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Energy Alternatives and Conservation
"Civilization is in no immediate danger of running out of energy
or even just out of oil But we are running out of environment --that is, out of the capacity of
the environment to absorb energy's impacts without risk of intolerable disruption..."
~ Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, author of Power
to the People
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Can Solar Energy Fit Your Budget?
February 2004
Union of Concerned Scientists
http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/204-can-solar-energy-fit-your-budget.html
If you ever considered installing solar collectors on your house but chose not to follow
through because the costs sounded prohibitive, it might be time to reconsider.
Solar power is one of the most environmentally benign energy sources available. Just 20 days of sunshine
produces the same amount of energy as everything stored in Earth's reserves of oil, coal, and natural gas
yet does not come close to producing the same amount of environmental damage as even one of those options.
The solar energy that reaches Earth can be captured and utilized in your home. One simple way is to design
homes to take advantage of natural lighting during the day, but various types of solar collectors can store
enough energy to heat and cool your home, heat your water, and generate electricity.
Converting a home to run on solar power has become much more cost-effective than when the technology was
first introduced. The cost of solar power has declined nearly 90 percent over the past two decades, and
studies suggest that the price will continue to fall. Although the up-front costs of conversion are not
insignificant (a typical household system can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000), the energy generated
will meet all or part of your future energy needs, lowering your utility bills and helping to pay for the
initial cost of the system over time. In fact, homes that generate more power than they need and remain
connected to the energy grid may actually put that extra energy into the grid and receive a rebate from the
local electric company. (Contact your utility to see if this option is available in your area.)
Incentive programs also help make solar power more affordable. These programs can include personal, sales,
and property tax incentives, rebates, grants, loans, and leasing (in remote areas). By taking advantage of
these incentives, you could reduce the overall cost of solar power by 50 percent or more. The Database of
State Incentives for Renewable Energy (www.dsireusa.org) offers a comprehensive listing of state and local
programs, as well as incentives offered by specific utilities.
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