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In Vermont’s state legislature, a bill is under consideration that will help owners of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems put more green into their pockets.

It’s not a rebate or an incentive program to reduce installation costs, but a change to net-metering policies–a change that can reap substantial savings for Vermont residents.

For pricing on a home solar system, click here.

What Is Net Metering?

When a grid-connected, residential solar system generates more electricity than the home is currently using, the home’s electrical meter literally spins backward, sending the surplus energy back into the electrical grid. In many states, the customer then gets a credit for that energy on the monthly electrical bill.

Net metering is one of the primary reasons that going solar has become so affordable. Even with a small home solar system, there are periods of the day when it will generate more energy than the home needs. When that excess electricity is credited to a home energy bill, it cuts down on the costs of the conventional energy that a homeowner may need to supplement the PV system.

Why is Vermont’s Net Metering Policy Changing?

Across the nation, public utilities are mandated to invest in renewable energy. Many utilities partially meet these mandates through net metering, but states are allowed to dictate the percentage of solar-generated electricity that utilities credit their customers. Last year, Vermont raised the cap on the amount that utilities can get from net-metered PV systems to 4 percent.

This, along with Vermont solar rebates, was good news for residents, but the new law restricted the size of eligible solar panel systems to only 5 kilowatts. In Vermont, the average home PV system is around 7 kilowatts, leaving most homeowners ineligible to take advantage of the extra savings without undergoing a taxing application process.

House Bill 475, which just passed in the state’s house of representatives, allows for a simple application process for PV systems sized up to 10 kilowatts. Best of all, the bill also credits customers with home solar systems more money per kilowatt hour for surplus electricity. The bill must still pass the state’s senate.

What About Other States?

Almost every state has programs in place that garner extra income for PV system owners. In many areas of California, for example, net metering savings can be augmented by taking advantage of tiered and time-of-use (TOU) rates. Tiered rates are those that rise as the customer uses more energy. TOU rates increase during peak-demand periods. Home PV systems typically generate enough electricity to keep customers in the lower, base rates.

Other states like New Jersey award home solar system owners a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for each megawatt-hour of electricity that their systems produce. New Jersey SRECs are currently selling for 5 each.

Cutting installation costs through rebate and incentive programs is only the beginning of solar savings. Programs like net metering not only offer ongoing savings for homeowners, but decrease the payback period for their systems. Once that period is over, those savings become sheer profit.

For more assistance paying for a home solar system, check out solar lending programs, offered in Vermont and across other states as well.

Residential Solar Power Blog

There are so many easy reasons to be a pessimist today: the world financial crisis, the discord and dysfunction in Washington, and the almost certain doom that many scientists claim we are facing from global warming. With the first high profile cleantech company failures, the euphoria of the cleantech bubble has burst creating pessimism about the future of cleantech as a whole.

Read the original here:
Feeling Blue About Green? Reasons for Cleantech Optimism

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going green | Greener Living Today

Solar power is an incredible new development that enables people to create eco-friendly energy that is totally replenishable. Taking the steps to set up a solar technology system at your residence is a great purchase, and will pay for itself many times over throughout the years. Some individuals may think that installing a solar system is just a waste of money since they feel they will not have the ability to generate enough energy to make it valuable. However, this is a typical misunderstanding, because there are numerous reasons why using solar power is beneficial for just about anyone.

Solar energy is available every day, unlike nonrenewable fuels such as natural gas, coal, and oil. Incredibly enough, the energy which could be provided by the entirety of the world’s nonrenewable resources could be matched by solar energy in just twenty days. A common misconception is that solar energy can only be used during the day. In truth, solar energy systems can compensate for this because they utilize batteries that store all the electricity generated when the sun is out, so that at night you can still have access to its energy.

Solar panels are also becoming more efficient. Scientists have taken inspiration from moths in order to make solar panels more effective. Moths’ eyes have a series of bumps on them that make them non-reflective. Scientists are now trying to use “spin coating” in order to mimic this effect. It is very inexpensive, especially when compared to anti-reflection coatings, which only have a 35-40% reflection rate at that. This new process will allow solar panels to have less than 2% reflection.

