Legoland Florida and Tampa Electric celebrated Earth Day by working together to run Legoland on renewable energy for the day. Legoland Florida became the first theme park in the United States to run completely on renewable energy and the effort was part of a greater program designed to educate park visitors about solar energy
The easy answer is that you save the amount your system produces times the cost of purchasing that amount of electricity from your local utility. If you are leasing a system: you save the difference between what you pay the leasing company and what you would pay the local utility company. If you are purchasing a system: this answer is much more complex. To come up with an estimated dollar figure you must know the amount of energy your system will produce. You must factor in items such as number of sunny days, length of sun exposure on your panels, etc. to come up with that figure. You must also consider the current and future value of electricity from your local utility company, the cost of the system, the life expectancy of the system, along with your current and future electricity usage. If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is. If you are connected to the grid, chances are you will have a dual metering system. One of the meters will measure the amount of electricity you pull from the grid (you’ll pay for this at the retail rate from your local utility company); the other meter will measure the amount of electricity you provide back to the grid (you’ll be paid for this at the normal wholesale rate from your utility company) – yes you are going to pay more to get the electricity than you are going to be able to sell it for. The contract for this with your local utility company will need to be considered when calculating savings. When vetting possible companies to purchase your system from, ask them to estimate your cost savings. They have experience with systems that will be similar in size, quality, and production capacity as the one you are considering and they have experience in the locale. Sources: http://www.seattle.gov/light/solarenergy/solarfaq.asp#save http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/planning-home-solar-electric-system http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/grid-connected-renewable-energy-systems Properly installed panels will not damage your roof. In fact, they can help save it from future damage and extend the life of the roof since they absorb the sun rays that would otherwise hit and cause the roof to deteriorate. Typical solar panels weigh between 25-40 pounds each. They are generally installed (on pitched roofs) by attaching them to the rafters. Small holes are drilled and after the installation is complete, installers generally add sealants to fill any gaps between the fitting and the hole that was drilled. Most installers will also add flashing to further protect against the elements. If your roof is flat, most installers will secure the panels to ballasts, such as concrete blocks, so there are no holes drilled in the roof. Since solar panels have long life spans, if your roof is in need of repair, it will be less costly to repair the roof prior to installation. Your roof makes a difference in the installation of panels. A composite shingle roof is the easiest type of roof for installers to work on. Wood shake roofs and tile roofs can be difficult due to the splitting and breaking of tiles since these types of roofs are not made to be walked on. Slate roofs are generally not compatible with solar panel installation. Sources: http://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/downloads/solar-ready-buildings-planning-quide There are many factors that need to be considered when estimating the length of time solar panels will last. These include: The EU Energy Institute estimates that 90% of panels purchased in the last ten years will last 30 years. Panels manufactured in 2013 or later should last 40 years. They also noted that about 90% of all panels will outlast the estimated lifespan – albeit with a drop in performance. It should be noted that while the lifespan of the solar panels are getting longer, inverters still have a life span of approximately 15 years. A Kilowatt is how electricity (the flow of electrical power that is generated by the use of solar, fossil fuels, or nuclear) is measured and billed. A kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts.How Much Can I Save With Solar Panels?
What Impact do Solar Panels Have on My Roof?
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Sources:
http://www.ul.com/global/documents/newscience/journal/sustainableenergy/New_Science_SE_Journal_Issue_3.pdf
http://www.solar-rating.org/facts/system_ratings.html
http://www.ee.institute.orgWhat is a Kilowatt
Sources:
http://www.rapidtables.com/electric/kWh.htm
https://www.rockymountainpower.net/ya/kyb/dbt.html
Buying vs. leasing, it’s a decision almost everyone makes at some time in their lives. Be it a car, a home, or even a solar energy system.
So what is solar leasing? As with any lease, you do not own the solar energy system attached to your home. Instead of using the energy generated by the system, you purchase your electricity from the company who owns the panels attached to your roof. Generally, this purchase is at a reduced rate from the local utility company. Solar leasing contracts are for a specific amount of time – most often 15 to 20 years. Some contracts will allow purchase of the system at the end of the lease.
As of the writing of this article the following States allow residential solar leasing:
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As laws change, please consult your State Energy Department for current regulations.
Leasing continues to gain market share. In March 2014, SolarCity and Best Buy announced a partnership which will allow for low-cost solar energy installations through a leasing arrangement. Due to regulations, this program is currently available only in California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, and New York.
The Climate Policy Initiative recently conducted a study that found that solar panel leasing, in California, had risen to 75 percent of installations in 2012. The study concluded that as tax incentives diminish, leasing becomes more popular than owning.
With Federal incentives for solar slated to end in 2016, the market for leasing should continue to increase. Solar leasing is a win for the environment. It is also leading the way in customer service – giving customers what they are demanding. The question is – is solar leasing right for you? Click here and find out, it only takes 30 seconds.
Most Americans are supportive of increasing our energy independence, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and using renewable energy sources. With the current array of incentives being offered, there has never been a better time to make the switch to solar energy.
Today there are tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available to those who choose to join the renewable energy movement and install solar energy panels. These incentives are available through Federal, State, and local government entities and can lower the cost of a solar energy system by up to 50%. By capitalizing on these incentives rebates, a solar energy system can quickly pay for itself.
Residential tax incentives come in many forms including Federal and State income tax credits or deductions, sales tax rebates, and property tax credits. These can all be used to reduce the up-front costs of purchasing a solar energy system.
