In many states, solar energy is becoming not only a viable source of energy but a competitive one. Many people in New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, and California are choosing to power their residential homes with renewable solar energy rather than conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels. A large number of people feel that solar energy is a good investment, for both environmental and monetary reasons. Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning that it replenishes itself quickly and naturally with no harm to the environment. Using renewable energy sources is a great way to go green, but it can also save you money.

People who install solar panels to their home are not only making their residence more environmentally friendly, they are also increasing the property value of their home! But property value isn�t the only place that they�ll notice a change in value. By using solar energy, home owners can drastically decrease their electric and heating bills! The money saved by using solar energy can recoup the initial investment cost of so cal solar panel installations in as little as one year! Of course, there are also a number of incentive programs in place for individuals who take advantage of southern cal solar energy installations. Many states offer rebates and tax deductions for people who add solar panels to their home. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, consumers who add solar panels to their home will receive a federal tax credit worth 30 percent of their investment costs! The incentives and rebates make solar energy the smart option as well as the green option!

With these great money saving benefits, you may be wondering whether you can take advantage of socal solar energy installation. All you need to add solar panels to your home is a clear view of the sky! The ideal location for so cal solar panel installation is on a south facing roof with an unobstructed view of the sky. Of course, there are other options is this is not available at your home. Solar panels are also effective on east and west facing roofs with a clear view of the sky. If your roof is shaded by trees or buildings, your solar panels may be less effective. If this is the case, your solar panels can be installed in a ground mounted solar energy system that is equally effective.

The number of solar panels needed for your home, and the price of your initial investment, is dependent on the size of your home, your average energy use, and how much of your conventional energy source you would like to replace with solar power. But the more conventional energy you replace, the larger reduction in your utility bill you�ll see each month. And that�s green that everybody can get excited about!