When Solar?

“…..all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.” The Declaration of Independence

What motivates people to change their habits? It is easy to forget that people don't adopt new technologies because they should. Change is painful. Even when you know it is good for you. Nobody experienced the pain of change more than our founding fathers who personally risked "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" to free themselves of British tyranny. The fear of change and the danger of inertia were so central to their experience that the idea made it into the Declaration of Independence.

At a time when energy prices and concerns over global warming are increasing, the cost of solar energy systems is dropping substantially. The cost and size of a residential solar energy system depends on several factors, including: the amount of fossil fuel based electricity you want to offset, available space and your budget.

Over the last 20 years the cost of Solar Energy Systems has come down seven fold. Local and statewide incentives, utility rebates and federal tax credits are all contributing to the current boom in solar energy system installations. Together, these incentives can cover upwards of 60% of the total cost of a solar energy system.

Incentives by some Utilities are currently bringing the cost of solar energy down to 10-12 cents per kilowatt hour - which can imply a payback of 5 to 7 years, however, capital outlays and payback calculations should only be one aspect in the decision to go solar.  Really big crises like global warming, energy shortages and the health effects from pollution can only be solved when public policy and consumer choice align to create a demand for technology -- to force a change. By investing in a solar energy system for your home you are casting your vote for change in the form of U.S. dollars, the only vote that, let’s face it, carries any real weight in this country. By voting for solar you are helping to carry the groundswell of momentum for change in our country’s energy policy forward.