-From Homepower.com
Example Solar Incentives
The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which stems from The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequent renewals, allows a taxpayer to claim an Investment Tax Credit of up to 30% of qualified expenses for purchase of a solar energy system (as well as other renewable energy systems) for a home they use as a residence that is located within the United States. Generally, for incentive purposes, the expense is considered to be incurred once the installation has been completed. Qualified expenses can include:
As systems can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, if the Federal tax credit exceeds the taxpayer’s liability, the remaining credit can be carried forward to the next tax year. This can continue until the credit has been fully used or until the 2016 tax year whichever is sooner. At this time it is not clear if this program will be extended beyond December 31, 2016. President Obama has indicated that it will not.
Many States also have income tax incentives, sales tax rebates, and other cash rebates available to those purchasing a solar energy system. The amount of money available varies from state to state. One of the best sites to visit to view those programs can be found here. Remember, incentives are generally provided to encourage early adopters to make the switch to solar power. Many of these programs are being cancelled as allotted funds are used and may not be available as long as the Federal incentives are in place. They may also have different rules regarding tax carry-over provisions. Generally speaking, the faster you act, the better your chances are at securing state fund or incentives to help pay for your investment.
Check with your county Assessor about property tax incentives and your local utility company about any rebate plans they have available. Surprisingly, many utilities have incentive programs or rebates available.
Navigating the tax and rebate programs can be a daunting task; ask the company you are purchasing from for assistance. Some companies will even credit your account for the Federal 30% up front; check to see if the company you have selected offers that benefit. National Solar Project can help connect you with local installers who can offer free quotes.
In addition, remember that tax laws change often and can be tricky. Always consult your acco
untant, attorney, or tax adviser for up to date information.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE WITH SOLAR – IT ONLY TAKES 30 SECONDS.
Solar is the fastest growing source of renewable energy in the U.S. according to a recent report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). During 2013, the installed solar capacity grew by 42.8% in the U.S. while the combination of all renewable energy sources now generates 37% of electricity.
That growth was enough to deserve a special mention in Obama’s State of the Union address. He stated “It’s not just oil and natural gas production that’s booming; we’re becoming a global leader in solar, too,” he said. “Every four minutes, another American home or business goes solar.”
Obama’s claim came from information provided by Greentech Media (GTM) who collects data of solar installations from utility companies and state agencies on a quarterly basis. Their research currently includes 28 states which represent about 97% of the market.
While solar generation of electricity has grown tremendously over the past few years, solar power only accounted for 0.2 percent of the U.S. electricity supply in the first nine months of 2013, according to data published by the U.S. Government’s Energy Information Administration. That number is up from 0.02 percent in 2008.
Since 2008 electricity has continued to get more expensive with the electricity price index now at an all-time high. Expensive electricity, combined with reductions in solar energy installation costs, has helped spur the growth in the solar market.
With the announcement on March 3, 2014 from President Obama that the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) will be removed from U.S. solar projects at the end of 2016, the leading role of the U.S. in solar could be at risk. Based on that announcement, we could see a rush to claim the credit during the next two years. As with all taxes and tax incentives, there could be a change between now and the end of 2016.
What we know for certain is that solar energy is gaining traction in the U.S. and its growth seems to be on a trajectory that will make it available to almost every home owner.
During a recent SouthCoast Energy Challenge event homeowners, business owners and environmentalists toured solar-powered homes and had the chance to speak with current solar users.
ARTICLE LINK: South Coast today
The growth of solar panel installation has increased over the past few years, to the point where more systems were installed in 2013 than in all of the previous 30 years. Solar is currently the second-leading new source of energy for the United States and produced 29% of all new electricity generated in 2013.
The residential solar market experienced a tremendous growth spurt in 2013 with a 41% increase over 2012 and forecasters are expecting a 26% growth for 2014. The increase in residential demand is creating competition among solar companies who are now looking to non-traditional financing options to increase their appeal with consumers.
It started in real estate several years ago – going green became the new rage. It started with the removal of lead paint; the selection of natural, renewable materials for flooring; and now the ultimate green – solar panels. It’s not just about the environment; it’s also about raising the resale value of your home.
Many of the initial residential solar energy systems were installed in sunny California. Today homes with rooftop solar panels can garner tens of thousands in premium resale value in that State. This trend is quickly spreading to other areas of the U.S. and as with most things in life, size and age matters.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has completed a study of California real estate sales that suggests that for each kilowatt produced by a residential solar energy system, a home’s resale value increased by $5,900. With most residential systems producing between two and five kilowatts, a home with a larger rooftop system could add up to $30,000 in resale value.
The study also found that, in addition to a system’s production capacity, both the age and perceived condition (how shiny the panels are) can make a difference in resale value. In some instances they saw a decrease of nine percent of value annually as the system aged. That decrease in value was a surprise, as the San Francisco Chronicle has stated that the average electricity-producing prowess of a silicon solar panel declines at a rate of less than one percent per year. However, the differential is most likely to be due to consumer perception that older technology is not as viable as newer technology.
Depending on your location (such as California where solar energy has been embraced and the sun shines most of the time), the immediate increase in home resale value can be greater than a solar energy system will cost. A solar energy system installed today can yield a 25-30 year life span. When looking at resale value don’t forget to depreciate the system over time. It is also important to recognize that just as real estate values vary from place to place, the premium that consumers put on solar energy systems also vary.
Still not sure if solar energy will pay off? For more information download this .pdf from the U.S. Department of Energy: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy09osti/43844.pdf
