Free Solar Panels
December 19, 2008 by Home Solar Panels
Filed under Solar Articles
The main advantage of solar power is that it is renewable, clean, and free. However, there is no such thing as truly free solar panels as materials to turn the free source into electricity do cost money. Even if you were to build your own green energy system you would still need to pay for the materials and the installation kit, not to mention the professional advice you may need at certain points in time during the installation. If you can think of the solar panels on a return on investment basis, maybe you can get them for free. Here is how put things into perspective after you’ve put money into an ecological project of energy generation.
First of all, if the energy captured from the sun covers 80% of the energy needs of a household, which is doable with a good model, then you will get all your investment back through the savings you make from your electricity bill. We could talk about free solar panels in terms of the monthly savings refunding the up front costs of the system. The return on investment can be realized within two years in the case of a very sophisticated and modern system, or up to five years if you’ve purchased an average one.
Moreover, contributing to the concept of the free solar panels are governmental policies that work to your advantage. People who decide to install solar panels are supported by the US government by a tax credit or rebates. As a result, you will pay significantly lower taxes which also offset the up front costs of the system and should further support you in the decision to go green. Tax breaks are only realized with the initial installation of the system and not with later additions, so you may want to consider fully building out the system from the get go. Speak to you tax advisor about the potential tax savings before you make your investment in the solar panel system.
Last but not least, the Internet will show you many ads that read free solar panels, when in fact they are referring to the do-it-yourself kits that are available. Yes, these systems can be less expensive up front than the regular ready-made variant, but they surely are not as efficient. With a homemade panel you may not cover the full needs of the house and the life expectancy will most likely be shorter. If you decide to go for the free solar panels variety, be sure to do your homework and take all of the precautions necessary to have a safe and reliable system.

