It’s Solar Electric! Or Not…

I’ve always had the idea that I’d someday own an earthy, eco-friendly home and when I could afford it, I’d make it solar powered. A home running entirely on the sun’s inexhaustible energy sounds like a great idea, despite the initial costly investment, and the thought of not having to depend on a utility company is exhilarating.

As I started to research installing solar electric panels, I learned that you can’t run a home solely on them because (silly me) the sun doesn’t shine constantly, nor is it always the right kind of sunlight or the right angle. It all seems very tricky, and quite the financial gamble. As it is, I only spend about $25 a month on my electric bill in my condo (which is located on the middle floor of a three-story building in a very shaded spot with little natural sunlight). Depending on how much energy your home uses and how much that costs determines whether installing a solar electric panel system is worthwhile to you over a lifetime.

Most people don’t think much about it, but the traditional way of getting electricity releases carbon dioxide into the air and it isn’t pleasant to our planet. Using solar electric panels is cleaner, but it still not zero emissions. Choosing to solar power your home is definitely an individual issue and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. As for me, I may simply continue reducing my usage of electronics, keeping things unplugged when not in use and utilizing super low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs. But, when I build that tricked-out eco-fabulous home, I may change my mind.