For many of us, the start of a new year leaves thoughts of sunshine and warmth far from our minds. Instead we’re digging out of the snow and trying to stay warm. Still, the days begin to get noticeably longer, the nights a little less frigid, and new year’s resolutions start piling up in our minds. And for solar enthusiasts, this may be the best year on record for seeing our solar resolutions come true.

Even while many states, which may have been victims of their own success, will likely scale back their own solar incentives, the federal government has already made their own residential solar tax credits as generous as ever. And the Obama administration has promised to go beyond that. So now is as good a time as any to make that list of solar aspirations and begin acting on them. Following is my own list of solar resolutions for the new year which, I hope, will provide ideas or inspiration for you as well as me.

1. Go Solar. Always start with the biggest first. Set your aims high. You have, after all, an entire year or longer to make it happen. Remember that this idea to “Go Solar” denotes a process. You don’t necessarily have to run out and buy solar panels. In fact, going solar begins with some very simple steps. To get started –>  get free estimates from our contractors.
2. Have Fun in the Sun. Get out and enjoy the sun when you see it. If you can’t afford a full-on solar electric system, look into solar thermal, which is much more inexpensive but privy to the same solar incentives. Also check out fun solar gadgets to introduce a sort of solar mentality into your new year. Think solar ovens, solar chargers, and more. The thing is, these gadgets are fun, useful, and all save energy in some way.
3. Conserve and Save. Are the up-front costs of solar still intimidating? First of all, there are a wealth of financing options that can erase out-of-pocket expenses. Secondly, start conserving and saving energy in the home. It is the first step to evaluating your home’s solar potential and essential to getting the best bang for your buck from any future solar installation. Try installing energy efficient appliances, windows, insulation, etc. Most of these are much more affordable and come with rebates and incentives themselves. They will also help improve the impact of your ultimate goal: a solar system.
4. Get Involved, Educated, Employed. The start of the new year does not come without trepidation. The economy is depressed and even the greatest optimists admit that the near future is looking even more bleak. There is only one seeming exception to such dire prophecies: green-collar jobs. The solar industry is among the strongest in the renewable energy sector, with hundreds of thousands of new jobs expected in the next few years. Now is also the best time to look into opportunities in the solar industry. What better way to get started on going solar then by learning how to do it yourself…and getting paid well for it?

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Posted on January 8th in Going Solar by Dan.