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SOLAR POWER COSTS
The cost of a solar system depends on the size of your
home, the orientation of your property, and your electricity
needs. But for a standard medium-size house it can run
from $20,000-$40,000 before rebates.
However, many state and local governments offer incentives
for solar installation that can significantly reduce
the costs. Rebates coupled with federal tax credits
can knock thousands off of your initial investment,
sometimes cutting it in half! Be sure to check with
your local government for these offers.
One way to cut the cost of a solar electric system is
to reduce your electricity use before installing the
system. Such measures as replacing light bulbs with
compact fluorescents and upgrading old appliances can
cut your electricity use (and also your solar investment)
in half. You'll spend a bit of the savings on the new
items, but you'll have that brand new stainless refrigerator
you've been craving too. Low Impact Living's In-Home
Environmental Assessment program will help you understand
what cuts can be made before you go solar and therefore
save you thousands of dollars.
You can also finance solar installation using home equity.
This approach offers the possibility of making you “cash
flow positive” from day one, especially if you
live in an area that has high power prices, good exposure
to the sun, and solid local rebates.
If the cost of a full house solar system is daunting,
a very attractive option can be heating your water with
the power of the sun. A solar water heating system will
save a typical California family $1000 in power costs.
The payback period on these units is typically under
five years.
Other great lower-cost solar options are distributed
solar applications. You can get attractive solar lights
to illuminate your yard or garden. You can also power
a nice fountain or heat your pool using solar energy.
Solar
Power Overview
How Solar Power Works
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