Navigating the Solar System

For most homeowners, investing in solar energy is a daunting proposition. Where do you start? How much will it cost? How much energy will it really produce? Are there local rebates and federal incentives available? These questions can quickly paralyze even the best intentions.

“Most homeowners have never bought solar before, so asking them to deal directly with the companies that sell solar systems is a little like asking them to walk into a car dealership not only without knowing anything about cars….but without ever having known anyone who owns a car.”  1BOG.com

As mentioned before, I live in a progressive, energy-conscious neighborhood. While some federal benefits for alternative energy have expired or have been reduced, my local utility provider is offering tempting incentives for residential solar energy. I’m going to take a practical look at solar energy to see what might push me, and others, over the line of indecision. In the coming posts, I’ll look at:

How do you shop for a solar energy system?
Is my home a good candidate for solar?
How much electricity can I expect to produce?
What is the expected return on investment? How long will it take to pay for itself?
What rebates, tax credits, or other incentives are available?
How will solar panels affect the resale value of my home?
Is solar technology mature and reliable?
How long will the system last?

I believe most people, when given a choice, want to choose green. I want it to work, but it has to make financial sense. Until it does, solar will be a status symbol for the priveleged few that can afford to be environmentally responsible. As I answer these questions for myself, I’ll look for the biggest barriers to adoption, for me individually and on a larger scale.

Stay tuned.
 

Energized is an ongoing series following my education about living a more sustainable life.

As Vice President of frog’s Design Realization group, Collin works closely with our design and engineering teams to bring innovative ideas to market. With over 20 years of experience in both creative and engineering management, Collin brings focus and multi-disciplinary expertise to this critical phase of the delivery process. In 1996, Collin co-founded frog’s digital media group and has worked extensively with frog clientele in the USA, Europe, and India.