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Rebates on Solar Installations

Jay Slough - Friday, May 21, 2010

Federal and state governments are pushing hard to make it easier for homeowners to integrate solar energy as a viable and affordable way of powering their homes. They now have rebates for solar installations to encourage the installation of solar panels at the home owner level. The majority of states are trying to urge their residents to ‘switch on’ to renewable energy by leveraging the power of the sun. Solar installation rebates from the government will definitely help homeowners to afford solar power systems.

A lot of people across the U.S. have been smart enough to install solar panels in their homes. The solar panels are highly efficient particularly when several panels are used in series. This set up can return enough power for a home to go completely ‘off grid’. The government has recognized the intrinsic value of solar installations so rebates are now available for those who opt to switch to the use of solar power for their homes. Try to visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency or DSIRE.org. for more information regarding rebates. DSIRE identifies the available programs that homeowners may be eligible for and how much the rebate will be. Below are some examples of rebates and incentives that the federal and state governments are offering:

Federal Tax Credits. The Federal Government is now providing a 30% rebate for a residential solar power system. This took effect following the adoption of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the enforcement of the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. Furthermore, there is no longer a cap as to the amount that can be claimed toward the cost of solar panels. The amount was previously restricted to only $2,000. The rebate now covers the cost of the materials as well as the cost of labor.

Renewable Energy Credit (REC).  Generating renewable energy is generally accepted, and installing a system such as solar panels can create a credit which state governments want to purchase. This typically comes in the form of a check issued directly to the homeowner for a certain percentage of the system. There are even manufacturers who are willing to deduct the amount from the price of the system and then pursue the credit from the utility. This favors customers and makes it easier for them to afford the system because they no longer have to wait for the utility rebate, which may take a couple of months.

Municipal Financing. This program has been devised to allow the cost of solar panels to be covered by municipal tax funds for an extended period of time. The program is normally funded by municipal bonds and in most instances, the payment scheme lasts for twenty years. In case the house is sold prior to the end of that period, the solar installation, and whatever tax liability remains, is transferred to the new owner of the property.

Net Metering. A number of energy firms are implementing programs that allow consumers with solar power systems to sell the excess power they generate back to their energy companies. In the event that the customers’ system produces more than they consume, the meter simply spins backwards. All utilities in the United States are obliged to buy back consumer-generated power; however the rates vary widely.

A lot of Americans have taken the plunge into a more independent future by producing their own energy needs. As renewable energy sources become more mainstream, it’s quite likely that more rebates and incentives will be offered by the government and by traditional utilities. However, such rebates and incentives can prove to be a bit complicated. It would be best to consult a solar installer if you are contemplating on installing a solar system.

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Solar Power Solutions for South Dakota

Jay Slough - Monday, May 10, 2010

It is no secret that our energy sources are being depleted at a rate that is much faster than they are being generated. It may be safe to say that if the current trend continues, it’s quite likely that conventional energy sources will run out sooner than we can imagine. This ominous reality brought to light the need for alternative and more importantly, renewable sources of energy to power not only our homes but the entire planet.

In the U.S., one of the states that is leading the push for renewable energy sources is South Dakota. It is currently employing the use of geothermal, hydro-conventional, solar, wood/wood waste, MSW/landfill gas and other forms of biomass to meet the energy requirements of its 66 counties with nearly a million people. Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration Independent Statistics and Analysis, one of the top sources of renewable energy in the state is solar power. This is not surprising as you’ll find solar panels installed in homes across the state.

There are a number of reasons why solar power is increasingly growing in popularity as a highly feasible solution for the looming energy crisis not only in South Dakota but in the U.S. and across the globe in general. First and foremost, solar energy is free and it will not run out for as long as the sun shines - that would be a couple of billion years into the future! Equally important is the fact that solar energy does not, in any way, pollute our environment. Throw in all the environmental benefits from solar power and it appears that we have in our hands the best solution to the energy crisis that every nation is experiencing today.

