Net Zero Energy House with Solar Panels

This amazing house in Ann Arbor, Michigan (shown to the left) is 110 years old and yet operates without the use of any grid-based electricity.  Its owners decided to install solar panels for a net zero energy house.

While net zero homes (residences that generate all the power required for their operation on site) are becoming more popular, the home above is the oldest net zero energy home in the U.S.

Following extensive refurbishing and retrofitting, the roof is covered in solar panels that generate 12,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year.  Of that, only 10,000 kWh was required to keep things running and the balance was fed back into the grid via net metering.

If you are considering installing solar panels on your home this year, keep in mind that prices are lower than ever – about 50% less than just a few years ago.  In addition, solar tax rebates and other incentives will be phased out in the near future, so act now!

This net zero energy house cost about $47,000 to renovate, saving the owners thousands each year on utility bills.  In addition to rooftop solar panels, additional insulation was installed, along with insulated glass.  Low pressure plumbing minimizes water usage, too.

To learn more about net zero energy houses and how these Michigan homeowners installed solar panels on their 110-year old home, watch this video:

Surprisingly, where you live has little to do with solar panel efficiency.  The primary impacts on solar output are from shading.  Solar panels that are shaded by trees, other vegetation or adjacent buildings are generally less able to produce electricity than those that are not shaded.  Even shade on a single panel can affect the overall performance of a solar array.  We recommend that you have a solar professional examine your property before purchasing or leasing solar panels to determine if and where solar panels should be located.

How solar panels work

Other components of a solar array can also affect the production of solar electricity.  Solar inverters convert the direct current that strikes a panel surface into alternating current, which is the power you tap via an electrical outlet.  The angle at which your panels are installed, and their placement on your rooftop, can also help maximize the amount of sunlight that hits the panels.

Improving overall energy efficiency within your home or building will help you save even more money with solar panels.  While solar electricity is free, there are limits to the amount that can be generated by a distributed generation system.  If you use more energy than you produce, you’ll draw on the grid (with a grid-tied system), increasing your power bill.

You can generate solar power even on a cloudy day because UV light is the primary factor required.  However, snow and ice can block sunlight from the solar panels, reducing their efficiency.  There are ways to remove snow on solar panels.  Other than that, minimal maintenance is required for a solar array over its lifetime.

In short, the things that affect how well solar panels work are largely within your control!

Before you install solar panels, consider these factors

It is very helpful to hire a knowledgeable solar panel installer.  But, to avoid paying extra for things you may not need, here’s how to compare solar panels for installation.

When you do a search for residential solar panels on the Internet, there are several factors that help you compare solar panels: (1) cost; (2) efficiency;  (3) amount of energy conserved; and (4) the estimated life of the solar power system.

Cost is directly related to solar panel efficiency.  The more efficient (i.e., the more sunlight a panel can convert) the less expensive relying on solar power will be.  As of the date of this posting, the average solar panel efficiency is between 13-18%.  That means that solar panels result may result in more cost savings than solar thermal installations.  Don’t forget to think about the annual decline in solar panel efficiency, which is often represented in panel warranties.

PV (photovoltaic) solar panels are pretty much the norm for residential and small business installations.   Solar technology is continuing to improve for these products.  As noted in a related post:

Polycrystalline cells are cheaper to produce, but since they require connecting numerous silicon cells, are less efficient in converting sunlight to electricity than a single crystalline cell. Visually, it’s usually easy to tell them apart. With the exception of Sharp, SolarWorld and Trina brands, monocrystalline panels are black, while polycrystalline panels are blue.

Comparing “cost per PTC” figures is the best way to determine which solar panel offers the most efficiency at the best price. Keep in mind that each solar panel costs about $400-700, and the cost-per-PTC prices ranges from $2.50 to $4.50.  Once you determine the number of solar panels needed, its easier to compare costs for installation.

Don’t forget that there are a lot of solar companies that install panels these days.  You don’t have to do with the first name you read.  Make sure that your solar contractor knows your area and other options.

