Using solar energy can save you money and reduce your direct impact on the envirornment. Federal, State and Local incentives are now available to help you achieve your goal of energy independence and to reduce your carbon footprint.

How Solar Electric Technology Works

Image above shows a residential Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System.
1. solar panels 2. inverter 3. breaker box 4. home power and appliances
5. meter 6. utility power grid.

1)      Solar Electric or PV modules convert sunlight to electricity. The PV modules generate DC electricity - or direct current - sending it to the inverter. (2) The inverter transforms the DC power into AC electricity for ordinary household needs. (3) Existing electrical panel distributes solar electricity and utility power to (4) loads (appliances). For systems with a battery backup (optional), the inverter also regulates the charge of batteries. The electricity stored in the batteries can be used at night or during blackouts.

A valuable feature of photovoltaic systems is the ability to connect with the existing power grid which allows owners to sell excessive electricity back to the utility with a plan known as (5) Net Metering. At times when you are not using all of the electricity produced by your system, your meter will spin backwards selling the electricity back to the (6) utility power grid at retail rate.

Find all state, local,
utility and federal incentives for renewable energy
& energy efficient products at:

DSIRE
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

dsireusa.org

Solar Water Heating technologies are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method of harnessing the sun's energy to provide for the energy needs of homes and businesses. And now the new Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows you receive a federal tax credit worth 30% of the system cost! This is the best time to reap the numerous benefits of solar power!

• Financial rebates available
• Low Investment - High Return
• Savings pay for system in 3-5 years

Benefits of Solar Water Heating

Today's Solar Water Heating technologies can be operated efficiently and affordably in any climate. Systems are specifically designed for various climatic and geographical areas of the country.

By installing a Solar Water Heating system, a typical household can meet 50 to 80 percent of their hot water needs. In southern climates, a Solar Water Heating unit can meet nearly 100 percent of a household's hot water needs.

Currently there are more than 300,000 Solar Water Heating units installed across the United States (excluding swimming pool applications) and because these systems have been proven efficient and reliable, the number of installations continues to grow by the thousands every year.

Reduced demand for fossil fuels will improve the environment by reducing air and water pollution as well as the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming. And though they cost a little bit more up front to install, a carbon free Solar Water Heating system will save consumers money in the long run as the fuel source (the sun's energy) will always be free.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

There are two basic types of Solar Water Heaters:  Passive & Active.  Active systems utilize a circulating pump and some type of temperature control. Passive systems do not have any moving parts and rely on the basic principle of physics - that hot water rises & cold water falls.

Active systems all function basically the same; however, there are different configurations depending on your climate zone. Passive systems come in two basic types: Thermosyphon & Batch.  Each system has its distinct advantages.

The Interstate U.S. Department of energy

Renewable Energy Council's Federal Solar Tax Incentives Question and Answer Podcast

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/votesolar/