Reasons for switching to solar power

Today, there are many reasons to switch to solar power, and more and more people are doing so!  In fact, One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) recently published an infographic that shows most residential solar is installed by people who make less than $100,000 annually, and who describe themselves as frugal consumers.

Consider these reasons:

1. Saving Money on Utility Bills

Did you know you can save 1/3 or more on your monthly power bill by going solar?  Even if you don’t own the solar panels yourself, you can still rely on solar electricity through a power purchase agreement or solar lease at a cost less than what you are currently being charged!

2. Boosting Property Values

The rule of thumb with regard to residential solar panels is that, for every $1 you save annually on electricity bills, your home increases by $20,000 in value.  In addition to the boost in property values, homes with solar arrays sell faster than similarly situated houses in the neighborhood.

3. Less Guilt

When you switch to free solar power, you might not feel as guilty leaving the lights on, or forgetting to unplug “energy vampires” like cell phones, coffee makers, etc.  While you don’t want to waste electricity, if you are 100% solar, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions if you do so.

4. To be Ahead of the Game

Some people love to have cutting edge technology – to experience the future before their friends, family and neighbors.  Maybe you already drive an electric car and smart home technology.  Of course, solar panels should be part of the package!

5. To Help Save the Environment

A significant percentage, yet not as high as you might expect (26%), switch to solar to help save the environment.  Electricity generated by solar energy is cleaner and greener than power from burning coal or gas.  There are also fewer environmental impacts than hydroelectricity, which can threaten salmon and other species.

What are your reasons to switch to solar power?  What considerations prevent you from doing so?

SunSnap Solar Panels from Sharp

Among the top cited concerns is the cost of solar, whether you purchase an array, or go with a solar panel lease.

Now, you can try out solar power with an affordable, easy to install solar panel product from Sharp.  A single solar panel from its SunSnap line costs only $1,000 and includes built-in a micro-inverter and mounting assembly.   Its named “SunSnap” because you can literally snap the panel into place and connect them to each other.  Each panel is a 235-watt module.

With an affordable price of $1000 for each solar panel, homeowners can add to an array over time, instead of having to invest thousands of dollars up front.  Sharp claims that SunSnap solar panels are easier to install than a new dishwasher!

As of the date of this publication, SunSnap is only available through solar contractors.  However, Sharp will begin selling the solar panels to the public later in 2012.

Installing rooftop solar panels

If you have considered switching to solar power, you’re not alone!

Residential solar panels have been growing in demand over the past several years as prices have fallen, efficiencies have improved and solar rebates and incentives allow significant savings for homeowners.

Before you plan this home improvement project, you probably want to know: how do you install solar panels on a roof?

Traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can be installed professionally, or as a DIY home improvement project.

Rooftop solar panels require brackets for mounting, a solar power inverter, the panels themselves, and the ability to do wiring work within your electrical panel.  Of course, you’ll also need equipment including a ladder, drill, power screwdriver, and the ability to safely hoist solar panels up to your rooftop.

You don’t need to be a certified installer to do it yourself, but if you are hiring a solar installer, make sure that they are licensed and insured!

Before you begin your project, choose an area of your rooftop that receives the most direct sunlight.  Ensure there is no shading from vegetation or adjacent structures.  If necessary, you may need to tilt the panels if the pitch of the roof is too low.

Solar panel mounts must be secured with stainless steel lag bolts bolted through into rooftop rafters.  Here are the steps to install solar panels on a roof:

1.  Locate rafters with a stud finder, then align mounts on top of the rafters.

2.  Use a chalk line or laser sight as you work in a straight line pre-positioning the mounts.

3.  Pre-drill the holes for the roof mounts with a pilot bit.

4.  Secure the mounts onto the roof, using the bolts, then place metal flashing over the mounts.

5.  Next, metal rails must be secured to the posts using stainless steel bolts.

6.  Finally, solar panels are mounted onto the rails.  Multiple panels are connected into an array.

7.  Once the solar panels are installed on the roof, they must be connected via a conduit to a solar inverter.

8.  Now, you can enjoy free solar electricity generated by your residential solar panels!

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.

The U.S. isn’t the only place in the world trying to better their low income housing areas by placing solar panels on them. Countries like India have Kamal Nath Urban Development leader paving the way to better the urban development in India.

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?