What can you do at home to explore renewable energy? There are many easy, inexpensive, fun ideas you can implement. Here are a few suggestions for renewable energy experiments at home that will give you many hours of enjoyment.

There are a number of reasons U.S. consumers are resistant to solar panels. Cost is the number one consideration, as the average cost of installing a residential system is $25,000-$35,000. With generous tax rebates available on the Federal and state levels, this price tag can be considerably lower. Sites such as dsireusa.org (Databse of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) provide state-by-state, comprehensive lists of rebates available to commercial and residential customers. There is still an initial cash layout, though, one that can be cost-prohibitive to the average consumer.

Electric bills are getting out of hand throughout New Jersey. Regardless of whether you live in Elizabeth, Jersey City or elsewhere, you are probably paying around $150 in the winter and $300 or more in the summer. That’s a lot of money that you’re throwing away each month just to run your appliances and provide air conditioning through your home.

As a result of the high electric bills, many residents are moving to solar energy because it is that much more affordable. The sun shines bright every day – which is why your electric bill is so high. However, if you were to install solar panels, you can use the sun to your advantage and let it power a majority of your home.

There are many good reasons to light your property at night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond safety, though, there are other considerations. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has a reputation for being expensive to install and maintain, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget to install outdoor lighting that makes a statement and turns your home into a nighttime showpiece in your neighborhood.