ecotip
Living with Solar in the Lehigh Valley
By Steve Domitrecz T
here are many misconceptions about solar energy. Nearly all solar panel systems are connected to the conven- tional electricity grid. Each system generates power during the day and any excess is fed back into the grid through a system called net metering. Batteries as a backup are an option, but not required because grid electricity is available if needed. Solar panels also work or overcast days. We can still can get sunburn on a cloudy day, so solar panels can get their UV on cloudy days as well. In fact, solar panels are actually more efficient at cooler temperatures. Although a southern roof ex- posure is best, an east/west roof exposure is also effective for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Another option is a ground mounted system.
Solar panels also protect and preserve the portion of the
roof they cover because they shade the roof from the sun. If there’s ever a problem with the roof that needs to be repaired, the panels can be removed for access.
Steve Domitrecz and his family have enjoyed the benefits of solar power and other eco-friendly features in their Hanover Township home since 2009. See ad on this page.
Solar is one of the very few household expenses that will
actually pay for itself. Studies show that on average, solar pan- els return two to four times their cost in electricity saving and typically pay for themselves completely within seven to 15 years, depending on financing, tax rebates, and other factors. The average solar panel warranty lasts 25 years, although the equipment doesn’t just fail like a light bulb after 25 years, they simply lose some of their efficiency. In the last 10 years there’s been a growing awareness of
how wise renewable energy is from both an environmental and economic
perspective, so solar panels are finally coming into
their own and becoming regarded as an enhancement instead of an eyesore. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but saving money and helping the environment is beautiful, too. In addition, homeowners can receive a solar renewable energy certificates (SREC) for each 1,000 kWh of solar energy produced by a solar panel system, which can be sold on the open market for a value that varies by market. More and more Americans are discovering that solar saves money and helps the planet. Every four minutes another American family installs solar panels on their home.
natural awakenings
September 2015
25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64