Xcel proposes “backup power” fee for solar panel customers (KWGN Denver)

DENVER (AP) — Using emissions-free solar panels to power one's home may help save the planet but having access to traditional fossil-fuel generated backup electrical power isn't free.

Silicon-free Solar Panels

A team of researchers at the Ikerlan-IK4 technological centre have made a laboratory-scale photoelectric panel which, apart from fulfilling the function of converting solar light into electricity, solves the problems of integratability and availability that current technology presents.

Free Solar Panels

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.

Home Solar Panels

Home solar panels for anyone looking to substitute the polluting energy created by fuel-supplied power plants with green and renewable energy are now well within reach. Installed on the roof of a house, or even built within the roof, home solar panels can supply all the energy that you need to run your appliances and heat your home. In fact, in many cases they will even allow you to hand excess energy over to other users on the power grid. Home solar panels are commonly referred to as residential systems and come in a variety of models and designs meeting the demands of all types of home owners.

Many people choose to start with a small array of solar panels that cover only a portion of their home electricity and heating needs. The reason is easy to understand if you consider the high costs of complex and complete home solar panel systems. Later, they do add other panels one by one, so that all their energy needs are met. Gradual or progressive installation minimizes initial costs, but on the other hand, doesn’t get you all of the tax advantages of doing it all at once. The good thing is that you’ll get your money on the panels back eventually, and not only as rebates but by means of the return on investment you get free solar panels.

In time, the savings you make by the use of the home solar panels are so significant that you will recover your investment and then some. The maintenance costs of the home solar panels are negligible unless you install some more advanced devices such as a sun tracker.

Home solar panels should work well year round, with the caveat that you may have to modify the inclination angle of the panels for maximum efficiency. The changes from summer to winter should be specified in the technical documentation and installation instructions included with your home solar panels. Moreover, a professional installation team should be able to give all the guidance you may need.