Storing the Sun - Solar Energy Panel
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In a general way we are all well aware of the many benefits of switching to solar energy for at least some of our energy requirements. The regular arguments about environmental friendliness, ecology, savings and standby sources have all been covered in detail in some place or another. Besides these, there are other, equally compelling reasons for seriously considering a switch, at least partially, to a home solar panel.
This new reason is a tax break! Just a few months ago, in August 2005, the US Government passed an Energy Law. Under this new law, homeowners who install solar heating systems in their homes will get a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the system – up to a credit of $2000. Now that is worth considering!
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Besides a welcome tax break, residential solar panels have many other benefits. Most forms of electricity generation release some pollutant or another that ultimately goes on into our environment. A home solar panel does nothing of the sort. In fact, if the use of solar energy panels were to become common, there would be a noticeable reduction in pollution and energy efficiency. This of course is the rationale for providing the tax break.
Of course, we also have panels that convert the Sun’s energy straight to heat. These are used to heat water either for use in the house or in swimming pools, etc. These solar energy panels are straightforward devices that can be easily understood and installed.
Many of us may not be aware that the residential solar panel will continue to provide you with electricity long after the sun has set. This is due to the storage batteries that come with the system. Therefore, if you have a garden lighting system that is fed by your residential solar panel, you will be able to use it until late at night.
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Yet another great feature of modern solar energy panels is their modularity. You buy a set today and as your needs increase you simply hook on additional panels to the same system. Therefore, your residential solar panel capability grows inline with your needs. This ensures that costs are spread over time and do not drill a large hole in your pocket.
Solar energy panels come in both flexible and rigid formats. The flexible ones are best for light, intermittent usage and are not very expensive. Rigid panels come in two formats – framed and unframed. While the framed panels are a shade costlier, they are far more durable and are guaranteed for up to 20 years! You can expect to pay around $4 to $5 per watt for these depending on the size and framing.
Continuing with affordability, a number of government grants are freely available and make it easy to pay for your home solar panel system. If you do a little research, you will find acquiring a solar panel for the house is easy. With guarantees going up to 20 years, you can be sure that your home solar panel will serve you for years to come!
Review our recommended sources for attractive deals and offers for these and many other models of home solar panels.