Some Solar Power Considerations

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Solar panels on home roof via Shutterstock

Many homeowners are frustrated with the high cost of electricity and are considering adding solar panels to their homes. Not only is sun-powered electricity much cheaper than commercial electricity in many locations, it is also a way to help combat the serious problem of climate change. If you’re just getting into this subject, though, there are a number of things to consider before adding photovoltaic solar panels to a residence:

Permits

Before investing in solar upgrades, it’s a good idea to check with the city or county where the home is located. Because electric work is involved, you may need to obtain construction permits for the installation. Even if the panels will be installed at ground level rather than on the roof, there may be some building code restrictions.

If the home is part of a community with a homeowners association, there may be covenants that prohibit installation. Check the association agreement or deed for any rules that apply.
 


 

Setup Choices

With improved technology, there are numerous options for adding solar power to a residence. Modern roof-mounted solar panels are thinner and more efficient than early models, so they are less noticeable. Solar shingles are also available in some areas — these both function as roof covers and generate power. Portable solar generators are mounted on wheels for ease of use. There are also permanent models that mount at ground level.

The Grid

Some homeowners may be reluctant to rely completely on solar power. It is possible to install solar panels and still remain connected to an electric utility, of course. In most localities, the electric company is required to credit the user’s account for any excess power generated.

A few locations have tax or other rebates as incentives for solar and other green energy upgrades. There are also federal tax credits available to help offset the costs of solar installation. Several states also offer tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans for solar panels.

Solar power is a good choice for homeowners who live in rural or isolated areas. It is possible to install storage batteries and live completely off the grid. Installing a solar power system can be much cheaper than paying to have electric lines run to an isolated location.

With free electric power from the sun, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of reliable electricity without the ongoing cost of monthly electricity bills.

About The Author: Nancy Evans is a freelance writer who is normally writing on the topics of home improvement, going green, and decorating homes on a budget. Nancy’s normal writing topics are things like how to use websites like RockyMountainDecor.com to make your house a home, how to save money on holiday decorations, and how to make your home a “greenhouse.”

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  • Bob_Wallace

    Stan, plenty of people install their own solar without paying a contractor to do the work they are willing to do themselves.

    There may well be a need for a licensed electrician to do a system inspection and the final hookup to the grid, but reasonably handy people can do all the stuff up to that point.

    There must be plenty of work for you to do servicing those who don’t want to provide their own labor. Please don’t try to scare business to contractors.

    • robertemery

      The utility in my service area provides rebates but also requires installation by a licensed contractor.

      • Bob_Wallace

        That is not universal. And are you sure that a licensed contractor is what is required and not a licensed electrician?

        Perhaps the utility has some interest in whether the panel rack is attached to the roof correctly, but I can’t see where they have a legitimate interest at that level.

        • robertemery

          I was formerly one of five shareholders (all formerly of Luz) of an LLC that installed Solar PV for Schott and developed CSP Solar Projects. My brother said his utility gave rebates to install solar PV and asked what it would cost him to install it himself. One of the rebate requirements was a licensed contractor. The rebates equaled the labor for installation. Like you I found it very unusual for a PRIVATE install, everywhere the requirement was licensed electrician. I commented because of it being unusual and exceptions can be found for just about anything.

          • http://cleantechnica.com/ Zachary Shahan

            out of curiosity, what jurisdiction/utility was that?