Is Your Solar Contractor Licensed?

In many jurisdictions, you can sell solar panels with little governmental oversight.  When it comes to installation, repair or maintenance, you might have to be licensed as a solar dealer.  During this struggling economy, the result has been that ordinary construction workers/home builders with little to do, have tried to get into the solar industry.  Not always with the best outcome!

Why is it important to determine if your solar contractor is licensed?  There are several reasons.  First, if there is any error in the installation itself, you can look to both the company and their insurance to recoup any damages.   Second, licensed solar contractors can work with you to maximize tax savings and incentives.  Finally, working with a solar contractor that is licensed can give you peace of mind.  If anything goes wrong, you have a stronger case for legal recourse.

Be sure to carefully review your contract before signing it, and hire an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.

Install solar panels without the headaches

You want to install solar panels on your home or business, but where do you start?  In addition to the growth in the number of solar manufacturers, new businesses are springing up to help you go solar without the headaches.

When considering renewable energy options like solar panels, factors including the number of kilowatts, price, design, rebates, incentives and tax credits all come into play.  And – when we’re talking credits and incentives, there is an array of options from the federal, state and even local governments.

Do you know how many solar panels you’ll need?  How much will they cost?  Where should they be placed?  Do you need a permit?  How do you get a tax credit or rebate?

If you could have someone help you get through all the options and considerations that may be acting as a hurdle to going solar, would you do so?

A recent New York Times article examined how to go solar without the headaches with the help of a company called One Block Off the Grid.  In fact, we’ve blogged about 1BOG before.

Brad Burton, 1BOG’s vice president of product and strategy explained:

The way that solar is sold in the U.S. today is lengthy, complicated, and often a stressful process for an individual homeowner to go through.  There aren’t very many sources of information you can turn to with accurate, reliable info.”

One Block Off the Grid helps negotiate group discounts on solar panels, as well as navigating the array of regulations and red tape.  With the help of 1BOG, homeowners in California can expect to recoup the investment of a solar panel system in a mere 6-9 years.  No – I didn’t type 69 years.  Its well less than 10 years to break even when you install solar panels in the Golden State!

Yet 1BOG can help you in many states across the country.  It has operations in 17 states (as of the date of this publication).  And it probably could have helped Tania Reuben, of Los Angeles, a green blogger who operates PureNaturalDiva.com.  She has been spending numerous hours crunching numbers to determine whether and how to pay for a 17-kilowatt solar panel array on her home that will generate clean electricity to power 80% of her needs.  According to the New York Times article, she has spent hours since Spring 2010 to pencil it out, making calls to her bank, the solar panel installer and her accountant.

She remarked:

“If this is how hard I’m feeling it is, and I have that extra reason to be committed, it makes me really concerned that the average consumer is going to run into a couple of roadblocks and then go, ‘You know what? This is too complicated.’”

Bottom line – if you want to go solar without the headaches, call in the professionals.  Not only can organizations like 1BOG help you save time and frustration, they may even be able to negotiate a discount on the solar panels’ price.

Why not install solar panels soon?

Have you been wondering about whether you should install solar panels on your home?  Still undecided?

Here are three reasons you should go solar today:

1. Solar Panels may be as cheap as they are going to get. Over the past 2 years, prices on solar panels and other solar products fell dramatically – by 50% or more.  At the same time, government incentives for property owners installing solar panels make it much more affordable to do so.  If you are waiting for the “bottom” as far as solar panel prices, experts say we are there.  If you wait, they may even become more expensive as the result of changes in demand, silicon production, and global market/subsidization shifts.

2.  Solar incentives and rebates are the most generous for early investors.  Its the classic, “get the deal while its hot” approach.  States and local governments reward those who take advantage of solar rebates more generously to build a sense of urgency.  You don’t want the incentives to expire while you try to make up your mind to go solar, right?  In fact, in Pennsylvania, the state has set lofty goals for residential solar panel installation.  To meet the mandated numbers, those who help get the ball rolling will be rewarded with generous solar incentives.  Wait, and you’ll get less.

