It is amazing how Solar Panels are so popular and seems to gain popularity day by day, when in reality it has been around for years. The equipment is far more advanced today, but the basic concept has been around for a long time.
I grew up off the grid depending on the sun to not only power our basic needs, but to heat our water and light our home. I remember some of the first inverter systems that by today’s standards would be laughed at to the point of being ridiculous.
We lived approx 4 miles from the nearest power pole. Our neighbors (closest being 1.5 miles away) never thought about the possibility of have an actual light switch. To them a battery operated lantern was “Good Times” .You can imagine the look on their face when first encountering our Power system. They looked at our Solar Panels as if they were left over parts form an alien vessel.
You see, we came from the city, a big city. So we were not welcomed with open arms you might say. But when they were finally able to grasp the concept of harnessing the suns energy, and having lights that all you had to do was flip a switch not pump the lantern, they changed their opinion about the Warrens on the mountain.
I believe the clincher was in 1977 when we entered the Christmas light contest and won! It was a 20 minute drive from town just to get to our place, with the last 4 miles being nothing but darkness. You can imagine the judging committee’s surprise as the rounded the last corner to see suddenly out of the Darkness a 2-story cabin lit up for ole ST.
Nick.
There are so many reasons why solar power is a good idea, because not only does it reduce your energy bills, it returns value to your home or business through tax incentives and operating costs. Solar Energy Systems can also increases the value of your property investment. Incentives and tax credits are stronger than ever—they can reduce the cost of your system from 50% to 90%. Renewable energy also benefits the local economy by helping to keep more of our energy dollars working locally, instead of being exported for buying unsustainable fossil fuels. And, of course, solar helps reduce your carbon footprint, and global warming. All, in all, it’s a strong investment, one you can’t afford not to make.
