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Calculating the Solar Energy Price Tag

By Solar energy | March 2, 2009

Calculating the Solar Energy Price Tag   What-You-Want-Most Math

Solar energy systems, as with other alternative energy systems, carry a hefty price tag. Promoters of these energy saving systems point out the long-term benefits of having such a system installed in a home.

These long-term benefits are lower operating costs, low maintenance, and in some cases, no monthly energy bill at all.

I personally like the “no monthly energy bill” benefit.

It’s true that I want our country to be energy independent.

It’s also true that I feel an obligation to our Maker to take care of the planet and the people he sends here.

But in the day-to-day operations of daily life there are pressing needs of food and shelter for the family, clothes for the family, health and exercise needs for the family, and education for the kids (have you looked at college tuition lately?).

I must admit that when I do the what-matters-most math, solar energy gets pushed further down the list, mainly because of the hefty up-front costs.

Given our current national economy, we are all asking more questions. Now is a good time to be doing the alternative energy what-matters-most math for three (3) reasons.

1.    The recent stimulus package, with its tax credits, lowers the alternative energy systems by 30 percent.
2.    And further tax credits may be available from your local energy provider or your state. Check here for tax credits and incentives which apply to you.
3.    The recent stimulus package expands to include home energy efficiency improvements.

The third reason is our reason for hope. Making your home as energy efficient as possible reduces the size of alternative energy system your home requires.

So before installing a new energy system, get yourself a home energy audit. Find out how to make your home as energy efficient as possible.
Chances are good that your energy efficiency improvement costs will have a nice rebate or incentive attached, lowering even your efficiency measures.

Do begin the what-you-want-most math, visit the database of state incentives for information that applies to you.

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Topics: Renewable Energy Tax Incentives, home energy audit, home solar energy | No Comments »

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