Thứ Tư, 16 tháng 1, 2013

What is the Availability of Solar Energy in the United States?

While America may not be the leading producer of solar energy in the world, we definitely boast some pretty friendly cities that love solar panels. So if you're looking for a new place to homestead and you want to invest in solar technology, consider some of these great cities to live:
  • Austin, Texas: While Texas itself may not seem like the most environmentally-friendly state, they boast one of the friendliest cities in America. In Austin, Texas, local rebate programs and energy deals with the local utility company can pay for 60% of your new solar panels upfront. These incentive programs have led to more people buying solar than anywhere else in the U.S.
There's also a boom of solar energy companies in Austin. With so many companies to choose from, you can truly "shop around" for the best deal. Competition breeds affordability when it comes to solar power. Also, Austin is the perfect environment for solar panels. It's sunny almost 300 days out of every year in Austin!
  • San Francisco, California: California has long been known for its environmental consciousness. San Francisco currently only has around 900 rooftops planted with solar panels. The mayor of San Francisco came out January 7, 2009 and said he wanted to see 10,000 solar rooftops by 2012. In order to complete their lofty goal, the city is introducing new rebate programs and tools residents can use to plan their power system.
One of these tools is the "Solar Map". This nifty online tool allows San Franciscans to view how much sunlight their home can harvest. The Solar Map uses Google Earth vectoring to determine solar potency for the different city buildings and homes.
In California there's definitely no shortage of great solar power companies. Many of these companies are based in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. San Francisco is only 4.5 hours away from most of these companies, so you can definitely shop around in California for the best deal.
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico: With the new Energy Act and the state incentives that New Mexico offers to residents, up to $18,000 of your solar panel system can be paid for as a rebate (no loans, no re-payment) in New Mexico.
Furthermore, New Mexico has a law that makes their local utility companies pay their customers for the energy they produce. PNM (the utility company in New Mexico) actually pays about .13 cents per kWh produced, and charges their customers only .09 kWh used! If you produce more than what you spend in electricity, then by law the utility company pays you a check.
It's easy to find a great solar energy provider in New Mexico with their New Mexico Solar Energy Association. This group actually allows you to view a solar installation and works much like the BBB of solar power.
These are the friendliest solar cities we could find in America for affordability, rebates, and future solar technology. Keep in mind, many states provide substantial rebates to home owners who are using the power of the sun. On top of rebate incentives, you should carefully weigh how many local companies can provide panels and installations. More companies mean more savings to you as a consumer. Also, keep in mind where your city wants to go with its energy programs. If your city wants to continue expansion of solar energy, then you'll see even more benefits down the road.
Why not build your own solar power at home? You can make your own solar panel with this energy guide at http://123HomeSolarPower.com.
Also check out Philip Richard's blog on solar power at http://Homesolarblog.com.

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