Heating and cooling our houses is getting more expensive and accounts for 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. It's time to put the the sun and the 78 million house roofs to work with solar photovoltaic roof modules. By doing so, you could reduce your electricity needs by 30-50 percent.

78 million solar roofs
Solar energy is much easier to do today than it was years ago. The solar energy industry has matured, overcome obstacles, and developed the technologies. Large companies like BP Solar and Sharp are leading the charge in the commercial and residential markets. To demystify solar and learn how easy it is, please watch this 2 minute video.

Flat panels are in
Most of us have seen solar collectors alslo known as photovoltaic modules on a few houses or commercial buildings. These are not the most attractive devices. They protrude from the roof and are noticeable.

Solar energy manufacturers have been working with the roofing shingle makers. Now solar roof panels like Sharp's ND-62RUI are another option that will do just as well as solar collectors and be far less offensive to you and your neighbors. These flat panel solar roof modules are rated at 62 watts; larger sizes are available.

The solar roof panels lie flat on the roof top and interact with the existing roof via a special mounting system. We think in the future, traditional roof shingles will be replaced by solar roof shingles. Just imagine what an impact 78 million roofs would make on our national energy security, the environment and of course our wallets?

Today's solar system's have the potential to reduce your home's total power consumption by 33 to 50 percent. The electrical energy that you don't use can be sold back to the power company in most instances if there is a net metering program in effect.

A typical 2,500 to 3,000 square foot house can producte about 62 watts of power. This is roughly 300 volts and a maximum power current of 7 amperes. Of course this will vary with your location and how your house sits on the lot.

Sharp's 62-watt solar panel module is 59 inches x 15.6 inches x 1.3 inches. One panel will cover about five standard roof shingles. The solar panels have a 25 year warranty.

Other solar roof panels are available for new construction. These solar panels will actually replace the roofing materials.

What will it cost?
A standard 3-kilowatt hour system costs between $20,000 and $30,000 installed. That's before rebates and incentives that States and local communities are offering. We think that rebates and other incentives may can reduce your cost by 50 percent. Federal tax credits may also apply.

Many people are concerned with the payback period. This can range from as few as 5 years to as many as 30 years. Most experts, however, estimate a payback period of 10 to 12 years. Keep in mind that electricity prices are tied to natural gas prices. The large reserves of natural gas are owned by, you guessed it, the oil producing countries. In the absense of significant technological break throughs the cost of heating and cooling your house will only go up. Solar systems also add value to your home and may help sell it in the future.

What is net metering?
Net metering is another benefit of a solar energy system. Here's how it works. When you have a grid-tied photo voltaic system and it's producing more electricity than you are consuming, you can sell your extra electricity back to the utility. Your meter will spin backward.

In order to participate in net metering, you will need to have at least one special meter installed on your homeís exterior that spins backward and forward. The meter costs about $300, but your utility company may cover part or all of the cost.

Do your homework
Home owners will find many resources availalbe at the local level. A good place to start is to see what solar energy incentives your State offers. Also see what your county offers.

The solar industry has also put together a great website called findsolar.com to help match you with qualified solar contractors.

Your comments are always welcome and encouraged. To leave a comment, please Join our community. Learn more.