Solar energy is taking off. In the first quarter of 2015, solar accounted for half of all new electricity production in the United States. That's great news for consumers, because a good deal of that energy is generated by residential solar panels, which reduce the amount that homeowners pay for electricity. These sun-loving panels aren't just for experts and electricians – they are becoming ever-more accessible to the average homeowner. Read on to learn more about how the industry is heating up and how you can come along for the ride.

Prices Falling, Installations Rising

Solar, as well as its renewable energy cousin, wind, are poised to produce an ever-increasing share of the nation's energy in the upcoming decades. That's game-changing for the environment, because neither source requires fossil fuels to produce. Furthermore, an economy based on renewable energy should theoretically reduce destabilizing fluctuations in energy prices because the fuel for wind and solar is free, unlike coal, oil and natural gas.

The trend is already picking up steam. The residential solar market grew by 76 percent this year compared to the first quarter of 2014, according to a report by Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) and GTM Research. About 645,000 homes and businesses across the nation are hooked up to solar, according to SEIA, and the installation price has fallen by 73 percent since 2006. At the projected rate of growth, the nation's capacity could double in as little as two years.

An Electrician's Dream Come True

The data give “a clear glimpse into the future role that the residential sector will play as a primary driver of not only solar market growth, but the overall electricity generation mix,” Shayle Kann, Senior Vice President at GTM Research, said in a press release. “In the first quarter of this year, the U.S. installed more residential solar than natural gas, and solar on the whole accounted for 51 percent of all new electric generating brought online. We expect more than three million residential solar installations over the next five years.”

Consumer engagement is another reason for optimism. As homeowners take proactive steps toward controlling their own energy through solar, experts expect that people will also take an interest in other efficiency technologies like electric cars, smart homes and energy-efficient appliances.

Sign Up for Solar Today

Homeowners have multiple options available to help them invest in solar energy on their property. Federal tax credits will refund up to one third of installation costs through the end of 2016. Furthermore, companies like Direct Energy Solar are offering leasing options so that consumers can enjoy the savings from solar panels while fronting none of the up-front costs. If you’re interested in taking the plunge, call up an electrician or solar specialist who can assess your house for suitability and walk you through your options.

It seems like everything you buy today requires an electrical outlet. If you find yourself living in an older home or one with out-dated wiring, you could also end up at a loss for power. With electrical outlets spread sparsely around your home, it can be difficult to find enough outlets to plug in a lamp at the location you want or plug in all your electronics in the same spot. Fortunately, you do have some options for expanding your electrical accessibility and capacity.

The most common fix for this problem is to use extension cords. Extension cords can go extend as far as 150 feet, but are not always an ideal permanent solution. If you were running a significant amount of power through a long running extension cord on a regular basis, it would be a better idea to install an outlet at that location. With a heavy loaded extension cord you run a greater risk of fires and overloading the circuit. Undersized extension cords can overheat and cause a fire. If you will be running several electronics of the same outlet (television, computer, entertainment system) you should invest in a power bar with a surge protector. A power bar will be able to handle the larger electrical load and protect your valuable electronics from surges.

Another option would be to use an adapter to split two standard electrical sockets into four. This can be helpful when you need to plug in an additional lamp or phone charger in your room. If you find that you are tripping your breaker when you are plugging in more devices or appliances onto an adapter, power bar, or extension cord, you are probably overloading your circuit. The best course of action would be to have an electrician install a new outlet on a separate circuit.

While having new outlets installed by a professional electrician is the safest idea, it is not always possible in every situation. If you are a renter you may not be able to or want to upgrade the current electrical system. Or it is possible that your current breaker or electrical panel may not be able to handle additional electrical outlets. If that is the case, have a licenced electrician inspect your home electrical system to ensure that you are able to safely add on additional outlets. While planning for new outlets, identify areas that would be optimal for having power and covering the room appropriately. This way you can avoid problems down the road and installing an excessive amount of outlets in one room.

It is important to use undamaged extension cords and not run one extension cord off of another. For the best peace of mind, have one of our electricians install an additional circuit and outlets in your home. This will keep your home up to code and reduce the risk of fires significantly.

We’re not saying anything new by talking about how awesome our kids can be. No parent would doubt for even a minute that theirs is one of the biggest parts of their lives. They also wouldn’t doubt that kids are inquisitive, often to a fault. And with a home full of electronics, outlets, and appliances, it can be hard to feel like your kids are as safe as you want them to be.

Looking for the best ways to babyproof for your child or newcomer? The experts at Hoffman Electrical are here to help! Safety is our absolute top priority, and we want to ensure our clients get all of the best info possible to keep their Tampa home and family safe.

Of all of the dangers of electricity involving kids, outlets are probably the scariest, and for good reason. They’re right down there at a kid’s eye level, and they see us using them all of the time, so of course they’re going to be curious.