Learn How to Use Alternative Energy at Home to Lower Your Electric Bill

Rising energy costs have crippled the American economy, driving-up the cost of all consumer goods and services, limiting consumers' spending power. More than shady mortgages, deflated 401k's, and widespread layoffs, surging prices for gas, oil, and electricity have taken the bang out of the American buck. You need not, however, remain a victim of the energy crisis and you need no longer collude in pollution and climate change by continuing to purchase your electricity from a coal or gas powered plant.

With a relatively small investment and a little "sweat equity," you can declare your own energy independence.

Consider five relatively low-cost, high-efficiency options:

• Solar Panels for Hot Water Heating


First developed and widely marketed in the early 1970's when we endured our first energy panic, solar water heaters are still the most common among the solar-power devices. But the technology has become much more sophisticated in the last thirty years. Smaller, more attractive, and more efficient, the current generation of solar water heaters can supply more than enough hot water for your entire family every day. Because heating hot water accounts for at least half of your home energy use, you realize significant savings by that one change alone.


• Solar Panels for generating electricity


Price for solar panels and their installation have come down as demand has increased. And solar generators will pay for themselves in as little as eighteen months. You may use them to supplement your power supply; or, if you live in the Sunbelt, you may use your solar panels as your primary source of electric power, and you often can sell your excess back to your local utility. Congress has enacted legislation that requires local utilities to purchase excess electricity from consumers at the prevailing rates. You have an opportunity for a little well-deserved payback.


• Solar Roof Tiles for generating electricity