The typical American home provides comfort and convenience, yet this requires a significant amount of energy.  All the appliances that make our lives easier are typically responsible for about 25-30% of the electric bill.   The main household energy consumers are the refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove, oven, and lights.  Lighting alone can use an additional 23% of the home’s electricity since incandescent bulbs produce 10% light and 90% heat. 

The average home’s energy consumption can be significantly reduced with proper insulation, weatherization and energy efficient appliances.  Building or renovating a home for energy efficiency is essential to being powered by a solar electric system.