It's sunshine, it's free, it's simple enough—right? With all the things to consider, from interpreting the power bill and reviewing solar proposals to comparing paying cash with lower-cost offerings, the process of switching to solar can leave a homeowner buried in paperwork and as confused as ever.
In recent years, a number of innovate companies and business models have emerged to help lower the initial costs and barriers to entry for consumers. Examples include New Resource Bank's solar financing initiative, CitizenRe's solar rental plan (still in pilot phase), and Solar City's group buying program, which also makes it easier to sell power back into the grid in states where this is possible. People can find lots of great information on financial and other aspects of solar at The Solar Guide website.
Another company who provides an innovative financing and service solution for consumers is Sun Run , who’s borrowed a model from commercial markets. We’ve written about them before , and we recently caught up with President and COO Nat Kreamer to get his thoughts on what people should be thinking about as they evaluate solar and solar service providers.
"Californians know that solar power saves money and cuts global warming. Now homeowners are asking us how to go solar in the most financially responsible way, so they can avoid hidden costs or hassles down the road," said Nat. "We're all concerned about the same things: making smart spending decisions that also help protect our environment."
Here's a list of the top seven questions homeowners should answer before they can triumphantly watch the meter spin backwards.
Q: I know solar is great for the environment, but I want to know the economic benefits--How do I compare the long-term cost of solar to what I currently pay my utility?











We love spinach. It's great in omelets, in salads, in pasta ... and, now, it's also great in solid-state photosynthetic solar cell based skin. In English? A protein derived from spinach is being used to power solar cells, that are in turn powering a house—the winner of the 
Living at 6,300 feet, in the high desert of New Mexico, where the 24 hour temperature can vary 40 degrees or more per day and where the seasonal changes can be extreme, being a friend with the sun becomes an important component of your life. 
The land we live on and have built on over a period of 25 years was known as the Homestead Division of Santa Fe County. It lies southwest from the small town of Madrid which was once a thriving coal town, then a ghost town grew into a hippie haven and finally a still slightly quirky, artsy town. In 1978, the land was rezoned with a 40 acre minimum to protect water rights. It is completely raw land-no power lines, water lines, telephone lines, no county road maintenance. 

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