Renewable Energy is a term used to describe energy that comes from sources whose supplies are regenerative an virtually inexhaustible. Among these sources are wind, water, sunshine and vegetation as well as the heat from the earth. 2,500 years ago, the Greeks designed their homes to use winter sunlight for heating. Large south facing windows were used to collect solar heat, which stored in the walls and floors for gradual release throughout the night.(Arizona Solar Center, Inc. (1999-2013) Arizona Solar Center, Your guide to Solar and Other Renewable Energy Sources in Arizona. (retrieved on June 9th, 2013 from www.azsolarcenter.org.).
Technology has become more developed today by using more efficient ways of using renewable energy sources. Solar Energy is an alternative to non-renewable energy source such as oil, coal and natural gas. Solar Energy is making a large impact in Arizona. It is known to be the highest per capitia number of solar installations of any state in the United States. .
The majority of solar energy installed in Arizona is solar hot water. Types of solar that are being used are: passive solar homes, solar porches and green houses, solar clear windows and solar air heaters. .
The economic benefits of solar energy are getting Federal and State tax credits. This incentive has installed 100,000 solar water heating systems in Arizona. Using these systems, the average resident has saved anywhere from $28.00 to $48.00 a month. The state of Arizona benefits from those who use solar energy because it works toward keeping money in the state - what money is spent goes toward building materials and equipment that are installed by many Arizona companies. .
Arizona legislation has established the maximum building permit fees for solar energy in different cities, towns and counties. (Arizona Solar Center 1999-2013 Economic Benefits of Solar. Retrieved on June 9th, 2013 from www.azsolarcenter.