Use Sun Power

Let the sun do its thing.

This month, make a commitment use solar to power your home or heat your water, by installing solar panels or a solar water heater.

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Use Sun Power

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Use Sun Power

Energy from the sun is free for everyone and there is lots of it. In fact, over 70 percent of us live in countries with the right natural conditions for solar power - even if it doesn’t always seem like it. Even on a cloudy day, solar panels can still generate electricity and power your home with cleaner energy. And since most homes that use solar remain connected to the local energy grid, you’ll still enjoy reliable electric power at night.

New technologies and government subsidies have dramatically reduced the cost of installing solar and more people are choosing solar.

Installing solar panels or a solar hot water system in your home will save you money and cut your carbon pollution.

    Tips

    You’ll need a rooftop or plot of land near your home with good exposure to the sun. To get an idea of your home’s solar potential, use the PVWatts Calculator or the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System - you might be surprised by how much energy you could make.

    If you’re not ready to install solar panels, you could install a solar hot water system instead. It’s a simpler system that runs water through tubes that transfer the sun’s energy to heat the water in your home.

    Find an accredited installer in your region by searching for “solar comparison” in your browser. Contact your local authorities about any government grants or payment schemes available.

    Benefits

    The price of solar panels has dropped substantially, so the energy savings you’ll enjoy will outweigh the cost of installing them. You’ll be less exposed to energy shortages and price increases. And you’ll help us move away from dirty fossil fuels, cutting your carbon pollution.

    Research shows that when you instal solar panels, your friends and neighbours are more likely to do the same. Together we’ll drive change in our communities and send a message to leaders that the energy system must be cleaner.

    A quarter of the energy we use in our homes is used to heat water for showers, laundry, and washing dishes. A solar hot water system can save up to 70 percent of that energy.

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    References