Solar panels and panel systems are devices that gather and convert energy from the sun into electricity or heat that can be used in the home or business.  They are becoming more and more popular for domestic use throughout today’s environmentally conscious society.  The uses for residential solar panels include solar water heating, solar space heating, and even solar air conditioning.  Solar panels offer many distinct and eco-friendly advantages to those who are looking to heat their homes while still keeping their environment in mind.  Solar energy is clean and does not pollute.  When using oil, natural gas, or electricity, harmful pollutants including greenhouse gasses are emitted into the environment. With solar panels, the overall emission of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere is

reduced.  Another great thing about solar panel systems is that they require little maintenance.  The devices can pay for themselves by saving the owner on natural gas and electricity bills in a matter of a few years.  Solar panels are also becoming notice by the US government.  This means that in some cases, tax breaks or financial incentives are available to homeowners for being more energy efficient. 

 

Virginia in general has a “good” solar rating.  Solar energy, offering 3,000 watts (avg. of 300 kWh per month) of power would require 270 sq. ft. of roof area.  Costs for both installation and equipment would range around $35,000, but keep in mind that you would receive a $2,000 federal tax credit and property value increase of around $9,000 to $15,000.  You might also be

exempt from property tax and your 25-year utility savings would be anywhere from $17,000-$32,000.  You also will have saved 94 tons of Carbon Dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, from being expelled into the atmosphere over a 25-year period and is the equivalent to planting 1.5 acres of forest.   You can visit Chesapeake Solar at http://www.chesapeakesolar.net/index.php and take a free solar evaluation to find out if solar power will work for you (Note: they are not local, just a good source of info) or check out http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/virginia/ to find further information on solar power tax rebates and incentives.  Numerous local solar panel contractors can be found online through whitepages.com.

use 58% less water and generate 74% less air pollution than producing new paper from trees.  And that does not even include newspapers!  Over 500,000 trees are cut down every week just for newspapers.  Think about how many we could save if we recycle. 

Every day, more and more companies are starting to recycle.  Some companies are even able to recover the cost of their materials, just from recycling.  Others use scrap materials, like steel, to make

How many of you in Hampton Roads recycle?  How many of you even know what recycling truly is, and how important it is? 

Recycling is when you reuse materials such as glass, paper, metal, rubber and cardboard.  When you recycle, you help to conserve some of earth’s resources, energy, and landfill space. 

Paper makes up approximately 40% of the mass of garbage in landfills.  Recycling this paper would

their new products.  These companies are saving money, benefiting the environment, and reducing the amount of materials sent to landfills. 

What types of recycling programs does Hampton roads have?  SPCA and drop off recycling centers are two of the most common.  For more information, check out your local newspapers website, ask you local parks and recreation director, or check out the website for HR Clean. 

The Power of Solar Power

By: Brittany Wilson

Recycling in Hampton Roads

By: Michelle Amico

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Volume 4