After putting up a couple of solar panels this year I've been somewhat surprised how often I'm asked how much I save on my electric bill. And this isn’t the first time I’ve heard the “bad math” argument. But that’s alright; I could care less if others choose to purchase electricity from the utility company. Why wouldn’t they, it’s cheap! But just remember, gasoline was also cheap three years ago.

I have my reasons for building my system. It has served me well during several grid power failures, and it’s good to know that it’s available for the next one. Additionally, I wonder how many people understand the true cost of grid-supplied electricity. Most of the electricity generated in the United States comes from coal-fired power plants. Over 450 mountains in Appalachia have been flattened by a process known as Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining. And the destruction continues at an alarming pace. In addition to the destruction of mountains, our air and waterways are being polluted by mining practices. Then, there’s the global warming argument. But I’ll stop there. I’m glad that there’s not a huge demand for solar panels. They’re available, they are more useful than most people realize, and they are affordable.