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Solar Energy Shines Light on Ways to Save Green

Solar Energy Shines Light on Ways to Save Green

Solar Energy

Sunday, 07 February 2010 21:05

Growing concerns about global warming and rising energy rates have many people looking for innovative ways to power their lives. Solar Energy is quickly becoming one of the most efficient and affordable alternatives available today.

Power Trip Energy Corporation hosted a workshop at Chapel Hill Church recentaly for Gig Harbor home and business owners looking to learn ways of reducing their energy consumption through simple home improvements. About 40 individuals turned out to listen to experts Jeff Randall and John Wilson talk about energy conservation techniques.

Wilson, the energy service analyst for Peninsula Light Company, spoke about home energy audits. These audits can save homeowners upward of $1,000 per year on utility bills. After discovering where a home is losing money, PenLight is able to recommend viable, affordable solutions. From purchasing energy efficient appliances to installing solar panels on homes, the possibilities for reducing the carbon footprint of a home is virtually endless, Wilson said.

"Conservation is the lowest cost alternative to high utility bills," Wilson told the crowd. "If everyone reduced their consumption by 20 percent, there would be 20 percent more money staying in your pocket. The cheapest kilowatt is the one you don't have to go out and purchase."

Gig Harbor residents are one of many communities around the country taking advantage of excellent state and federal financial incentives for weatherization efforts. According to Randall, a representative for Power Trip Energy, the company has already installed more than 170 grid-tied solar panels around the Peninsula area.

President Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package allows a 30 percent federal tax credit for the installation of this new solar voltaic system. When the federal rebate is combined with the state tax credit, the cost for a unit is reduced drastically.

"If we install a system that costs $30,000 total, 30 percent of that you take off on your personal income taxes. There are also five other rebates available," Randall said.

"In the end people usually end up paying between $4,500 and $7,500 for an installed unit after these credits. Residents are also paid for each kilowatt hour of power they generate. This means harnessing enough solar power will run your meter backwards."

Power Trip Energy recently presented their "net metering" program to the public. This plan credits customers for the electricity they produce in excess of the electricity they are consuming. Washington state pays solar energy users between 15 and 36 cents per kilowatt hour of power produced. Compare this to paying a monthly utility bill and getting no return on investment, Randall added.

Source: kitsapsun.com

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