Smart meters and solar panels are a smart combination

If you have or are installing residential solar panels, you may also want to also have a smart meter.  These devices track the amount of energy that you use from the grid (i.e., non solar electricity), as well as excess solar power you have generated that you do not use, which is fed back into the system.

The meters are called “smart” because they give you credit from the utility company for the power you contribute to the grid – which they end up selling to other customers.  Any electricity you have purchased will have a credit against the bill for the excess solar power generated by your solar panels.

In recent years, smart meters have become “smarter,” allowing homeowners to track periods during which they are drawing on the grid (which can be an incentive to adopt energy saving measures), as well as providing data on the times extra solar electricity is fed into the grid.

While there is no dial on smart meters, as on analog utility devices, people with solar panels can “turn their meters backward,” which is an exciting and rewarding experience.

Some people have erroneously believed that residential solar panels and smart meters are incompatible.  But nothing can be further from the truth!  The two work hand-in-hand helping homeowners save money and reduce carbon emissions.  Other people have unwarranted concerns about EMF radiation or invasions of privacy from use of the meters.

We will prepare a follow-up post to explore the pros and cons of smart meters.

How affordable is solar power in your state?

The price of solar energy is not the same across the United States.  Among other things, state incentives for solar, localized costs, and marketplace competition varies.  The amount you can save by switching to solar power also depends on the price of grid-based electricity, in terms of kilowatt hours.  States with expensive electricity – New York and California – may indirectly encourage homeowners to go solar to slash utility bills.

Top 20 States for Cheap Solar Power

By installing residential solar panels, you can expect to cut energy bills by 50% or more.

If you are wondering which are the states with the cheapest solar power, take a look at the list of the top 20, based on the Q3 2010 report from U.S. Solar Market Insight (published by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research), shown to the left.

Colorado tops the list of states for cheap solar power with an average installed price of $5.90 per watt.  In last place is Wisconsin, with solar PV installations costing $7.55 per watt.

In the middle of the list are solar powerhouse states, including California and New Jersey, with $6.71 and $6.75 per watt.  In New York, homeowners pay an average of $7.10 per watt for solar power.

If your state does not show up on the list of the top 20 states with the cheapest solar power, don’t take that as an indication solar is an unwise investment.  In fact, its just the opposite!

Prices for solar panels are continuing to fall, while efficiencies increase.  Grid parity – the point at which solar power is no more expensive than fossil-fuel based electricity has already arrived in Hawaii and is on the near horizon in other states, too.

By installing solar panels, you can immediately start saving on your utility bills and guard against future utility rate hikes.  This is the case in these top 20 states, and the remaining 30 in the nation!

Oregon solar panels

Here in my home state of Oregon, the number of home solar power systems have tripled in the past 3 years. In fact, more than 2/3 of all existing solar installations in Oregon have taken place since 2008.  If you haven’t already done so, isn’t it time to resolve to go solar in 2012?

The massive growth in the number of operating solar panels in Oregon is due in large part to lowering solar prices, rising energy costs and generous incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon which, in addition to state and federal tax credits, can lower the cost of residential solar power systems by 80%!

If you resolve to go solar in 2012, what should you consider?

1.  Does your property have ample sunlight exposure?

2.  What are your monthly and annual electricity costs?

3.  What tax credits and incentives are you eligible for?

4.  Does your utility offer net metering for grid-tied solar panel systems?

5.  Are you interested in solar electricity, solar hot water, or both?

6.  Do you wish to purchase or lease solar panels?

Even if you are not eligible for certain solar incentives, many people find that government tax credits can save them thousands of dollars in the cost of solar panels, in addition to significantly reduced (if not eliminated) utility bills.  Not to mention the fact that utility rates rise each year, while the price of solar electricity stays the same -FREE!

The average cost of solar panels for a residential Oregonian home is $16,000-20,000 before incentives.  Such a solar panel system will cover about 300 square feet of rooftop space and generate 25% or more of a property’s electricity needs, depending on energy efficiency measures.

Oregonians can find out more about solar power options for their home or business by contacting the Energy Trust at 866-368-7878 or visiting its website: www.energytrust.org.

