Living Green
Choosing Green with Solar Panels
By Jathy Garcia
Choosing Solar Panels
Few projects in the home improvement sector are greener than installing solar panels. After all, our reliance on fossil fuels can be blamed on everything from skyrocketing home heating and cooling costs to the potentially devastating effects of global warming, making it clear that anything a homeowner can do to reduce our dependency on non-renewable resources is a smart move from a green perspective. Add to that the fact that the sun is the most renewable energy resource in the solar system, and there’s no doubt that going solar is as green as it gets.
The Cost of Solar Panel Installations
Thanks to the rapidly advancing rate of technology, variations in the cost of solar from city to city and region to region, and the wide range of needs presented by different projects, it’s nearly impossible to pin down an average cost for solar panels across the board. Your best bet is to collect bids from several local contractors experienced in solar panel installation to get a specific estimate for your home. What we can tell you is that the benefits of solar panels reach far beyond your initial investment. Solar panels are guaranteed to reduce your home energy bills for the next 20 to 30 years, making them an excellent example of a home improvement that is certain to pay for itself over time— and then some.
The True Value of Solar Panels
That being said, a wise homeowner looks beyond investments and returns when considering whether to go green. Making your money back is a big incentive, but there are other aspects of going green which are far more valuable. For example, what value would you place on freeing yourself from the mental burden of worrying about next month’s electricity bill, reducing your contribution to the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, or passing a better world onto your kids and grandkids? The truth is that these things have value far greater than any energy savings you might enjoy, making the real value of going green far greater than any figure using dollars and cents. Here’s a quick breakdown of the economic, health, and environmental benefits of going solar.
Energy Savings and Solar Panels
Obviously, going solar has some nice financial benefits related to lower energy costs, though how those savings play out is largely determined by the type of photovoltaic system you install on your home.
·Grid-Connected Solar Panels—Grid connected systems are plugged into the wider utility grid in your area. When your solar panels are producing more electricity than you’re using, the excess is diverted to the utility company and your meter runs backwards, reducing your energy bill accordingly. (Check with FPL to see if they have a “net metering” program.) When you use more electricity than your solar panels can provide, you draw from the larger system and your meter runs forward. Not only does a grid connected system substitute clean solar energy for the energy provided by your utility, but it provides incentive to conserve and reduce energy usage as well, since it’s in your best interests to draw as little power as possible beyond what your solar panels provide.
·Off-Grid Photovoltaic Systems—These systems run independently of your larger utility hookup. An off-grid system costs a little bit more than a grid connected system, mostly due to the installation and upkeep of batteries required for storing energy. Nevertheless, having an independent source of energy can come in extremely handy and will reduce your energy bills by supplementing your municipal utilities with a nearly free post-installation energy source.
Other Benefits of Solar Energy
· Emergency—Off-grid systems can provide a welcome supply of electricity during times when service from the utility company is interrupted thanks to storms or other problems. That can come in pretty handy, whether you’re looking for a post-hurricane cup of coffee or need to protect computer equipment and keep your home office up and running.
·Supplemental Energy—Off-grid systems are also a good solution for outdoor lighting, electric fences, or other low-demand energy needs.
·Remote Locations—If you live more than one-fourth of a mile away from existing electric lines, off-grid systems are often just as economical as paying to extend utility services to your location.
·The Environment—Whether you choose a grid connected or off-grid system, installing photovoltaic solar panels will reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and help curb the production of greenhouse gases and other fossil fuel related pollutants. Multiply that by the 20 to 30 years of operation you can expect from a quality set of photovoltaic solar panels, and the substantial environmental benefits of going solar start looking pretty impressive.
Making the Leap: Solar Panel Installation
Be aware that installing a photovoltaic system in your home isn’t a piece of cake. It can be tricky, and requires that your plumbing contractor understands the ins and outs of local regulations, acquiring the proper permits, working with your utility company, and making the most of any rebates that your municipality or utility provider may offer. Furthermore, since installing solar panels involves your home’s electrical system, roofing, and the installation of the panels themselves, it’s important that your plumbing contractor has intimate knowledge of all three aspects (or works with roofing contractors and electricians, as well) to ensure that your solar panels and the rest of your home operate at peak efficiency when the project is finished.
If you think going solar is the right choice for you, be sure to call Hi-Tech Plumbing for a complimentary analysis at 561-790-6966. Either way remember if you have a plumbing mess, Hi-Tech Plumbing is here to relieve your stress, whether it’s your Home, Business or Boat, at Hi-Tech we keep you afloat, so Don’t Fret…Call Hi-Tech Plumbing today.
Also, visit us online at www.hi-techplumbing.com for more information.