As renewable and solar energy continue to gain global awareness one of the most common questions people have is:

"How Do I Power My Home From the Sun?"

The answer is with a Solar Electric Photovoltaic System.

Solar Electric Photovoltaic Systems, sometimes referred to as PV Systems, have many benefits:

• Reduce your electric bill.

• Take advantage of tax benefits and rebates.

• Help our country become less dependent on fossil fuels.

• And - Watch your meter spin backward (we never get tired of this!)

Be sure to learn all about Solar Electric Photovoltaic Systems on our Web Site, and visit our Learn More section to see the common questions people have as well.

Enjoy!

The most common question about solar energy deserves the right answer...

If you’ve ever asked yourself --

“Why isn’t there more solar energy used in Florida?” 

you’re not alone!

In the 35 years I’ve worked in the solar industry here in Florida, that’s the most common question I hear.

The question is often followed with some version of: “I guess it’s just still too expensive.”

It’s a good question, but the right answer requires you to dig a little deeper. So, instead of just agreeing and letting you off the hook, I’m inclined to reply: “YOU know why.”

Then, I wait and let you think a little while I nod my head and look directly at you with narrowed eyes and a slight smile. When I see you start to fog up, I continue, “It’s because the utilities and the politicians don’t want you to use solar energy.”

Oh, you say. It’s pretty obvious and no one ever disagrees.

Within the last couple months, though, we're fortunate enough to have some help from the top, and I'm excited!

You know in your heart we should be using the beautiful gift the sun gives freely to all. It defies logic and common sense that Florida ignores its natural beauty.

The frustration is always audible. Solar energy is so obviously good and right.

Here are a couple organizations trying to help the people get their fair share of solar energy:

• The Florida Alliance of Renewable Energy (FARE)

• The Vote Solar Florida Initiative

Florida is the Sunshine State, after all, right?!

Are you in love with your energy source?

A strange question, isn’t it?

Strange because:
a)    more than likely, you don’t know where your energy comes from, and
b)    even if you did know, what’s love got to do with it?

What I mean is, do you feel good about where your energy comes from?

I know you like the energy you use. That’s not the question. Electricity and gasoline have given many people around the world a wonderful life. Both are taken for granted. You use them without having to think much about it. Plugging in your cell phone or laptop is about the most effort you have to do. Filling up at the convenience store is all it takes to go anywhere you want to go. But these conveniences have a source… and a price… that is not often considered… which I won’t get in to here.

Do you know where your energy comes from?

Do you know where your electricity and gas come from?

And, assuming you do know, are you in love with your energy source?

After 35 years in the solar industry, I know I am in love with the sun.

When you get connected to the sun, in a real way, something fundamental changes in your head… or is it your heart?

You satisfy an unconscious desire to be at one. It’s an alignment… or perhaps an atonement.

At its core, solar energy is in alignment with all life.
And because of that, solar energy is an energy source that can be loved.

Solar energy has incredible universal appeal!

You probably get the concept of solar energy -- the idea of creating energy from the sun..
Nonetheless, here's the attributes of solar energy:
•    An endless supply… the sun will continue to shine for millions of years
•    A reliable supply… the output of the sun is predictable
•    A secure supply… the sun cannot be a target
•    A safe supply… the sun does not cause pollution
•    A healthy supply… sunshine is essential for good health
•    A free supply… sunshine is delivered to your house free of charge (and fast)
•    Promotes energy independence… both national and personal
•    Promotes energy democracy… ownership for many people (not just a few)
•    Promotes a healthy economy…
•    Promotes enjoyment… you like its beauty, its warmth and all it provides
•    Promotes biodiversity… sustainable behavior in harmony with nature
•    Promotes community… a world that works well… we’re ALL in this together
•    Promotes life… all life depends on the solar energy

At its core, solar energy is in alignment with all you love -- and because of that, solar energy is an energy source you love.

Just a few thoughts for the day...

- Dan

For more information, here are some good books:

• Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman

• The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones

• Plan B by Lester Brown

This phot is of photovoltaic panels in Spain... and WOW, it's a really good one!

Today, I discovered this excellent article by National Geographic called "Plugging into the Sun"...

It explains how sunlight provides us with much more energy than we'd ever need - and slowly we're starting to tap into it!

It also reviews the two main ways to harness the energy as well:

1. produce steam,
2. convert to electricity with photovoltaic (PV) panels (be sure to check out our PV solutions on our web site to learn more!

Be sure to check out the article, and the related link: Ranking the Renewables (the photo gallery is great too!)

Very cool stuff!

-Dan