Did you know that the average American household uses around 10,000 kWh of electricity per year? This amount would be lessened if people would invest in more energy efficient windows and appliances, and replace their insulation. Just doing this could save the average homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. Another simple and relatively inexpensive option is to change your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones. Other cost-saving measures include turning lights off when you leave a room and unplugging items that you’re not using. But, the only way to stop paying for electricity altogether is to get “off the grid” with residential solar power. The initial costs may be intimidating, but the promise of not having to pay electric bills-thousands of dollars a year-will soon make up for that initial costs.

What Size System does Your House Need?

There are several types of residential solar power systems available to choose from. Systems range from 1,000-25,000 watt systems which will service 50 to 1600 square feet, respectively. A 10,000-watt system will save the average homeowner approximately $50,000 over 25 years while still supplying the 10,000 kWh needed. The exact dollar figure of savings gained from a residential solar power system varies from home to home. One cost-effective alternative to installing a full residential solar power system, is to install a system that powers specific areas of the house, removing the more energy-draining items from the grid. Most homeowners do not have the $75,000 required to install a system even with the promise of savings in the future.

There are tax credits available for those people who choose to upgrade their home to energy friendly alternatives that will help offset the initial installation fees. For our purposes, a $75,000 solar power system could be eligible for a tax credit of nearly $35,000 bringing the actual pay-out price to $40,000. Tax credits are offered as a way to lower the costs associated with residential solar power, and to entice homeowners to spend money. In the coming years as motor vehicles switch from gasoline powered to electric, our power grid will be even more taxed. It is important to start the change to residential solar power now so that we can ensure the integrity of our energy grid, save ourselves in home energy costs, and protect our natural resources.

Richard Dealstar is the premier authority in using solar power to ‘live off the grid’. To learn more about topics like “Residential Solar Power” check out his website. The most recent is titled, “Residential Solar Power Panels-Harness This Alternative Energy Source?” another popular article is about solar energy advantages.