More affordable Solar Power

I just read that RPU and Austin's and Owatonna's Utility Companies are offering some attractive rebates for their customers who would like to install solar panels for either electrical or water heating applications. This would make those systems quite a bit more affordable for the average homeowner. More information can be found here.

When I inquired about solar panels for our home a couple of years ago, I contacted Pine Island Solar. Mr. Thompson came out to our house and gave us an in-depth analysis of our particular site, and how much it would cost to have a system installed. And while we weren't able to go through with the project at the time, I still have it on my list of things to consider in the next few years. Unfortunately, Xcel Energy doesn't really provide much of an incentive right now. But, there is money from the State available on a first-come, first-save basis (it's all used up for this year, though), and the Federal Tax Credit (up to 30%) apparently has been extended to 2016, with no cap on it. So, there are still very good reasons to take a look at solar power for your home.