SOLAR ENERGY IS FOR EVERYONE
SOLAR ENERGY IS FOR EVERYONE
Solar energy is providing renewable, reliable, pollution-free energy in communities of all sizes, all around the world. Every day, more and more communities are realizing the environmental and economic benefits of using solar energy right in their backyard.
Every dollar spent on solar power is a dollar that stays in the local economy. Solar systems on our homes, offices, parking garages and many other places allow American communities to meet their daily needs while reducing the amount of money our communities send to other countries to buy foreign oil.
By using more and more clean, alternative and renewable energy resources, we leave our children and their children a better and healthier environment. Solar energy is clean, renewable, hometown energy.
Solar Homes
A solar home doesn't have to look different from other homes in your neighborhood. Solar energy can provide heat and hot water while providing reliable electricity for your home--without causing pollution. When the sun comes up, it can work for you.
Electricity
Using photovoltaics (PV) can turn any roof into a mini-power plant by providing electricity to power lights, computers, refrigerators and other appliances. When the PV system produces more energy than the customer's load, the excess is sold back to the local electric utility. This is known as net metering, where the installation of a single meter monitors flows to and from the utility. Currently, 30 states across the country have net metering laws in place.
Hot Water
One of the most common uses of solar energy systems is for domestic hot water needs. Solar water heaters can provide homes with hot water and reduce energy costs. Already, more than 1.5 million homes and thousands of indoor and outdoor pools get their water heated by the sun.
Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of strategies and options resulting in energy-efficient building design and increased occupant comfort. The concept emphasizes architectural design approaches that minimize building energy consumption by integrating conventional energy-efficient devices (like fans, lighting fixtures and other equipment) with passive design elements, like building siting, efficient envelope strategies, increased daylighting, and thermal mass.
Green PricingGreen Pricing programs allow customers to pay a premium for electricitiy generated from renewable energy resources. Buying green electricity is a way of taking action at a community level. Call your local utility to find out if there's a green pricing program in your community.
Written by: Going Solar
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