It’s increadible how Solar energy became so popular and seems to gain popularity every day, when in reality it has been around for years. The equipment is far more advanced now, but the basic idea has been around for a a while.
I was raised off the grid depending on solar to not only power our basic needs, but to heat our water and ligh our home. I remember some of the first inverter systems that by today’s standards would be laughed at to the point of being made fun of.
We lived a little over 4 miles from the nearest power pole. Our neighbors, closest being over a mile away, didn’t think about the possibility to have an actual light switch. To them a battery operated lantern was “Good Times” .Try to imagine the look on their face when first encountering the solar system. They looked at our Solar panels as if they were left over pieces form an alien ship.
You see, we came from the city, a big city. So I was 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 turn a switch not start the lantern, they changed their opinion about the us on the mountain.
I think the clincher was about 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 two story cabin lit up for ole ST. Nick.
There is so many reasons that solar power is a good idea, because not only does it reduce your power bills, it returns value to a home or business through tax incentives and operating expences. Solar Energy systems can also increase 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 will benefit the local economy by helping to keep more of our energy dollars working locally, instead of being exported for purchasing 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.