However, not everybody is sold to the idea yet. There are people who shy away and don’t even consider the thought of installing solar power solutions at home because of the misconception that solar panels and other related products are expensive, cumbersome and hard to maintain. Nothing can be farther from the truth. As a matter of fact, the solar energy business in South Dakota is booming as evidenced by the sheer number of solar energy businesses in the state. One of the pioneers and current leaders in renewable energy and solar power solutions in South Dakota is Power Plus. If you are among the skeptics, try to check out Power Plus Learning Center and discover the benefits of using solar energy and how it can meet a large portion of your energy needs. You will be surprised to know how easy it is to use such power solutions.

It is true that you will have to shell out some hard earned bucks for the installation cost of devices such as solar panels. However, you have to consider that it is just a one-time expense but the savings you’ll amass will last for the entire lifespan of the solar panels, which is normally 25 to 30 years. Moreover, studies showed that you will be able to save up to $3 for every $1 you invest on an alternative energy solution. It’s therefore quite evident that the long-term savings you’ll get will more than offset the installation cost of those solar panels that you’ll have installed in your home. In addition, most of these devices are easily upgradable. This means that you can purchase the basic components and then upgrade them later if and when the budget permits. With this set up, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for the installation cost. Check out Power Plus for the best, one-stop-shopping and customer service in the business today.

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Tools for Monitoring Home Energy Use

Jay Slough - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

It is worth mentioning that family finances are among the hardest-hit by the global economic downturn. The crisis has prompted households to take the matter of budgeting seriously. Today, families are adopting cost and energy saving methods by considering different ways by which utility bills paid to the power company every month can be reduced to the barest minimum. Many homeowners are likewise employing tools that can help in monitoring home energy use.

Fortunately, the government issued the stimulus package and renewed public attention to energy savings. A number of companies saw the need and pounced on the opportunity to develop and eventually market wireless energy dashboards that can be used to keep track of energy data from your power meter and inform you if you’re being an energy hog. In addition, President Obama pledged to help utilities install an additional 40 million smart meters. Such meters are essentially digital meters that create a 2-way connection with the utility and the power grid. Smart meters can provide data about the fluctuating cost of electricity throughout the day, allowing consumers with energy management tools to switch power consumption to the time of day when energy is cheapest.

Utility meters are great measurement tools so try to get into the habit of reading the electricity meter on a daily basis. Monitor your energy consumption on a graph or in a spreadsheet and track changes or fluctuations. In case your daily readings spike, try to pinpoint the cause. Spikes in usage serve as a warning that something needs to be checked. And when your daily readings begin to fall consistently over time, you know you’re doing something right in terms of saving energy.

There are also plug-in electricity monitors that can help you determine how much electricity a certain device or appliance consumes. You simply plug the device into the meter, and it shows readings for watts of power used, including kilowatt hours over a period of time. These meters can be used to gauge how much electricity you're losing to phantom loads like AC to DC converters or anything with an LCD or LED display. Such devices can use up power even when nothing is plugged into them. You can also use plug in monitors to correlate actual electric consumption of an appliance to what the manufacturer's claims say. If they don’t match, then you can make the necessary adjustments as to the settings or configuration of your appliance.

Another category of tools is the full-house electricity monitors which can track your home energy consumption in real time so you can examine usage change as different appliances are turned on and off, thereby identifying those that require the most power. However, these monitors are more expensive and not as useful as plug-in monitors in determining how much power a given appliance uses.  Aside from the aforementioned tools, there are a lot more available in the market as more companies try to find ways to help save energy while saving the environment at the same time. In the end, what really matters is for all of us to be eco-conscious and help raise awareness about the importance of saving energy

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Fight Global Warming

Jay Slough - Monday, February 22, 2010

The future looks bleak and ominous if we do not rectify our ways of wasting energy sources. The earth’s climate is rapidly changing as evidenced by the more frequent occurrence of heat waves and droughts; polar caps are melting and sea level is rising. These are not mere insinuations, these are backed by extensive research and scientific studies. Here are some facts: the overall atmospheric temperature has risen by 1°F since 1900; the overall surface temperature has likewise risen by 1°F over the last 100 years; the sea level has risen by 10-15 cm.; and the United States alone contributes about 25% of the world’s carbon dioxide emission.

