| Who doesn't want to save money on electricity, | | | | the years, from large panels to much thinner layers of |
| especially these days with the troublesome economy | | | | film that are much more effective than their |
| and increased government and personal spending? | | | | predecessors. Solar energy is even being implemented |
| People also want to be green and make greener | | | | for small technology like cell phone chargers. |
| choices whenever possible. | | | | Buying a solar panel system for your home can costs |
| Greener choices can be very difficult especially since | | | | thousands and thousand of dollars but do-it-yourselfers |
| there's a tendency out there to believe that greener | | | | are now building their own for much less than what it |
| means more expensive. This is not always the case | | | | normally costs. This has been a major problem for |
| and with a little research and creativity anyone can | | | | homeowners whereby the savings for employing solar |
| save money on electricity without breaking the bank to | | | | powered energy would not recoup the initial costs |
| start! | | | | quickly enough. It's one thing to be green but being |
| The most obvious choice includes getting an energy | | | | green should certainly also save you money. |
| audit done on your home and making some changes | | | | There are two main types of solar water heater |
| and improvements to your current system. | | | | systems. The "Passive Solar Water Heater" system |
| Government programs and energy providers have | | | | involves mounting the tank above the panels. Though |
| programs available which will provide you with rebates | | | | this is advantageous by using gravity to produce |
| when you make the suggested changes found in the | | | | water flow where needed some people prefer the |
| audit. Products with Energy Star labels are generally | | | | "Split Solar" system. This system allows for the tank to |
| the preferred choice. For an example a standard | | | | be in the same location as your current tank. Even |
| clothes washer replaced by an energy star qualified | | | | though a small pump is needed to get the water |
| alternative unit can save up to 30% on energy costs | | | | where it needs to go, the tank is better insulated |
| not to mention much lower water usage (up to 50% | | | | meaning the water stays heated longer. |
| less). | | | | Solar panels and even a complete solar system can |
| For those of us that want to save even more money | | | | now be built as a DIY project! With the right tools, |
| on electricity and use renewable resources, it's great | | | | materials and instructions even the newbie DIYer can |
| news to hear that purchasing and installing solar panels | | | | build an entire system and save thousands on energy |
| and wind turbines has become more and more of a | | | | costs without spending thousands for a retail system |
| feasible option without costing us a fortune. | | | | and installation. |
| Solar panels for instance have come a long way over | | | | |