Solar panels are a functional and useful addition to a housing plan, and also allow you to earn money in the future. They can help lower energy bills now, and it has also been noted that residences with solar panels installed are more attractive to buyers. Later on, electrical costs will only continue to rise, and people will want freedom from expensive bills. Purchasers in every income group will want to avoid this pitfall, and so a solar energy system is an attractive add-on to any buyer.

Consult a professional about the costs of getting a solar energy system installed so that you can invest in the future and save your money. Solar systems require very little maintenance, and having one allows you to take control of your electrical needs and support our planet. In the case that you don’t produce enough solar power to fully cover your electrical needs, there are always ways to make sure you have extra energy available, but the majority of your home appliances should easily be supported by solar power alone. Countries such as the UK which are mainly cloudy can even make gains from using solar power, and so much sunnier places like Australia are sure to gain solar power’s full benefits.

Experience the potential of solar power and how it’s being utilized to help reduce pollution levels and save revenue all through Australia. Receive three no cost quotes on solar panels or a solar system for use in your dwelling or organization.

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We know that solar is wonderful in all its forms. But our question for you is more specific: what topic, category or facet of the solar industry gets you jazzed the most? What do you seek out in the morning news about it? What solar subjects are your absolute favorites?

Take a second to weigh in on our poll below. We’d love to know what’s on your mind.

To find out what it costs to go solar in your area, click here.

Photo Credit: WikiMedia via CC

Residential Solar Power Blog

Cultivating the habit of gardening is relatively easy as long as you know what you want to grow and how to grow it. Gardening can be a hobby to some people or a source of income to others. Basically, the objective of having a garden determines its size and the type of plants that will be grown in it. In the event that you are contemplating getting in to gardening; you need to be knowledgeable of the truth that it is kind of like trying to uncover material on how to get skinny, frozen shoulder exercises or possibly Christian tattoos, it usually takes time to locate the info however once you obtain it you are thankful that you took the time to look for it.

Plants that do not demand a great deal of attention are normally lacking in color. You can make any drab plant in garden stand out by getting vibrantly colored pots to put them in. your garden can be the envy of neighbors and friends with the right application of gardening creativity.

One major concern for most gardeners is the survival of their plants during seasons such as winter. To ensure that your plant is not deprived of moisture in dry periods, try mixing water granules into the surface of the soil. Water storing granules combined with your soil can ensure that your garden still looks full of life even during Autumn.

You can get rid of weeds from your gardening by hoeing them out regularly. However, a better weed fighting alternative will be to plant weed resistant plants in the boarders of your garden in order to prevent them from growing. You can stop weeds from taking control over your garden by planting your garden crops so close together that they don’t stand a chance.

Gardening these days can be cost effective and time saving. Instead of going through the trouble of preparing the land, fertilizing, planting, hoeing and watering, you can simply buy a ready planted container. A ready planted container requires the barest attention for the plants to survive.

You can effectively combat weeds in your garden by setting a weed suppressing fabric. A weed suppressing fabric is used to cover treated soil and stifles the growth of weeds in your garden. An example of an excellent weed suppressing fabric is Gardman weed guard.

Wind Turbine Kit

This article is going to be discussing something very important that average people should know when it comes to solar energy. This type of technology can save a great deal of money on any power bill, and this type of technology is also very green. A lot of people know these simple facts, but some people are not aware that a professional installation firm might not be necessary for some homes.

A really big secret about this type of technology that the average person never considers, is that they could literally install such a system into their own home if they were determined enough. A lot of people shy away from such options because they are afraid of having to pay for an expensive firm that will install it. This might not be required for all consumers.

Consumers that are brave enough to try and install such technology into their own home are naturally going to have to buy the necessary gear. One necessary component is referred to as a DIY panel device and these panels are typically sold in kits that were designed around various sized homes. Other necessary components would be the converter box as well as the accessories for wiring such devices into a home. The DC power created through the panels has to be converted to AC current.

A lot of consumers might not be aware of how smaller and more cost effective kits could be easily installed into a boat or RV. This might allow people to save a great deal of money when they are running a boat or RV. These type of devices will not require panel kits that are nearly as large as what would even be required for the smallest of homes.

