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With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, natural gas and other fuels, more and more people are taking a look at the feasibility of solar power. The cost of photovoltaic cells has come down in the last few years and their efficiency have been improving, however operating the whole house with solar power is still not an affordable option for many people. For those who are looking for a more affordable way to take advantage of free energy from the sun a solar water heater may be the way to go.
There are many benefits to heating your water with a solar system and only a few disadvantages. Let’s take a quick look at the disadvantages first… The major reason that most home-owners do not seriously consider a solar water heater is the cost. Though in China a basic solar water heater can be had for less than $200, in the U.S. the average cost to buy and install a solar water heating system is about $6000 and can quickly climb to over $10,000 for bigger or more complicated systems. The second reason that many people feel that solar water heaters may not more…
Now, how cool is this. According to the Associated Press (news item below), the legislation currently grinding its way through the government process will actually create jobs and spur development in alternative and renewable energies.
This is exactly what needs to happen! Unless we can sweep away the tired old polluting energy systems that have brought us to the brink, there will never be the economic impetus to actually make green energy systems cost-effective.
Fundamentally changing our society’s mindset about how to generate and consume energy is the only way we can save the planet and ourselves from the doom of a trashed, depleted planet. Since we’re far more able right now to develop clean energy than we are to discover, colonize, and move a sizable portion of our population to a fresh new planet, I say let’s get cracking on green energy right now pronto!
A seriously good commercial by german solar component manufacturer Solon. Plus, an important announcement by Todd.
