What’s the cost?
While the Wing Solar Project makes renewable energy a more realistic option for members who may not have been able to afford it before, many people are interested in installing their own solar panels. Pioneer Electric’s energy experts can help you understand the ins and outs of residential solar and decide whether or not it is right for you. One of the most common questions our experts get is, “How long will it take to recoup the cost of installing solar panels?” The answer varies based on the design of your system and the weather conditions around your home, but there are several costs any member should consider before committing to solar. • Installation cost — A typical residential rooftop solar system includes solar panels, equipment to mount them to your roof and an inverter. The solar panels collect the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity. This electricity passes through the inverter, which converts it into alternating current that helps power your home. • Rewiring cost — Your home’s electrical panel will also need to be changed to
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accommodate the electricity coming in through the inverter. It is important to hire a licensed electrician to make these changes to ensure that your home’s wiring, as well as the rooftop solar system you choose, comply with the National Electrical Code and all applicable local codes. • Backup service cost — Solar panels do not produce power all the time, and even backup battery storage is not intended to serve all of your home’s energy needs. You will still need to connect to the electric system. Even if your home only occasionally uses electricity from the cooperative’s system, we must maintain substations and distribution lines so that power is available whenever you need it. These fixed costs of serving everyone on the system must be fairly shared by all members. Otherwise, those who do not or cannot install solar generation must subsidize those who can. As a result, members using solar power may be required to pay an additional fee to cover the fixed costs of a reliable backup energy supply. • Additional insurance — A solar installation on your property will require
insurance, so be sure to speak to your insurance provider before making a purchase. Some insurance policies may not cover some types of solar panels.
Safety first
In addition to the financial investment, members should also be aware of the safety concerns when it comes to installing their own solar generation system. Talk with your local fire department to learn if rooftop solar panels might prevent firefighters from putting out a blaze. It is also critical to properly connect and maintain your system. A poorly maintained system can endanger crews working on power lines. It is the member’s responsibility to notify local or state officials to conduct a safety inspection of their system. These are all important considerations to weigh when deciding if solar power is right for you. At Pioneer Electric, we are your energy partner and encourage members who are interested in investing in renewable energy to contact us with any questions. n
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