Is solar power right for you?
Seven key issues to consider before installing home solar power

According to the US Department of Energy, there is enough solar energy striking the earth each day to power all the world’s total energy needs. Generating your own electricity by harnessing the sun’s energy is an exciting idea.  It seems fairly easy to do, is affordable, there is plenty of free fuel, and it helps the environment, right?    

Indeed, all this is good news, but as a skeptic, I have to ask, “Are solar powered systems actually living up to the expectations?”  Or, are they simply a popular fad for the time?  Will solar power generation eventually become as commonplace and as important in our homes as other typical household appliances or fresh water and sewer systems?  Is it true that solar systems greatly reduce or eliminate electric bills from your local utility?   How much do they help the environment? 

Although the debate continues between solar power critics and supporters on how to answer these questions, there are now over 40 members within Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative’s (OTEC) service territory using solar generation energy systems.  Albeit, the growth has occurred slowly over a 15-year period, but members’ interest in the subject seems to be ramping up, most likely because the cost of solar power technology has come down, there are federal tax incentives available through 2017 to make installation more affordable, and the big one…increased public awareness of climate change coupled with a strong desire to avoid using carbon-based fuels to heat and light our homes.

Without question, solar power is fast becoming a viable earth-friendly energy solution. People with enough sunlight, money, and space can today take advantage of the solar generation technology to meet all or part of the electric needs. 

However, there is a lot to think about before making a decision to lease or own and operate your own solar generation system.  There are costs that may not be obvious.  It is far better to take extra time to know and understand your household’s unique energy needs and how these are best satisfied rather than making a hasty and sometimes costly wrong decision. Talk to those with existing solar systems, and ask if they had to make the decision over again, what would they do differently?  Being thorough during the research stage will give you greater confidence in your choices. Be careful to avoid high pressure sales tactics because a purchase of this magnitude is a major investment and requires a long-term commitment. More than ever before, you will want to know as much as possible about the science of solar and electric energy, how it is produced, and converted to useful energy and how it is used in the home. 

Finally, it may be best to begin your solar power journey by looking first for ways to conserve energy in your home. Upgrading old inefficient heating/cooling systems, replacing leaky windows/doors, increasing or upgrading insulation, updating major appliances and changing out incandescent light bulbs for more efficient LEDs are all ways to reduce your electric usage and your electric bill today and may reduce the size of a solar system you ultimately will need. 

Don’t forget to call us if you have questions. After all, as a member-owned not-for-profit electric cooperative we are your very own local energy experts who have your best interest at heart.

References

1. 10 Tips For Buying Your Solar Power System. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2016, from Energy Matters: https://www.energymatters.com.au/
2. So You Want to Go Solar? 3 Things to Consider When Installing Solar Power at Home. (2014, October 3). Retrieved from U.S. Department of Energy: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/so-you-want-go-solar-3-things-con...