Solar Power

You're sold on solar. You're ready to lower your electricity costs and save the environment. But the idea of installing this Star-Trekkie thing has you a little nervous. Well, take heart. There has absolutely never been a better time to install solar power.

Many states offer tax incentives for installing alternative energy systems, including solar, and 2007 is the last year (at this point) that Congress is offering Federal tax incentives that apply after any State credits reduce your installation bill. What a deal! Check www.dsireusa.org for a list of incentives in your state.

So what does it take to install solar? Well, that depends on which system you decide to install. A small system with just a few solar panels, one controller and a 12-volt DC battery can be installed by just about anyone in a weekend.

However, if you're planning on offsetting some of your "grid" power, that means your PV system will need to be interfaced with your standard utility lines, and that work should definitely be completed by a qualified technician.

Find a contractor experienced with solar. A reputable one will probably belong to the Solar Energy Industries Association. You can search online or through the Yellow Pages, but consider visiting various solar homes and checking out solar systems. You'll not only familiarize yourself with how a PV system is set up and operates, but you can get recommendations for contractors.

Check out local building codes and any covenants, codes and restrictions (CC&Rs) for your housing development. And don't forget electrical and structural permits that may be required, as well. Along with the contractor, calculate the approximate energy generation for the system you're considering. If it won't supply the amount you thought, you'll need to install a larger system or scale back your energy demands. Most PV systems produce about 10 watts of power for each square foot of panel.

The contractor will install the PV panels on your property and orient them toward the sun. Some systems have automatic solar trackers built in, and will adjust the angle of the panels for optimum solar collection at different times of the year. But most panels can be adjusted manually, and four adjustments per year, one for each season, should give you good power generation.

The DC power from your solar array will need to be sent through an inverter, since your house probably uses AC power-and your electric company most certainly does. To take full advantage of your system, you'll need that inverter so you have the same type of power as the local utility and can sell any excess back to them. When that happens, you'll actually see the dials on your electric meter spinning backward!

The most important part of a solar installation, though, is the research that goes on before the first hole is drilled. Thoroughly investigate the costs and benefits of solar specific to your longitude and latitude. Use the various online calculators, crunch numbers, view solar installations in your area and talk with those who have gone before you.

Fully educated, you'll know what to expect. And with solar systems lasting between 20 and 30 years, the costs of purchasing and installing the system will soon be recouped and you can enjoy clean, green living.