Solar Panels installed on a Bainbridge Island, WA Habitat for Humanity house

One of the things on my bucket list is to help build Habitat for Humanity homes.  Now, these community-built, free structures can be even cheaper to live in when they include solar panels.

In Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona (among other cities), solar panels on Habitat for Humanity homes are available via donation and installation of solar arrays from a number of companies.

Solar panel companies often donate arrays for installation on Habitat for Humanity homes.  Not only will the solar panels help save cash-strapped homeowners money, but they also reduce the carbon footprint of the home’s occupants as a result of using clean, free solar power, rather than coal or natural gas for electricity.

Over a 12-month period, the owner of a Habitat for Humanity house with solar panels can save nearly $1000 and watch their power bills drop to only $30 per month!

Solar panels on apartment buildings

Solar panels on low-income housing provide a win-win for residents and other people in the local economy.

Here in the Central Oregon region in which I live, $900,000 in federal stimulus funds is helping fund solar power systems for several low-income housing apartment complexes.  The Energy Trust of Oregon is also committing funds toward the projects.

The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department is the agency through which federal funding is passed to local agencies to fund experimental solar panels, energy monitoring systems and high efficiency HVAC systems.

Not only will the solar panels help people save on their monthly electricity bill, but the project will provide much needed jobs for installers.  In Madras, Oregon – a community near the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, solar panels will be installed at Madras Townhomes.  In addition, residents at Healy Heights apartments in Bend, Oregon will soon enjoy free solar electricity generated by nine solar arrays installed on the complex’s rooftop.  The solar panels will generate approximately 170,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, saving each resident about $250 per year.

It goes without saying that the residents of low-income housing would not otherwise be able to afford residential solar panels for themselves. By funding solar panels for low-income housing residents, the money saved on energy bills can be put toward food or warm clothing, instead.

The solar panels in low-income housing in Central Oregon are being installed by E2 Solar.

Smartbox Solar from Clarian is a plug in solar panel

Let’s face it – two considerations usually stop people from seriously considering a switch to home solar: (1) the price; and (2) the hassle of installation.

That’s why plug in solar power from Clarian, known as Smartbox Solar is an excellent alternative.  Within minutes, you can start generating solar power with plug in solar.  No need for wiring or expensive installations.  Simply plug in the 200W solar module into an existing outlet, just as you would any other home appliance.

The only question you’ll have to ask concerns placement of the Smart box Solar  – whether on a shed, window overhang or porch cover.  Placement near an existing outlet is required, as well.

One of the other benefits of plug in solar power is that you don’t need to purchase a solar inverter.  If you wish to generate more solar energy, you can purchase additional modules.

While Clarian has not yet released Smartbox Solar for retail sales, the website states that the cost will be about the same as a refrigerator or other appliance.  Savings can add up to repay the cost within 5 to 8 years, including renewable energy rebates or tax credits.  A single 200W plug in solar power module can generate enough energy to offset costs of lighting your home each year.

Installing home solar panels

For homeowners considering installing solar panels, there are 5 things you should know about residential solar.  As more and more people decide to switch to renewable energy options like solar power, keep these considerations in mind:

1.  You may be eligible for group solar discounts.  Before you enter into a contract to install home solar panels, check out sites like One Block Off the Grid, which may be able to secure a group discount for you and other homeowners in your neighborhood or region.

2.  Residential solar panels improve the value of your home.  Despite concerns about the initial investment associated with solar panels, you can recoup the costs both in lower energy bills and an increase in $20 of home equity for every $1 you save in annual electricity bills.

3. A solar home is more affordable today than two years ago.  Solar panel prices have fallen dramatically in recent years.  Experts predict that the costs will continue to decline as we approach grid parity – the point at which solar power is as affordable as coal.

4.  Solar tax incentives and rebates may be ending soon.  In just a few years, if not earlier, federal solar incentives and rebates that allow you to save 30% may end in the U.S.  If you are thinking about solar power, now is the time!  Solar rebates and tax incentives will not last forever.

5.  Low profile solar panels via solar shingles help minimize aesthetic impacts.  If you would like to install solar panels but are worried about the impact on the appearance of your home, solar power shingles may be your answer.  They look like regular asphalt shingles, but generate clean solar electricity like their bulky photovoltaic (PV) panel counterparts!

