Farm Compliance

Imperial, California (NAPSI) - Energy efficiency is the topic du jour for many homeowners--especially with energy bills rising - and it's becoming easier for a homeowner to take control of heating and cooling costs.

One way to take control is to go solar. By installing solar panels, you protect yourself against future energy rate increases and add value to your home. In fact, The Appraisal Journal states that in the United States, a home's value increases about $20 for every $1 decrease in energy costs. Therefore, if solar panels decrease your energy bills by $1,000 a year, they could potentially increase your home's value by about $20,000.

Understanding solar systems need not be daunting. Here are the ABC's to get you on the path to saving money and lowering your energy bill:

About Solar Power

Solar power systems turn sunlight into electricity that is connected to your existing home electrical system--as well as the electric grid. It may surprise you to know that even on cloudy days, solar systems can generate electricity. Optimum electrical production occurs with bright and sunny weather conditions, but solar panels also work on cold, cloudy days because they work on light, not heat.

On sunny days, you not only benefit from using electricity directly from your solar system, but you also send electricity back to your provider, building credits that offset your nighttime electric use. At night, your home draws on utility company power, essentially using the electrical grid as a giant storage battery.

As a bonus, those credits you can generate on sunny days may roll over monthly. This means if you generate excess power during the summer and use more power during the winter, you can break even, and perhaps make some money.

Always keep in mind the shade around your home when installing solar panels. Look for a reputable installer who can work with you on designing rooftop installations to avoid structural shading so you can get a quicker return on your investment.

Benefits Without Disruption

All solar power panels are not created equal. One company offers innovative solar power systems that feature built-in technology that delivers safe AC power and provides consumers with what they are looking for most: high performance and reliability.

"We have always used revolutionary technology in our patented panels and are proud of their continued superior performance and dependability," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Westinghouse Solar. "Our panels are sleek and attractive. Most importantly, they come with the trusted backing and quality of a name synonymous with reliability."

Solar panels require little upkeep, which means you get the benefits of solar without disrupting your everyday life. The only maintenance they may require is a semiannual washing, accomplished by simply hosing them down. Some solar system manufacturers also offer computer-based real-time monitoring systems that allow you to track the performance of your system from any Web browser.

Cost Savings

Solar energy savings can be a smart investment, delivering inexpensive power to your home for years. Government programs can also offset up to 50 percent of a system through a variety of tax credits and rebates. Once installed, a solar power system can pay for itself in five to seven years.

To arrange a free, on-site solar evaluation of your home from a qualified solar representative, visit www.westinghousesolar.com.