Is solar power energy feasible?
This is the question on many minds as Americans search for environmentally friendly solutions and ways to lower (or eliminate) their monthly bills.
The US Department of Energy recently announced their goal of generating 10 – 15% of the nation's energy using solar power by 2030. Twenty-five US cities, including places like Austin, Texas; Berkeley, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and Orlando, Florida have joined the Solar America Cities program to help achieve the country's solar power energy goals. So, in a nutshell, the answer to the question is not only that solar power energy is feasible, but also that it's already in the works.
Residential solar power energy installations expanded
in California with the 2006 "California Solar Initiative," which offers subsidies to offset 20% of the investment cost. The city of Boulder, Colorado has a "ClimateSmart Solar Grant Program" in place that provides grants to low or moderate income households covering up to 50% of the solar power energy project costs. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's "Assisted Home Performance Program" offers low income grants up to $5,000 for solar water heaters and photovoltaics. Other states with solar power energy grants include Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Yet, for some homeowners the sluggish pace of residential solar power energy systems is not enough.
Why wait, when you can do it yourself today? Do-it-yourself energy kits — including magnet power generators, small wind turbines and solar power energy cells — are all the rage these days. You may have heard of systems like Magniwork , The Free Power Blueprint or Magnet 4 Power , where people can build their own magnetic energy generators to power their homes. Or there are solar power energy guides offered by the Earth 4 Energy program.
Renewable-Energy-News praises the Earth 4 Energy Program for providing a comprehensive kit that includes step-by-step solar power energy building videos, a guide for purchasing the necessary parts, a free gift that teaches you more about saving money with bio-diesel and government tax rebate forms. According to reviews, a portable solar power energy panel can be built for less than $200 using the Earth 4 Energy guide. To build the solar panels, homeowners with little to no experience will first purchase the necessary pieces from their local hardware store, using tips offered in their guide manual. Next, they will construct the solar power energy panels with a DVD, diagrams and written instructions. The solar power energy panels will then be wired together and connected to the home. If trouble arises, individuals will have access to a help line, online forum and email address for assistance.
Kristen Banker, an Eco Modern Homes product reviewer, favors Earth 4 Energy as the top DIY solar power energy solution, ranked by "ease-of-use, affordability of materials, well written content, ease of installation and, of course, reduction in energy cost." This product beat out 10 other contenders, including Make Natural Power and Home Made Energy. She says consumers will learn everything they need to know about producing their own electricity and they'll receive helpful tips on where to find the parts. They also provide products for Wind Electricity. The support and assistance offered by the company makes this solar power energy guide stand out. She admits that the $200 portable solar power energy system you build will not power your entire home. Instead, it will power up energy-sucking appliances like the fridge, washing machine, computer, TV and lights. Given enough panels — which you can continue building using the instructions — you should be able to reduce your monthly bills substantially by raising your 100 watt solar power energy panel to 1,000 watts.
