce enough renewable energy to supplement the utility grid.

Programs such as this are a way for each of us to participate in producing alternative and renewable energy, even if we don’t have the ability to have our own equipment. Working together, it is quite feasible for our country to achieve independence from foreign oil. Check-out what programs are available in your community, and if there aren’t any, perhaps you can take the lead with a program all of your own.

Link:

U.S. Forest Service Turns to Cow Power

Lots of Solar Support

Just this summer, Hawaii became the first state to make solar thermal water heaters mandatory in all new homes built after January, 2010. The state is already quite supportive of solar systems, offering residents a 35% state income tax credit. This, in combination with the federal incentive of $2,000 and another $1,000 offered by utility companies, has led to the installation of 80,000 solar water heaters in about 25% of the homes on the islands. Hawaii must import most of its energy, one reason why it’s so important for the state to find alternative energy sources.

Critics

Critics of the bill include people from both the solar and building industries who argue that this will negatively affect home prices, making them even more out of reach for the locals. They also worry that a mandatory requirement will weaken the quality of the systems installed. Supporters counter the first argument by pointing out that the installation price can simply be included in the mortgage and that the added payment will be less than the monthly savings over conventional fuels. As to the quality of the systems, contractors can’t receive permits for their projects unless they comply. Additionally, the systems will be inspected along with the rest of the project.