With the recent blizzard and the usual dreary winter weather, installing solar panels on your home or business might be the last thing on your mind. But now may be the the perfect time. When the warm weather returns, you'll be all set to reap the sun's benefits.
Switching to solar power takes pressure off an aging and overburdened electricity grid, lowering the chance of blackouts and brownouts. Solar energy also has environmental benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint and use of fossil fuels.
Many people considering a solar energy system often hesistate due to the expensive price tag. But did you know that there are government programs that can significantly lower the cost of a solar system?
RESIDENTIAL
Installing a solar system on your home will lower your electricity bill by 50% or more. These savings will increase as energy costs go up in the future. You are also eligible for a 30% federal tax credit and a state rebate up to 20% through the CEFIA program. These incentive programs cover up to 50% of installation costs. Combined with the money you save on your electricity bill, you can pay for your system in 5 to 10 years.
COMMERCIAL
With commercial building installations, we strive to eliminate your entire electricity bill. These savings will only increase in value as energy costs go up in the future. With the ZREC program, the state will credit you a predetermined amount for every 1000 kilowatt hours you produce. This program lasts 15 years and it is designed to help you pay off the system entirely. In addition, if you produce more electricity than you consume, the power company will credit you for the surplus energy.
HOW IT WORKS
Installing solar panels on a building is determined by three key factors:
• The direction the roof’s ridgeline faces.
• The roof’s condition (if shingles are more than 10 years old, we recommend replacing them).
• The amount of trees and shade near the building.
For roof mounting, you have the option of stationary or moving panels. If mounting a solar system on your roof doesn't work, a ground system is also an option.
Each panel should have a micro-inverter (the part that converts DC solar electricity to AC useable electricity) on each panel to guarantee maximum energy generation. The solar system is integrated into the the building’s current electrical system. You can also install a battery bank, which allows you to store your generated electricity (up to 6 days worth).
If purchasing a solar system doesn’t fit your budget at the moment, you can lease a system that will provide you with many of the same benefits as owning one.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Intina Energy is your one-stop source for residential and commercial renewable energy. We help you select the products and services that are a perfect fit for your building and budget. We do all the paperwork to secure government rebates and government tax credits, as well as building permits. We install the system and maintain it for as long as you like. Visit our website for more information.
