Is Solar Energy Affordable and Appropriate for Your Home?

July 29, 2010 — -- Powering homes with solar electricity can lower the homeowner's utility costs with minimal environmental impact.

This morning on "Good Morning America" you saw Lynn Jurich of SunRun, a San Francisco-based home solar company.

Jurich, SunRun's co-founder and president, said the benefits of solar powering homes include controlling electricity costs and making a difference in the environment.

Solar power can help reduce greenhouse gases, lower the nation's dependence on fossil fuels and increase a home's resale value, she added.

Jurich said there were two ways to obtain solar power for a home.

Homeowners can purchase a home solar system outright, or they can purchase solar electricity from a home solar company. Options for solar electricity include a solar lease, also known as a solar power purchase agreement.

Jurich's company offers solar leases.

She said leases were a helpful option, particularly because the biggest obstacle to the purchase of a solar system was the price.

A residential solar energy system could cost between $25,000 and $45,000, she said.

How can you know if solar power is right for you? Do you qualify for a rebate? Should you buy, lease or enter into a solar power purchase agreement. Here are some resources to help you decide.