Three Steps to Solar Energy Success

For the true success of solar energy, people all over the world need to take three basic steps. The last step - the fourth step - is going out and buying a solar energy system. But before this, please do the following:

Step 1: Conserving energy means:

• shut off lights after you use them
• turn your furnace down, and turning it off when not in use
• set room and house air conditioners at 25 degrees
• use a barbecue to reduce your summer air conditioning needs
• use water-efficient shower heads
• fix leaky taps (read about more tips on saving water tips)

Step 2: Improving your energy efficiency means:

• Compact fluorescent lighting, which uses 1/5th of the energy and lasts 10x longer.
• Energy wisdom with your refrigerator. Have it open as little as possible. Let hot food cool on its own before you put it in the fridge.
• Energy smarts with your freezer. Keep your freezer in a cool spot, so it doesn't have to work as hard.
• Using your microwave. You can save up to 50 percent of your cooking energy costs by using a microwave oven instead of a conventional oven. Read more about saving energy in the kitchen.
• Energy Star appliances use up to 50 percent less electricity than older appliances.

• knowing the size and cost involved and having a budget to match
• sizing a solar energy system to your needs
• choosing a solar provider or installing it yourself