Homeowners can
install solar
panels consisting of photovoltaic (PV)
solar
cells on their rooftops that integrate
the sun’s energy in order to heat their homes
and pools during the winter. Federally funded research
and development is currently underway to provide ways
in which solar
heating can be used on a grand scale. Solar power’s relatively low
cost and capability to provide power to large numbers
of people during high periods of demand has scientists
and engineers working to create and implement solar
engines, both commercially and industrially,
to provide a clean and renewable alternative energy
source. This would be especially effective in hot, dry
areas that receive almost constant sunlight, such as
the Southwest U.S., as well as third world countries
where electricity is scarce or simply non-existent.
State and local government programs
are being put into place to encourage the use of solar
energy using cash incentives for those that integrate
solar energy technology as an alternative energy source.
Other incentive programs include offering homeowners
tax credits for solar panel installation for solar heating
systems. This bodes well for the average homeowner,
as recent technological innovations believed to make
solar power in residential and commercial applications
cheaper than electricity from the grid will be available
in the next few years.
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