Consumers that are searching for the necessary components for the upgrade might want to stick with the world wide web. There are many web retailers that specialize in such equipment, yet there are many auction based websites that will be selling this equipment. A popular auction site might be the best place to find the panel kits, as well as the wiring gear and the DC to AC converter module.

Home, boat, or RV owners that are attempting such a task on their own might want to do a bit of research on how such things should be done. It is important to remember that anybody can phone a professional firm and pretend to be interested in their installation services. This will allow a person to learn what type of gear these people would install as well as how they might go about doing it.

It is important that consumers remember that not every area is going to benefit through the use of such technology. It should be very obvious to most people that areas without a lot of sun exposure are not going to be great areas to utilize such options. This type of system is always going to be combined with a traditional source of electricity for instances in which the alternate source runs dry.

It should now be very clear to readers that solar energy has been hiding a dirty little secret from average consumers. Private individuals that are determined enough might be able to make such upgrades without the assistance of a professional firm. Such things are actually not recommended for home owners that have never worked as a professional electrician however.

We really would like you to look into solar energy. Start by looking at our solar panels. These will not only help to save the World, but also help to save you cash on that electricity.

Solar panels.Solar power.Solar cells

Up until very recently the cost of solar power in a residential setting was prohibitive, most people simply could not afford a solar power kit for homes. However, today technology has advanced to the place where businesses and homes can both benefit from home solar kits, they are even easy to install many times. If you decide to make this upgrade to your home, you will find the house is worth more and you will begin seeing immediate savings on your energy bills.

The first question of the day generally is how much is the installation going to run? If you live in the USA, you may qualify for financial assistance or incentives that will help offset the cost of your solar power for homes. This is one thing that makes them so affordable today.

Before installing home solar power kits, you will first need to do a little research, specifically on your electrical usage each month. You will need a monthly total on the kilowatt hours used, plus information from every other month as well. Your electric bill should have this information printed on it, and if not you can call your electric provider. Look very closely at your monthly usage to determine which months you use a lot and which months you use very little electric.

If you have just moved into or purchases a home you cannot use the annual bill, the figures could be vastly different. In this situation, you will need to look to your household appliances and how much energy they are rated to use. You can use a ballpark figure for the lights and various smaller appliances you use.

Electric bills, along with everything else, have continued to rise and many people are tired of paying enormous bills. Solar power for homes is a good answer to this difficult issue. The next thing you will need to consider is the location of your home. This will be very important and will have to be considered before proceeding. Any home or business in the USA is allowed to install home solar power kits. Your best bet is to seek professional assistance in the form of a solar contractor; they will be able to help you find the right size system.

A solar power system that is 1kW to 5kW is sufficient to provide your home with electricity. You do not have to disconnect your traditional electrical source either to install solar. Simply use this photovoltaic system to supplement your present needs. This by itself will lower you bills monthly. You have to figure out if you have enough room for this photovoltaic system for one thing. You can produce 10 watts per square foot of system; here is where you begin you calculations.

One major consideration when it comes to solar power for homes is the price, and there are several things that go into this figure. The cost of the system, building permits and installation are just a few considerations. This can be offset by rebates and tax credits such as the ,000 federal incentive as well as many state and local offerings for greener energy usage. All of these can significantly lower your initial investment costs. You will also want to shop around for potential deals from local retailers as well as on-line stores, depending on where you live you could see significant savings. California residents, for instance, have a much easier time finding retailers and installers due to the high number of systems already in place. Take heart if you do not live in the sunshine state however as the internet can still afford you some awesome opportunities. Wherever you wind up purchasing your home solar power kits make sure they offer a warranty on the system 10-15 years is standard and ensures you are getting a quality piece of equipment.

Instead of having high utility bills each month why not make an investment in one of the solar power systems? Your total investment depends on your location, how large the system is and other factors related to the solar energy. Ask locally to see what incentives your state offers so you will save some money. It is very smart to make the investment in a solar power system because it will last for years for you to reap benefits from. Do some shopping now to find out what your choices are.

Learn more about solar power system cost. Stop by Vic Patel’s site where you can find out all about Solar Power Kits for Homes and what it can do for you.

Solar panels.Solar power.Solar cells

Solar energy is a good solution to power up your residence. If you’re taking into account implementing solar power, you may be balancing the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy systems and utilization.
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