Thursday, August 9, 2007

What’s the Value of Going Solar?

We are part of a “Green Generation”, no matter what our age. The current focus on alternative energy has kicked up the interest in solar power, again.

Once cost ineffective, now solar panels cost about 50% of what it was 15 years ago. To power an average size house, the system costs about $30,000. It is expected that costs will fall even more rapidly in the next few years.

Other considerations to solar installation is the cost for electric panel upgrade (about $1500), trimming trees to allow adequate sunlight, an engineer inspection to validate the integrity of the roof to hold the system and local township permits.

With tax incentives offered in some states, the systems can pay for themselves in a decade.
However, the costs pay off when it’s time to sell. According to a study by ICF Consulting, every $1 reduction in annual fuel bills increases a home’s resale value by $10-$25.
Info? Go to www.njcleanenergy.com.

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