You already know why utilizing solar energy to power your home is an awesome decision:  it reduces the need for nonrenewable oil, diminishes greenhouse gas pollutants, and ultimately puts money in your pocket by not being dependent on the utility provider.

Unfortunately, solar panels are like hybrid vehicles: right now most owners are those who have dispensible income and and a concern about the environment.  Installing a photovoltaic system (in Greek, “photo” means sun and voltaic refers to power) for the eventual monetary gains is usually not the primary reason people go solar—for most people its more about the environment than anything.   The average time period for making back the money you put into the installation is about 10 years, depending on the system size and the state you live in.

But here’s the key:  right now most states have incredible public incentive programs that you should absolutely take advantage of.  Federal stimulus money has boosted these programs, yet the real spur is the changing attitude among planners and politicians who finally see the need for a renewable energy future.  States are drafting plans that mandate the use of a certain percentage of renewable energy within the next five or ten years and there is real momentum in the political arena to encourage citizens to install photovoltaic systems on their homes.

In New York State, for example, the NYS Research and Development Authority is responsible for administering funds to homeowners, businesses, and municipalities.  If your application is accepted (which in most cases is almost guaranteed), then your incentive package can cover up to 50% of your total installation cost.  On top of that, you can get up to $5,000 in federal tax credits!  Municipalities and non-profits have slightly better incentives than homeowners and businesses, yet they are all quite substantial.

What are the limitations for solar incentives from NYSERDA?   For residential applications, you cannot get funding for any system larger than 10 kw.   That’s okay though, since the average American home doesn’t usually require a system much bigger than that.

But should you procure a system that covers your buildings entire energy load?  That depends.  You must have enough available roof space with no shading issues.  However, you can always get a ground mount if you have ample space in your yard.  It is more economically and environmentally effective to go for the larger system, but keep in mind your incentives probably have a cap.

One reason that homeowners might choose to install a system that covers their whole load and then some, is that you can sell back excess energy to the grid.  That’s right, with net metering, if you generate more than you use, the utility company pays you.   In most cases, you cannot have a grid-tied system that produces more than 110% of your load, so the utility does have some discretion.

A few more reasons to take advantage of such incentives: You will rarely have to maintain or clean your panels (maybe once a year, or if they’re accessible in the winter to brush off the snow) and most come with at least a 30 year warranty. They’re virtually indestructible.   The only cost to you is the initial installation price, which varies but on average is in the $10,000 to $50,000 range for an average homeowner.  Remember, with state and federal incentives, that number can be cut in half.  Incentive money does run out, so plan accordingly.  Solar installation is easier than every before and is on its way to becoming mainstream as people recognize the benefits.

Additional posts you may be interested in:

• The US-China Clean Energy Research Center (0)
• The Net Zero Energy Home (3)
• Biomimicry Lets Nature Take the Lead (2)

The US-China Clean Energy Research Center.  Yup, you read that right.  The two countries that produce about 42 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions AND two of the countries that refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol are getting together to study how they can curtail carbon emissions.  The joint effort will have a $15 million influx of cash and will compile all the research that has been done and will be done on reducing emissions.  The center will also conduct research into other technologies to help address climate change.

“The U.S. and China are two great nations, and clean energy is one of the great opportunities of our time. Working together we can accomplish more than acting alone,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  China and the U.S. have a history of working together on science and technology dating back to President Jimmy Carter and Deng Xiaoping.

China has accused the developed world of creating the carbon emissions problem and insists that treaties like the Kyoto Protocol will ripple their fledgling economy.  At the July 2009 G8 meetings, the developing nations refused to accept any binding targets for lowering emissions.   Yet experts point out that unless the developing world actively works to curtail emissions the global effort to stop global warming will be unsuccessful.   The developing world seems anxious to have the developed world pass on their technologies, however.

The teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China will have as priorities:   building energy efficiency, clean coal including carbon capture and storage, and clean vehicles.  The Center will have one headquarters in each country with the locations yet to be determined.

Of course, the priority of building energy efficiency caught my attention. I’ll be anxious to see what innovations can be produced with the combined brain power of two great nations.

Additional posts you may be interested in:

• Solar Energy Payback (0)
• The Net Zero Energy Home (3)
• Soybeans for your Home? Bio-based Insulation (1)