1. I'd like to explore renewable energy options for my home. What's the best option for getting started?
First, determine how much sun is available at your location. Professional site assessments can be done, but for starters, ask yourself if you have sun available from roughly 9:30 to 3:00. If you don't, look into community solar or some other renewable energy source like wind or wood. If you do have sun, do you want to heat water for your domestic needs or make electricity, or both? Heating water and making electricity are two separate projects and it probably is best to pick one to get started. Installing solar PV if you are already hooked to the grid is probably the best choice because it is simpler to install and possibly more cost effective.
2. With solar PV, what can I expect for cost and return in our region?
A complete residential solar PV system should cost between $3.50 to $4.00 per watt installed at 2015 prices. A typical residence in northern Wisconsin would need about 6500 watts of solar PV, which would generate about 8000 KWh per year, to offset their entire house, costing $22,750 to $26,000. To determine your actual usage check your electric bills over the course of a year. Incentives are available to reduce costs and vary depending on your utility provider. See Policy & Incentives page.
3. Is it better to go with a community solar offering?
It depends! Community solar is often less expensive than installing your own system due to economies of scale and the maintenance is provided by the utility. If you don't have a good location for installing solar panels on your own property or you rent your home, then community solar is likely a better option. Installing your own system has its advantages including net metering, potential tax benefits, and other rebates. These options vary depending on your utility provider and you must pay income tax in order to receive the federal tax credit. Please contact us if you'd like assistance in determining which is the best option for you.
Please use the Contact page for assistance in evaluating your solar options or to submit additional questions!
First, determine how much sun is available at your location. Professional site assessments can be done, but for starters, ask yourself if you have sun available from roughly 9:30 to 3:00. If you don't, look into community solar or some other renewable energy source like wind or wood. If you do have sun, do you want to heat water for your domestic needs or make electricity, or both? Heating water and making electricity are two separate projects and it probably is best to pick one to get started. Installing solar PV if you are already hooked to the grid is probably the best choice because it is simpler to install and possibly more cost effective.
2. With solar PV, what can I expect for cost and return in our region?
A complete residential solar PV system should cost between $3.50 to $4.00 per watt installed at 2015 prices. A typical residence in northern Wisconsin would need about 6500 watts of solar PV, which would generate about 8000 KWh per year, to offset their entire house, costing $22,750 to $26,000. To determine your actual usage check your electric bills over the course of a year. Incentives are available to reduce costs and vary depending on your utility provider. See Policy & Incentives page.
3. Is it better to go with a community solar offering?
It depends! Community solar is often less expensive than installing your own system due to economies of scale and the maintenance is provided by the utility. If you don't have a good location for installing solar panels on your own property or you rent your home, then community solar is likely a better option. Installing your own system has its advantages including net metering, potential tax benefits, and other rebates. These options vary depending on your utility provider and you must pay income tax in order to receive the federal tax credit. Please contact us if you'd like assistance in determining which is the best option for you.
Please use the Contact page for assistance in evaluating your solar options or to submit additional questions!