Is Solar Power Becoming More Affordable?
April 29, 2009 
6 Comments
image by dominicspics
Our recent poll showed that while most people have already started implementing green technology like CFL and LED bulbs very few have been able to start using Solar Power systems. The main reasons people avoid installing a solar panel system seem to be;
1/ Solar Panels are Ugly! (To Some People)
Many communities will probably frown on people installing large solar arrays on their rooftops and buyers seem hesitant to change their roof line with large solar panels. This should be cured as Solar technology advances and we see more systems that blend in with the shingles of a traditional roof.
2/ Solar Power is Complicated
Solar power systems require a certain level of home wiring updates with additional power panels and circuit breakers as well as the complex inverter technology. Most people are scared away by the challenges involved in installing a solar panel system. A large number of companies are starting to thrive as dedicated solar power system installers and if you search for local solar power installers you will be surprised how many there are across America.
3/ Solar Panels are Expensive
This is true, solar systems are expensive, but the price of solar panels is slowly reducing due in part to the mass production of solar panels in both America and Europe. Many European countries granted allowances for residents to install solar systems which prompted many new companies to start manufacturing solar panels and also meant that existing solar panel manufacturers increased production. Some of the countries which previously subsidized solar installs have since withdrawn these offers and so the price of solar panels has dropped considerably.
So is there an inexpensive way to start using solar power for the average Joe? Many people have started using semi-portable 15W solar panels to charge higher power items by trickle charge. These solar units are already very affordable and have fallen into the gift price range of $100 – $200.
by docentjoyce
Many manufacturers such as “SunForce” are selling their products on Amazon, we found this example below retailing for around $108. This will definitely be on my Christmas gift list, and who knows, maybe my next blog posts will be written on a laptop powered by green solar power!
SunForce – 15-watt Solar Charger with 7-amp Charge Controller
We found an amazing site “GoGreenSolar” and they have a really cool selection of solar and wind power accessories for every home, checkout their latest products below;
Go Green Solar
Solar panels are not so expensive as people usualy think and subsidies that the U.S. provides can make solar panels a reasonable investment.
Don’t forger that solar panels will last about 20 years or even more.
Dimitry – Thanks for your interest in this post, that’s some good info. Be sure to come back and visit us again.
Nice article and definitely the topic to address!
Solar Power is also a matter of priority. People purchase larger than necessary houses and/or spend $30K on an automobile. Reducing square footage by 20% or buying a $20K auto instead would fund a very snazzy solar system on any home.
It certainly is nice having power when the grid is down!
Nice explanation. I think you give the main point of the reason of not using a solar panel. I also think that it a matter of priority. really nice post, I’m waiting to see the next one!
Considering my household energy consumption averages between 2 and 4 kw/hour, just one of the systems listed has the potential to slash my energy usage in half. It’s actually on my list of things to potentially start adding to my roof in the next year or so.
Solar panels are affordable. Companies are trying to make cheapest solar panels. And on one hand where solar panels help you to save electricity than on other hand it also help to make money.