Solar Energy

There is simply no doubt about it, DIY solar energy is seeing a major surge in popularity. It really is no surprise though when you consider the rising price of energy and the increased awareness of how we manage our planet and its resources. And this lousy recession that we can’t seem to get out of certainly adds to the attractiveness of harnessing a renewable energy resource, in this case, the sun.

Using solar panels can actually reduce our electricity bills to the point where they become negligible expenses. Not only that but if you were to truly get ambitious you could string together enough solar cells and solar panels that you could actually eliminate your electricity bill altogether. It is even possible to generate enough electricity that you can sell it back to the electric company.

With the run-up in fuel prices that we have seen over the past three years people are now, and possibly for the first time in these numbers, taking alternative energy sources serious. It’s true that we become complacent when it is cheap to do so but with the rising cost of utilities the time for complacency has ended. We simply can no longer afford it.

Adding to the attractiveness of DIY solar energy is the friendly tax treatment that people who take advantage of it receive. Not only that but the Obama administration also seems to be very friendly towards alternative sources of energy including wind power and solar energy. There are initiatives that encourage the use of natural resources and I would say that it’s a safe bet that we will see more of them in the future.

Probably the biggest issue with DIY solar energy is the initial cost. There is no single question that purchasing solar panels and having them installed requires a serious outlay of cash. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install a solar energy system for even an average sized home. Photovoltaic cells are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.

But what if you could make your own solar cells and string them together into solar panels? Not only will you save thousands of dollars on parts and labor but you will also enjoy the long-term savings that come with solar energy. Not only will they pay for themselves over time but they will also increase the resale value of your home. Read more…

A green collar, solar job was talked about so much during the 2008 presidential election. A green collar job would revive the solar manufacturing base in this country and provide opportunity to people who otherwise might not be able to make a good living or who may have recently lost a job. A small business is the lifeblood of the economy for many communities so when a green collar job is a part of a small business, it is a winning combination.

There are several things to consider when thinking about starting a home based business. The first being whether or not you are motivated enough to work without being told what to do or how to do it. A successful home based business entrepreneur is a self starter who enjoys personal success. They really thrive on the unknown and are not afraid to take a gamble on their own ideas.

The good news for all of the clean-tech entrepreneurs is the added boost that the U.S. Government is placing in the ACESA stimulus legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 has a few main parts or provisions; all of which lead many people who wish to start a small business straight in the direction of solar energy.

1. A clean energy section that promotes renewable sources of energy; such as home solar energy and businesses powered by solar are set to expand rapidly and on a big scale.

2. An energy efficiency section that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry. Read more…