Solar and Wind Power for Your Home or Business

Solar and wind power systems are a growing trend as more people rally behind the need for alternative energy to reduce foreign dependencies and environmental impact. However, it's not a short-term fix for either. Alternative energy is a long-term investment and can provide many financial and environmental benefits over time.

Why is Solar Power a Good Investment?

• Solar power is predictable. We know the cycles of the sun during the different seasons and can predict expected power production.
• Solar power production is highest during the day. Daytime is also when the utility companies experience peak usage. Solar can provide additional production to the utilities to offset their hours of peak usage.
• Solar energy use has surged at about 20 percent a year over the past 15 years. Prices of materials and efficiencies in the technologies have contributed to this growth.
• Typically, tax credits and incentives are available through the state and federal government, allowing for a shorter payback period. Residential solar energy systems can often pay for themselves in 10 to 15 years.
• Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power is one of the fastest growing renewable technologies.
• Solar photovoltaic electricity has been increasing by an average of more than 20 percent each year since 2002 and until 2010, producing more than 40,000 MW globally.
• Solar cells are long-lasting and require very little maintenance.

Reduce Your Impact on the Environment

For commercial, industrial, or residential use, solar and wind power systems are excellent alternatives that can have a direct positive impact on the environment.

• The sun is an abundant source of energy that is readily available and reliable, unlike oil, which is a finite resource and dependent on political and geographical relationships.
• There are no pollutants or harmful emissions from the use or production of solar or wind energy.
• Wind turbines take up very little land space, allowing for continued use of land surrounding the towers.