BY MIRANDA BOUTELLE
Often, homeowners conflate installing solar at home with energy efficiency. But what most people don’t realize is solar is not energy efficiency. Solar is generating energy. Energy efficiency is finding ways to use less energy. While these are not one in the same, both are thought of as beneficial to the environment and a way to save money.
If you are interested in installing solar, it is important to understand your motivations. It may be saving money, concern for the environment or both. Focusing first on energy efficiency can address both motivations.
Here are the five key energy efficiency considerations to evaluate when adding solar to your home.
1. Energy consumption
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. That 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.
Verify the efficiency of your lighting, HVAC systems and insulation. A fully insulated and air-sealed home uses less energy, and those insulation measures are less expensive than solar panels. Finish these energy efficiency projects before installing solar.
2. Affordability
Consider your overall out-of-pocket expenses. The expected lifespan 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.
3. Roofing
Consider the age, orientation and shade of your roof. It is more difficult and expensive to reroof a home with solar panels. Evaluate if the roof will need to be replaced before the solar panels need to be replaced.
The best orientation for solar panels is south facing to receive direct light throughout the day. A shaded roof helps keep your home cool in the summertime but reduces solar energy production.
4. Maintenance
A solar system doesn’t last forever. Lifespans range from 25 to 30 years. As systems degrade over time, they produce less energy. Maintenance and repairs may be needed.
5. 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 only produce power 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 battery storage system, which comes at an additional cost.
During power outages, don’t assume solar panels will supply you with power. Typical solar interconnection to the grid requires panels to shut down during a power outage. This protects lineworkers from injury while making repairs.
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 an agreement, check with your electric co-op for local information rather than relying on what the contractor says.
As with any other system for your home, get bids from three contractors to compare equipment and pricing. Another option may be community-owned 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.
Understanding these considerations before installing solar will ensure you meet your money-saving and environmental goals.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
BEWARE OF SOLAR SCAMS
Before working with any vendor, Iowa’s electric cooperatives encourage you to do your homework to ensure you choose a reputable provider.
If you have a complaint regarding solar installation or financing, you can complete and submit an electronic complaint at bit.ly/3usfVj7.
Consumers can also call the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590 or email consumer@ag.iowa.gov.
SOLAR ENERGY GUIDE
Iowa’s electric cooperatives are committed to helping member-consumers make educated energy decisions that make sense for their home or business. Before moving ahead with a solar project, contact your local co-op first and also review the Solar Energy Guide for tips and to learn interconnection requirements.
www.iowarec.org/publications/solar-resources
TOP 10 CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE INSTALLING SOLAR
1. Address energy efficiency. Implementing energy efficiency measures in advance can help reduce your overall energy or water consumption, and subsequently, the size of your solar system.
2. Do your homework before writing a check. Talk to your electric co-op at the outset of the process. Then speak with credible, reputable sources who are skilled professionals that will help guide you through the process.
3. Know your co-op’s rate structure and policies. Your co-op will help you understand the rate structure and what type of charges are likely to be incurred. They will also let you know how you will be compensated for the excess, unused energy that is generated by your solar system.
4. Analyze your electric load. Understanding your electricity use and overall energy needs will help determine if solar is a good investment for you.
5. Determine costs upfront. You will likely be responsible for initial upfront costs to install the system, as well as maintenance and repair costs. Doing your homework upfront will help determine if it is economical for your energy needs.
6. Research incentives and tax credits. Visit with your co-op to see if there are financial incentives to offset your investment costs. These are often driven by laws and policies and can vary on the type and size of system.
7. Understand responsibilities. A variety of parties are involved in making a solar project a reality, so it’s important to know exactly what tasks and costs you’re responsible for.
8. Know safety requirements. Solar is connected to the grid, so it’s important that you work with your co-op to ensure you’re meeting their requirements to keep the grid reliable and safe.
9. Choose a reputable vendor. It is important to find a reputable installer who will give you realistic expectations. Ask for references, check reviews and ask for third-party input.
10. Keep thorough records. Establish a thorough record-keeping process to retain all data and research you gather.