But what exactly is global warming and what are possible solutions to effectively address the problem? Simply put, global warming refers to a marked increase of carbon dioxide and other green house gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide traps heat and acts like a blanket warming the earth. We all contribute to the accumulation of these so called ‘greenhouse gases’ in many ways, including emissions from the vehicles we drive to the power plants that generate non-renewable power for our daily needs. All of these things that we rely on and normally take for granted are taking their toll on the planet, making it a less friendly environment for us and for future generations.

A lot of people have put up various organizations in the fight against global warming. However, the solution to global warming can only be truly effective if everyone joins in to fight it together. Experts say that in order to control global warming and still meet long term energy demands, a “reduction by replacement” policy must be adopted. This policy basically outlines the gradual replacement of fossil fuels “down the road” by the incremental development of an alternative and renewable energysource.

One of the best sources is solar energy. With the recent advances in solar energy development, it has become evident that it is the most practical and feasible solution for a clean environment, a stable climate, and to meet the long term global energy demand. Since time immemorial, energy for humanity has always been based on harnessing the energy from the sun. The sun belongs to everyone and to all nations. It does not generate certain foreign policies, just clean and unlimited energy. With augmentation by wind and other natural sources, the technical solar challenges can be successively addressed.

The pioneering works of several organizations and the current solar industry have come up with photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into electricity. Corporations have produced photovoltaic cell products such as calculators and even solar battery chargers for laptops and iPods. Larger voltaic cells have been devised for solar panels for residential heating and cooling. Scientists have designed and engineered simple solar power collectors for residential heating or the more sophisticated ones that focus heliostats for solar furnaces. The possibilities are endless, and this renewable energy can reduce the load on the fossil fuel powered power plants, thereby reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and ultimately slow down or reverse the adverse effects of global warming.

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The Impact of a Solar Decision

Jay Slough - Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The costs of energy have risen considerably and it appears the trend will drag on, as they are expected to climb higher and higher. This prompted consumers to look for more efficient energy sources to cut down energy costs in the home, and many are starting to look upwards. Perhaps the most effective method of saving money, and the environment as well, is the use of solar energy. There is no doubt that solar energy is an enticing alternate energy option; however the price tag that goes with traditional photovoltaic systems has choked off its potential as a viable solution. But technology is improving rapidly. In fact, a number of solar energy companies are so confident with recent advances in solar technology that they boldly claimed that they can equal the cost of burning coal.

These companies have been around for quite some time but it is only recently that they have really begun to command public attention. As the cost of solar energy continue to fall, the number of consumers turning to solar energy is gradually increasing, and so is the number of solar energy companies offering such services. The benefits of solar energy are absolutely enormous. It is clean energy, sustainable, and renewable. It allows consumers to use all the energy they need without the stigma of leaving behind a massive carbon footprint in the environment. It is not in any way influenced by fuel prices, since it uses no fuel. You can opt to expand your system as and when you need to, or can afford to.

However, there is only a handful who have solar energy systems in their homes, primarily due to the high cost of home installation. Only a few have the financial means to run a home that is completely reliant on solar energy. In case you intend to integrate the use of solar energy in your home, you will have to search for a reputable company with a proven track record in terms of home installation of solar energy systems.

