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What You Need to Know Before Going Solar
BY MIRANDA BOUTELLE
Most people don’t realize solar is not energy efficiency. Solar is generating energy. Energy efficiency is finding ways to use less energy. In my experience, people are motivated by saving money, concern for the environment, or both. Focusing first on energy efficiency addresses both motivations.
Energy consumption
Rooftop solar systems are sized based on a home’s energy needs. The larger the system, the higher the cost. Before installing solar, make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. This means it will use less energy and allow you to install a smaller solar system, which will save money and reduce your home’s environmental impact.
Affordability
Consider your overall out-of-pocket expenses. The expected life span of a heating and cooling system is 15 to 25 years. Check the age and condition of your HVAC equipment and consider the expenses of replacement. If something happens, can you afford to fix or replace it?
Roofing
Consider the age, orientation and shade of your roof. It is more difficult — and expensive — to reroof a home that has solar panels. Will the roof need to be replaced before the solar panels need to be replaced?
Maintenance
A solar system doesn’t last forever. Life spans range from 25 to 30 years. As systems degrade over time, they produce less energy. Maintenance and repairs may be needed.
Electric bills and storage
Solar is not “off the grid.” Unless you plan to disconnect from your electric co-op, you will still receive a monthly bill.
Solar panels produce power only when the sun is shining. If you want power to your home at other times, like after dark, you need to be connected to your electric co-op or invest in a battery storage system — that comes at an additional cost.
Contact your electric co-op
Solar contractors often work in several utility service territories and may not be familiar with your co-op’s offerings, rate structures and interconnection agreements.
Before signing a contract, check with your electric co-op for local information rather than relying on what the contractor says.
Another option may be communityowned solar. Many electric co-ops offer community solar programs. You may have an option to enjoy the benefits of solar without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.
Miranda Boutelle is the director of operations and customer engagement at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company. She also writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
LEARN MORE ONLINE
Boutelle goes into greater detail about what you need to know before going solar at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Energy Tips under the Energy tab.
