Plants have been using the power of the sun since the beginning of time to grow and reproduce. Now humans have started harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity. Energy generated by the sun, or solar power, is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Most of the electrical power in America is generated by nuclear power, natural gas, and coal, which have been the cause of much of the degradation of our environment. Installing a solar power system is one of the smartest things that you can do for your home, your business and for the environment.
Sharing Our Experience
Peaceful Valley started shopping around for a solar system, in part to save on the increasing costs of electricity, and to reduce our carbon footprint. In the past, installing a solar energy system at a home or business was cost prohibitive. But now, the cost of purchasing and installing a solar system is within the reach of many homeowners and businesses. On paper we found that we would pay no more for our 10 year loan, on a monthly basis, than we would pay to our California power company for our electric bill. After 10 years, when the loan would be paid off, we would have no electric bill for the next 15 to 20 years!
So we shopped around for solar power systems and chose a local company, California Solar, to design and install our system. We wanted to support a local company, and they really know their industry! In less than two weeks they installed our system with little to no interruption to our operations!
Our system will pay for itself within five short years! The switch to solar powered energy will save Peaceful Valley $26,000 in the first year and in excess of $1 million over 25 years. Along with reducing costs, the 67kW system at Peaceful Valley is designed to produce 128,000 kWh a year.
Tax Credits Offered for Solar
The federal government offers tax credits to homeowners and businesses when they install a solar power system. Check with your CPA to determine how much you will save and if there is a tax savings program in effect at time you're looking to purchase a solar power system.
The tax credits have been extended for five years and will start to step down in 2020. For example, the 2015 tax credit equaled 30% of the total system cost, and as a business we are also eligible for an accelerated depreciation. Again check with your tax preparer or local agency.
Read more about our solar project here.
We did our homework when researching solar power installation and so should you. This article and our video is designed to give you a glimpse into our personal experience. Check with a professional solar company to find out what the benefits will be for you!
