Affordable Solar: The Energy Game Has Changed

Solar power is more affordable than coal, oil, gas, nuclear, hydro, and wind power.

Ten years ago, a 6,000-watt solar electricity system cost $50,000; today, you can buy it for less than $21,000 — and get a 30% federal tax credit on top of that. Going solar is now a wise investment: the sooner you start using sunlight to meet your energy needs, the more money you’ll have. This action guide explores practical steps to harness sunshine for heat and electricity.

Solar modules collect energy that would otherwise simply heat up your roof.

On the energy pathway to sustainability, we’ve already explored efficiency and electrification, including an in-depth look at batteries to store and release electricity. Now let’s explore how to use solar power to meet our energy needs:

• Allow sunlight to shine into our homes in winter, warming them up passively.
• Install stand-alone solar modules for specific requirements like outdoor lighting or small battery charging.
• Install solar modules connected to our home’s electrical wiring and panels.
• Connect to a solar-powered microgrid in our neighborhood.
• Instruct our local power utility to deliver electricity to us from a solar farm connected to our local power grid.