For residential purposes, there are primarily two types of solar energy systems. Sunlight can be converted into electricity and water-heating system. Most companies offer both but it is advisable to look for a company that specializes in the system that you intend to install. Among the current leaders in providing solutions for renewable energy sources is Power Plus. They have been in the forefront in providing the benefits of solar energy and have helped thousands of satisfied clients in meeting a large portion of their energy needs through financial incentives, energy smart designs, and home installation at low, low prices.

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Save Time and Money with Solar Energy

Jay Slough - Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It’s undeniable that the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis. Energy reserves are slowly dwindling while the world’s appetite for energy continues to grow.  It’s evident that we have to utilize alternative and renewable energy sources. Perhaps the most promising is the energy provided by the sun. There is a growing consensus that solar energy will be the main energy source of the future because it’s free, environmentally friendly, and makes no noise when being generated. The best part of about it is that it won’t run out nor would there be a shortage of supply as the sun rises daily.

Saving time and money by harnessing the sun’s power is not a new idea. It has been around for decades. The technology initially appeared complex and expensive but with sheer dedication of people who believed in its potential, the technology is now well within your reach. Solar energy is no longer exclusive for electrical gurus or for families and companies with overflowing bank accounts. As the price tag attached to solar panels comes down and solar technology becomes more efficient, solar energy is fast becoming the perfect way for the average family to save big on their energy bills. But aside from saving money you also save time because once solar panels are properly installed, all you have to do is kick back and relax as they generate power for you. Moreover, solar panels are built to last and require minimal maintenance on your part.

As a testament to the growing popularity of solar energy, you can find solar powered devices everywhere around you. You can find solar panels from the simplest items such as calculators and water heaters to the more sophisticated ones such as those installed in cars and even on space satellites. All these things utilize solar panels to convert sunlight into energy in the form of electricity. The technology is so promising that scientists are trying to push boundaries to determine if they can discover a way to power all of our homes and offices for free by simply harnessing the power of the sun.

At present, the initial cost of installing solar panels remains high as compared to conventional energy sources. However, solar panels represent a few smart investments that are capable of paying for themselves several times over once you have the system up and running. There are companies like Power Plus who are bent on providing bright ideas for power solutions to help customers save time and money. Power Plus is also a leading renewable energy products retailer dedicated to providing renewable energy enthusiasts with the best, one-stop-shopping and customer service in the business. Why not jump into the band wagon and join the throng of people who are already reaping the benefits of solar energy in their homes and offices.

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Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find. ~Quoted in Time

Jay Slough - Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Saving the earth - Solar Energy and Solar Power
 
Solar energy is the power generated from the light and heat of the Sun. Solar energy is no doubt an ideal alternative source of energy which can replace notorious fossil fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and if we are successful in harnessing the solar power to its capacity, we can easily solve the power crisis and the related politics all over the world. 
 
The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun. ~Ralph Nader, quoted in Linda Botts, ed.,Loose Talk, 1980
 
Solar energy is termed as a green fuel. It does not cause pollution or harm the environment in any way. The vital ozone layer does not get affected by the use of solar energy. Solar electricity is therefore very environment friendly. It is clean and safe for the earth and for us. Hence, opting for solar energy to cut down the consumption of the conventional electricity is simultaneously helping to make the earth a better place.
When I think about the earth I think about my kids. Really how clean is it going to be by the time they are my age. The sun is the source of solar energy. This source is unlimited, inexhaustible and free. Scientists and astronomers have stated that the sun will stay bright for at least a few more million years. This means the free energy that is being derived from the sun will be available to us for the foreseeable future and the future of our children and our children’s children. By using this freely available energy source, the earth’s non-renewable sources of energy can be preserved, helping the eco-system.
 
