magazine-pdf.org_13325_Better_Nutrition_April_2017_2

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Going Solar
Last year, the solar industry grew
faster than ever, with the number of
solar cells in the United States nearly
doubling. And within the next decade,
solar power will cost less than coal in
many parts of the world. Should you
put solar panels on your roof? What if
you don’t own your home?
Solar roof panels are only one
way to harness the sun. Some utilities
offer power from solar and other
renewable energy sources, although
it may cost more. Check your utility
bill for green options that can provide
some or all of your electricity. But
those aren’t your only choices.
Community Solar Programs
For both homeowners and renters,
many parts of the U.S. have community
solar programs, sometimes called
solar farms or gardens. Solar panels
are installed in large groups on
otherwise unusable
land, and local
residents can either
rent or buy a number
of those panels.
How It Works
In theory, you get the power generated
by your panels, but it doesn’t usually go
directly to your home. Rather, the local
utility company buys the power and
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In about an hour, the sun
provides more energy than
the whole world uses
in a year.
Information about existing community solar programs:
rooflesssolar.com
Help with starting a community program:
communitysolarplatform.com
Solar panel installation cost calculator:
solarpowerauthority.com/calculator/
More information about solar:
thesolarfoundation.org
credits you for it on
your bill. Panels in a
community program cost
less than installation on a
home roof, and you don’t have
to worry about maintenance. Prices
vary around the country, depending
upon state regulations and financial
incentives, and not every community has
a solar project. Here are some helpful
resources to get a sense of your options:
!" • APRIL 2017