Is an investment in a solar system a “green” decision?  Well, that actually depends on what type of green we are referring to.  According to a Nielsen Energy Trends report in October 2009, “80% of households claim their primary motivation for conserving energy is to cut energy costs and save money”.  Their decision was purely financial, and had little to do with the environmental factor.

With the way electric rates are rising, the average monthly energy payment could double every 13 years.  A solar electric system will hedge against these future rate increases. Every kilowatt hour that is produced through a solar system is one in which will not have to be paid to the utility company.  A solar electric system literally spins your meter backwards.

Here is the best thing about an investment in a solar system: the government pays for almost 50%.  The rebate in California currently covers 15% and the Federal Government gives you a 30% investment tax credit on the remaining cost. Not a bad deal!

So, a solar system reduces or eliminates your electric bill, hedges against future rate increases, may increase the value of your home and the government pays for almost half of the investment.  Going green is great for your wallet, but the environmental impact is just an amazing bonus.

Dave Gersz is the President of HelioNation.com. You can reach him at daveg@HelioNation.com.

Completely sustainable, “off the grid”, portable, affordable, and a modern green dream; that’s what weeHouses are all about.  WeeHouses are prefabricated houses built and designed by Alchemy Architects.

The homes are not only sustainable with solar electric, passive solar heating, hydronic in-floor heating, wind power, rain collection systems, and other features, but the weeHouses also have other appeals. WeeHouses are affordable, high quality, provided with quick delivery, simple, efficiently designed, and flexible. This all makes the average environmentalist more than just a “wee-bit” excited.

The WeeHouses are also modern and sleek looking with streamlined design. They feature bamboo or pine floors and walls, modern green appliances, and energy efficient lighting. The kitchen cabinetry is provided by Ikea. The houses also have large glass windows to render an expansive view of the nature surrounding, and seem very spacious due to their modern design. The houses come in studio size, one bedroom, or two bedroom. Modifications such as porches, patios, and stacking of units can also be made. Additionally, these houses can be plopped just about anywhere including a rooftop, an empty lot, or even a tundra.

These “weeHomes” now include Energy Kits from The Fusion Companies that keep you completely off the grid and eco-friendly. Included in these energy kits are solar panels, roof mounting hardware, battery backup bank, combiner, breaker, inverters, and more.

Along with being off the grid, these prefab houses don’t break the bank; the homes can be 2,000 square feet for only around 125 dollars per square foot. Starting at only 79,000 for a studio, these homes promise a great future for sustainable building. As well as the pre-made houses, Alchemy Architects also builds sustainable custom homes. All that’s needed to own a weeHouse is a foundation and a septic tank and voila, the house of your sustainable dreams is built.

http://weehouse.com/index.html