A Green Blog (by DeBass Recycling)

If you’re like me, at some point you’ve probably considered having a solar panel system installed in your home but for one reason or another just got out of the notion. Well, here’s one more thing to consider before you make up your mind…

It’s estimated that we’re currently only using 1% of the sun’s energy. That’s right! In fact, if we took all the energy from all the fossil fuels in and on the earth today, it would only equal the amount of energy that comes from the sun in just 20 days. Sadly enough though, instead of tapping into this FREE resource, we’re emitting 10,500 lbs of CO2 per household, per year into the atmosphere.

Convinced to buy a solar panel system now?

Well most likely, the next question that comes to mind is, ‘how much would a solar panel system cost?’ The short answer is – ‘it depends’. What’s important to note is that the size of your house is NOT a factor. However, what does matter is how much sun you get per day and how much energy you use. Below is a simple method for estimating what a solar panel system would cost you.

STEP 1. Take the number of KwH shown on your last energy bill

STEP 2. Divide that number by 30

STEP 3. Divide that number by the average hours of full sun you get per day (see Chart at the bottom of this blog to find the number of hours for your state.)

STEP 4: Multiply it by 1.15 to calculate how many watts you will need.

STEP 5: Contact your local solar panel company to determine their rates per watt.  (NOTE:  For Texas, the average cost is $7,000 per watt which includes the solar panel, installation and all other extra fees.  This will likely vary by state.)

This is roughly how much it would cost you to have a solar panel installed in your home. But before you start making solar panel plans with this number, here are a few more costs to consider.

a) This calculation only includes the cost of the panels, inverters, wire, mounts, and other hardware. It does NOT include anything else you might need to pay for, like inspections or extra watt meters by the electric company. Check with your city for any specific regulations they might have regarding solar panels.

b) This calculation is only for standard solar systems. If you choose a battery-based system, increase this estimate by 20% - 30%.

c) This calculation assumes that you will install a standard solar panel system which means that your solar system will not store energy back ups like battery-based systems.  The impact is that you will still have to rely on your energy company to meet your energy needs in the evening and on overcast days.  These additional energy costs should be included in your calculations as well.

The Cost: For perspective, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000. Given that the average person spends between $3,000 and $4,000 per year on energy bills, you can estimate that it would take 3 to 5 years for you to recoup your investment.

However, some states, the federal government, and even some energy companies, offer special rebates and tax incentives for solar panel installation. Currently, the federal government is offering a 30% rebate on the cost and installation of solar panels. Visit http://www.dsireusa.org to find savings that could apply to you.

CHART: Average Hours of Full Sun Per Day by State

7.5 hours per day: Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California and Southern Nevada

5.5 hours per day: Northern California, Northern Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, West Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

*All other states not previously listed average 4.5 hours of sun per day.

Cows create almost 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases.  That’s more than trains, planes and automobiles combined!  Other livestock contribute as well, but when you measure gas emissions, cow flatulence heats up the earth like nothing else.  In fact, the methane that cows discharge has 23 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide.

Consider that one cow releases about 10 lbs of methane per month and there are 100 million cows just in the US.  That’s 12 billion pounds of methane emitted into the atmosphere every year.

SOLUTION:

1.  Well, if you’re a rancher - change what your cows eat.  Feeding them garlic neutralizes the bacteria in their stomachs and cuts their emissions in half.

2. As an individual, reduce your intake of red meat.  A University of Chicago study found that each beef eating America contributes to pumping an extra 1.5 tons of CO2 into the air every year.  Almost all of that emission is created by raising cattle and processing beef.  It’s equivalent to driving an extra 5,000 miles every year.