solar Learn the benefits and challenges of adding solar panels on your home

As the costs associated with renewable energy sources continue to decline, solar panels can be found on more homes and businesses. While solar power can be a great source for reliable, clean energy, there’s plenty to learn before you jump on the opportunity.

Solar Considerations

The biggest question to answer is whether solar panels are right for your house. For a variety of reasons, solar panels may not be worth the cost and may not provide the possibility for a strong return on your investment, even with possible tax credits. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the time to learn.

Solar panels create a flow of electricity as photons, or particles of light, knock electrons free from atoms. Many solar panels have small units of cells linked together to form larger photovoltaic cells. These cells convert sunlight into energy.

Residential solar panels can lower your electric bill and improve the value of your home. Additionally, they’ll help you reduce your carbon footprint and potentially even earn money with electricity sold back to the grid.

Nonetheless, solar panels can create challenges. Solar panels will not work on every type of roof, and if you plan to move soon, the initial cost may be too steep to recoup your investment. As an additional consideration, if your current monthly electric bill is low, the money you save from solar will be low as well.

Most of all, don’t try to install solar panels yourself or without notifying Covington Electric Cooperative. You can run into several safety issues like damage to your home’s electrical system or the potential for back-feed. Back-feeding puts lineworkers at risk for serious injury or death.

CLEAN ENERGY, WITHOUT THE UPFRONT COSTS

If you’re interested in using energy from renewable resources, but the installation cost is too high, don’t forget about the CEC Community Solar Garden.

The Solar Garden allows members to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy to help them determine whether it’s a good fit for their homes. Members can support renewable energy without paying the upfront costs. Enrollment in the Community Solar Program requires a 12-month agreement to buy an average of 155 kWh of solar electricity at a flat rate of $20 per month.

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about solar energy, read about the CEC Solar Demonstration Project or the Community Solar Garden on the CEC website. Please contact CEC at 800-239-4121 with additional questions. 