3. You can start saving on your electricity bill immediately. If you are like most Americans, you spend over $1200 a year on grid-based electricity.  And, power companies do not hesitate to raise rates each year, passing on infrastructure improvements to customers at a rate of 6% annually.  Did you know that, for every $1 you save in electricity costs each year, your home increases in value by over $20?   You have the potential of up to $24,000 in “instant equity” simply by installing solar panels.  Also, with net metering, you can turn your meter backwards and get credit for extra energy generated by a home solar panel system.

Immediate electricity savings, no more uncertainty about future rate increases, and the satisfaction of making an investment that will more than pay for itself.  More great reasons you should go solar today!

Cost calculator for solar panels

So you are thinking about installing solar panels on your home.

How much is that going to cost?  How soon will you recoup your initial investment?  Depending on where you live, the answers to these questions will vary.

That’s why you need a cost calculator for solar panels.  On of the leading providers of residential and commercial solar panel installation quotes, Cooler Planet, has an interactive tool for consumers to use.

Input your location, and you’ll get information on the cost of solar panels, how much you can save on your annual electricity bills, and even an ROI (return on investment) factor.  The cost calculator for solar panels is free; Cooler Planet will also provide free solar quotes based on the zip code of your location.

How are solar communities sustainable?

SunRun Home Solar is producing a series of solar webinar videos, discussing the benefits of going solar and sustainable solar communities.  We visited their website the other day and found this helpful video that explains how Solar Communities are Sustainable.

Watch this clip and discover how installing solar panels on your home will help your community, not only with respect to cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environment, but also by the creation of green jobs:

Thanks to SunRun Home Solar for creating such a helpful video on sustainable solar communities.

If you have any questions for Ed & Lynn, or the producers of the solar video, email questions@sunrunhome.com.

Free Solar Power Workshops this month in California

Should you switch to solar power?  There are many factors that go into making that decision.  Now, you can ask solar experts in person and find out if solar is right for you.

If you live in California, why not take advantage of several free community solar events over the next few weeks?  HelioPower, a solar panel installer partner of SunRun Solar, is hosting informal sessions at which information on going solar, as well as general Q&A will be provided.

Take a look at the following schedule and register in advance (if you wish) at the HelioPower website.  All events begin at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time:

• Wednesday, August 18 – Historic Community Room, Corona, CA
• Wednesday, August 25 – Joslyn Senior Center, Redlands, CA
• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – Valley Center Library, CA

If you want to find out if solar is right for you, talk to solar experts or just meet with other people interested in home solar power, take advantage of these free community solar events!

Going solar one panel at a time

Many people are scared off from installing solar panels due to the cost.  However, there are several important things to keep in mind when budgeting the actual cost.

First, there are a number of different ways that you can use to finance solar panels.  Whether you enter into a solar power lease, or use a property tax assessment loan (your local government “pays” for the solar panels and the cost is included on your annual property tax bill), the upfront cost can be reduced.  In addition, keep in mind that solar panel prices have dropped 50% in recent years, while tax incentives and rebates have grown significantly.

Perhaps most importantly is the fact that for every $1 you save in electricity costs each year, your property value increases by $20.

Solar panels saving you money

If you still have concerns about the cost of solar panels, consider this unique approach.  Instead of considering how to take your home completely off-grid with an entire solar panel array, you can literally self-finance solar power at your house by installing panels one at a time.

By purchasing a PV solar panel kit at your local hardware store (or Costco), start defraying your overall energy costs month by month.  If your monthly electricity bill drops from $100 to $60, then take that $40 and set it aside.  You can use that money after a few months to purchase additional solar panels.  Over a few years, you’ll probably have enough savings to cover your roof with enough panels to power all your needs.

Yes, you can truly save money installing solar panels!