Residential solar is becoming mainstream as more homeowners realize the savings they can recoup by going solar.

If you are considering making the switch, what considerations are on your mind?

Solar incentives encourage solar panel installations

Ever wonder why there is such a big difference in solar panel installations between two of the sunniest states in the U.S. – California and Florida?  Property owners in California account for over 50% of the country’s solar power, while Floridians generate only 1%.  Meanwhile, the State of New Jersey is the second highest in the nation when it comes to solar energy.

The reason is that solar incentives, not sunshine, encourage people to go solar.  Incentives in the form of tax rebates, property assessed clean energy loans (financing solar panels through property tax programs), and more result in greater numbers of solar panel installations.  Add to these programs an overall “climate” – if you will – in favor of clean energy and environmentalism that is embraced by state lawmakers, and solar can thrive in just about any location.

Solar incentives in California tell a great deal of the story:

• Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger initiated a $3.3 billion dollar Million Solar Roofs program, with the goal of producing 3,000 new megawatts of solar power by 2017.

• The California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership encourages construction of new homes with residential solar through a 10-year, $400 million dollar program.

• The California Public Utilities Commission’s California Solar Initiative provides additional incentives for solar panel installations.

For homeowners looking for solar incentives, check where your state rates on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.  Contact a solar contractor to help you pencil out your potential savings through solar panels, and don’t forget to factor in the boost in property value you’ll enjoy as a result.

Solar hot water, also known as solar thermal systems (or solar thermal panels), use energy from the sun to heat water for domestic uses without the need for electricity.  For homes and commercial operations that require heated water, a solar thermal system could be just the thing to help significantly trim monthly expenses.

Solar thermal collectors

Once you have a solar hot water system and are not paying for electricity to heat your water, let’s talk about saving even more energy and money.  How can you do that?  By using less hot water, of course!

1.  Go with low-flow shower heads.  A nice hot shower is relaxing, but let’s talk about saving water and energy!  Today’s low-flow models are so efficient and advanced, you might not even believe you are saving money.

2.  Reduce the thermostat on  your hot water tank.  Whether you have young children or not, turn down the maximum heat for your hot water.  A few degrees lower will use significantly less energy over a month or a year.

3.  Use hot water during off-peak periods.  Demands for electricity, and hot water, are highest at the beginning and end of the day.  If possible, delay your shower until mid-day (maybe go to work until noon, then exercise and shower afterward?).  Set your dishwasher and washing machine on a delay setting, and wait until you arrive home in early evening to start your appliances.

Solar thermal systems generally work as follows:  Sunlight heats glycol (an antifreeze solution) in the panels’ tubing.  The tubing is connected to a hot water tank with a pump that circulates the glycol to heat the water throughout the system.  As water is drained from your hot water tank, new solar hot water is replaced/pumped into the tank.

Solar thermal panels work, regardless of whether you have bright sunlight.  Even a cloudy day offers enough light to create heat for a solar hot water system!

Solar installation - do it right!

Thinking of installing solar on your home?  Do you own or manage a building on which solar panels will be installed?

Before you go forward, consider this solar installation checklist:

1.  Research the solar installer beforehand.  Check the Better Business Bureau, and read reviews of their past projects.  Ideally, you should contact customers to ask them directly about their experience with the solar installer, including cost, quality of work and materials, timeliness and more.  Make sure you are dealing with a licensed solar professional.

2.  Get information on the estimated solar energy production for your rooftop.  A solar installer should have tools to help you determine how rooftop solar panels will perform on your property.  Factors such as shading from landscaping or adjacent buildings could affect the efficiency of solar panels.

3.  Research overall solar production rates in your region.  In addition to considering the potential of your individual property, find out how well the solar panels on other buildings have performed.  Solar radiation varies depending on latitude and the angle of the sun, which changes with the seasons – more dramatically the further north you go in the Northern Hemisphere.

4.  Check permitting requirements.  Make sure that any required development permits are obtained before installing solar panels.  Depending on the age of the building, there may be structural code issues, or even historic building restrictions.  If you live in a subdivision, there may be homeowner’s association rules governing solar panels.

Do your homework before purchasing or leasing solar panels!  With a solar installation checklist, you can be confident that switching to solar will be a sound investment.