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb
 
Considering the huge number of benefits of solar power, we ought to give it a closer look. The number of Americans who have opted for this source of energy today just might surprise you. You will often come across a residential area where every roof might have a solar panel installed on it. This definitely points at the popularity solar power has gained. Let’s go through the great reasons why more and more people are choosing to go green today with the cheapest form of non-conventional form of energy.
We may need to solve problems not by removing the cause but by designing the way forward even if the cause remains in place
 
Here a few other reasons solar power and energy is better for you and the environment:
-Reduces local air pollution. .
-Offsets greenhouse gases
-Conserves Energy Solar electricity for the Third World is an effective energy conservation program because it conserves costly conventional power for urban areas, town market centers, and industrial and commercial uses, leaving decentralized PV-generated power to provide the lighting and basic electrical needs of the majority of the developing world's rural populations.
-Reduces need for dry-cell battery disposal. Check this out……
Small dry-cell batteries for flashlights and radios are used throughout the unelectrified world. Most of these batteries are disposable lead-acid cells which are not recycled. Lead from disposed dry-cells leaches into the ground, contaminating the soil and water. Solar rural electrification dramatically decreases the need for disposable dry-cell batteries. Over 12 billion dry-cell batteries were sold in 1993.
 
WHAT!!!
 
The sun generates more than 10,000 times the amount of energy the entire world consumes annually. The two most obvious benefits of solar power, and what is so alluring about it, are the fact the sun shines every single day for free, and that solar power panels generate zero CO2 emissions. Fossil fuels create large amounts of CO2, and CO2 contributes to what is commonly called global warming. Yet, alternative energy sources such as solar power do not create CO2 emissions. Solar power is a source of "clean energy" or "green energy," and coupled with its abundance there is ample reason for us to continue to explore solar energy not just as an alternative energy source, but as a potential foundation of energy production. With concerns over dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions growing, the funding and research into alternative energy sources is growing as well. One of the benefactors of this increased awareness is solar energy.
 
I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy.... If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago. ~Sir George Porter, quoted in The Observer, 26 August 1973

Solar power is very compatible with other sources of energy. An example of this is its compatibility with wind energy. This has proved to be very advantageous and can help you live off the grid if you can use these two renewable energy sources of power to your advantage. Another unusual point to consider is the shade provided by the solar panels installed on your roof. This shade can bring down the temperature of your attic during the hot summers. When you think about so many advantages, solar energy is really a good choice to opt for.
 
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985
　
For more information about solar power Contact our Solar Experts @ 1.605.355.0777
or Visit us at Power Plus Solar your renewable energy giants.

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The Solar Decision

Jay Slough - Thursday, October 22, 2009

A look into the future and many businesses and residencies are excited about the opportunity to install energy solutions that will make a significant change in their consumption and expenses.  Globally, world organizations, NGOs, and private enterprises are finding solutions to their energy needs.  These organizations are setting the pace for society.

In the past five years, a large number of start-up energy solution companies discovered the need for renewable energy solutions.  This drove the price of solar and wind down as products flew out the doors for global projects.  However, solutions five years ago are much better today.

Solar efficiencies are improving at a steady pace and buyers need to evaluate if a solar solution today will stand up to what they will see two to five years from now.  It is important to note that solar power continues to improve and more importantly, power storage and distribution continues to improve.  This combination will allow companies and residencies to use the power for their own consumption and sell their excess power back to the grid.

Great idea, right?  Well, it all depends on your local power company, your location and weather patterns, as well as the system you choose. Sound complicated? Well it can be, but reputable companies in the renewable energy business understand the questions you have and can build a system to suit your needs.

The system.  Wouldn’t it be great to have a modular system that could be upgraded with higher efficiency panels every three or four years to maximize the energy of the sun?  Sure, but today you need to weigh the investment in a system with tax incentives, rebates, cost, warranties, and panel capabilities.

My advice, don’t go down this path alone.  You need to trust the experts and ensure companies online have a team ready to support your needs and questions from start to finish.  The best way is to ask for references to include manufacturers, partners, and consumers. Taking an hour to talk to five individuals will save you thousands in the long run and more importantly less stress throughout the process.

Don’t be scared of a renewable energy solution, trust the experts and educate yourself regarding the options in the market place.

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