Considering Solar Power For Your Home?

Okay Peachtree City and Metro Atlanta! With the planet in crisis mode, I’ve also taken the stance to continue
to go green.  My garage is now a stable of economical Hondas.   My house has been basically rid of toxins with the use of Melaleuca products.  So what is the next step?  Well, I may be like many of you considering weighing the advantages of solar energy.  I know just the thought makes people cringe.  But solar design has come a long way.  Solar technology is constantly advancing and creating new ways to capture this renewable energy. The truth be told, solar energy is a consideration for every home no matter where you live.

But for me and I’m sure others are glad I raised my hand, the question is what kind of solar is right for me?

That’s the million dollar question and to be honest there is a tremendous amount of focus on renewable energy. All these discussions about energy consumption mind-boggling because it is also tied into rising costs and the increasing demands of our nation. 

So let’s take a look at the ways solar energy can improve your home’s efficiency and save you money.
The simplest way is through passive solar design. This is an old principle that can be applied to any home. The most energy efficient buildings use natural patterns to heat and cool and that’s the idea behind passive solar. The sun should have the opportunity to come in when it’s cold and be kept out when its hot outside.  Also keep in mind that strategic passive solar design can help utilize natural daylighting. Not only will this lower your electricity bill, it’s also been proven to create more productive and enjoyable interior spaces.  I had the pleasure to see these designs incorporated in those wonderful Frank Lloyd Wright homes while visiting friends on spring break in Wisconsin.  Once you’ve considered the natural uses of solar energy, there are two types of active solar energy systems that can be applied.  They are solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal.

The advantage of PV systems is that they convert sunlight directly into electricity.  These systems can be stand alone or be connected to the power grid. Connected systems allow owners to draw backup power when needed and sell extra electricity back to the grid. Homeowners can evaluate upfront costs against expected return to determine how a photovoltaic system will pay off.

For example, say your home in Peachtree City uses 8,000 kWh/year of electricity and you are considering a grid-connected solar PV system. You decide on an array that will produce 14,000 kWh/year of electricity. The system requires 1024 square feet (32’ x 32’) of photovoltaics. The solar PV array will cost $72,600 and electricity costs $0.20/kWh.

However, you offset $1,600 per year by creating your own electricity. You also sell $1,200 worth of
electricity back to the grid each year. Your yearly payback is $2,800. You’ve paid $72,600 in upfront costs for the solar PV system, so what’s the return? You’ve prepaid your electric bill for 25 years!  ($72,600 divided by $2,800 = 25.93 years) and decreased your home’s CO2 emissions to an eighth of the typical home is the U.S. So, after about 25 years, the system begins paying you, or the next owner, $1200 per year.  Not bad, right?

Okay I know what you are thinking, 25 years is a long, long time.  Alright, picture that memorable day you pay off the mortgage on your home.  What if your home also had no more overhead costs for heating, cooling and electricity? I would think that you just gave a hefty increase to the your retirement savings or the resale value of the home. If the solar craze of the 1970s had continued in its momentum, today’s buyers would be asking how much the house pays per year instead of its operational costs.

By the way, there are incentives that can help offset some of the upfront costs. The federal government
just added some additional tax credits for energy efficient home improvements in that 810 Billion
dollar bailout bill.  I’m also checking to see if state, county or city offers some additional incentives.

The key to successful implementation of renewable energy strategies is to research the options
and develop long term goals. Consult with a professional.  At any rate you are contributing to saving our planet!