In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re talking about going green. KTEN’s Jhen Kordela  says you can save money and reduce your energy production at the same time.

The federal government is offering a 30-percent tax credit on solar panels. Some states are even willing to pay half the cost. And, right here at home, in Denton, Texas,  Encore energy offers $2.46 per watt on your electric system for going green.

Earth Day is about caring for the environment and maximizing its resources in a responsible way.

Federally, President Obama has made that one of his many missions.

“The bulk of our efforts must focus on unleashing a new, clean energy economy that will begin to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut our carbon pollution by about 80 percent by 2050, and create millions of new jobs right here in America,” President Obama, stated to the media on Earth Day.

Locally, Sun City Solar Energy, in Grayson County, has a similar plan.

The whole idea of it is to offset your energy consumption,” says Richard Ayala, of Sun City Solar Energy.

The family-owned business is new to Sherman, but not to the Sooner or Lone Star state. It offers solar power electricity, hot water heaters and pools. The solar panels can power up signs and spin the blades on fans.

The solar panels can also increase the value of your home. Think of it this way, an investment of a few thousand dollars now, could save you thousands more down the line.

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With the new administration, it seems renewable energy like wind, solar and biofuels are all the rage. Many of you may remember the energy crisis of the mid eighties, when energy efficient cars were crucial if you wanted to avoid hours waiting to fill your gas tank. Solar energy had state and federal support, and it seemed most people were committed to energy conservation. But when oil became plentiful, inflation decreased and energy prices stabilized, tax credits disappeared – and Americans went back to their old ways. Gas guzzling SUVs became popular, houses became bigger and most people quickly forgot the days when the bill for heating and cooling their home was nearly as high as their mortgage payment.

Do we now have the will as Americans to make the changes needed to become energy independent? Solar is a clean, inexhaustible source of energy that can easily be incorporated into our national conscious.

What does Solar Energy Say to You?

There are still those who look at solar applications and think they detract from the architecture of their home or neighborhood. But solar panels look like sky lights, and to some are like shiny diamonds on the roof. They take the light energy from the sun and make it into something useful. There are thousands of solar customers like George Jeong of Oklahoma City.

The Jeong family is saving 60% on their utility bills, and could not be happier. The solar panels on their roof are not only putting money back in their pockets everyday, but they have a sense of pride knowing they are part of the move towards energy independence.

Beauty is Not Just “Skin Deep”

Next time you see a solar application, stop and think about the beauty in all of the positive elements that are shining down upon us. Solar is helping us become cleaner, greener and free from dependence on foreign oil.

Don’t be fooled by low energy prices. The utilities continue to ask for rate hikes, and the days of cheap energy are a thing of the past. Visit your local Sun City dealer today, and help yourself and our country to a brighter energy future. SunCityEnergy.com

One of the most effective and efficient steps you can take toward saving energy is to install a Solar Hot Water System . Solar Hot Water systems have been around for nearly 100 years, and there are proven applications in use all over the world. It is one of the best methods available for long term use of the sun’s energy.

When people think of Solar Energy, they usually visualize the solar panels on satellite systems or on the space station. However, photovoltaic or electricity from the sun is a relatively new use of solar energy. Hot water systems are more efficient than solar power systems because solar hot water uses the heat produced by the sun, whereas photovoltaic energy must convert the sun’s light energy into electric power. And fewer solar panels are required to use the sun’s energy for hot water than are needed to convert energy into electricity.

Many people are surprised to learn that water heating accounts for a large share of a home’s energy use. The main uses of energy in the home are usually heating and cooling .

Two 4-feet by 8-feet solar panels can deliver enough energy to heat about 80 to 90 percent of the water used by a family of four. A residential solar hot water system pays for itself in approximately 5-7 years. Commercial applications can be even more cost effective.

With the new Federal Tax Credit, homeowners can get 30 percent of their investment in the form of a tax rebate for installing a solar hot water system .  When you decide to stop renting your utilities, contact SunCityEnergy.com and learn how to own your own utility company. Now is the time to invest in solar and help yourself and America move towards a sustainable energy future .