• InsideOut
Page 4 April 8, 2021 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Solar Energy: It’s all about catching rays
By Sue Arnott The Surveyor Going solar in sunny Colorado is a good choice ... if you can swing it. And if you can, you should. Now is a good time to make the switch. For those who want to but can’t, the good news is you can still (affordably) participate in the solar movement. If you’re not sure yet, perhaps you’ve moved from a less sunny region and have questions, or you’re curious about how these systems work, read on.
In a nutshell
Solar energy is energy generated by the sun. It’s a vast, inexhaustible and clean resource that when harvested and converted to electricity, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of non-renewable fossil fuels. Using the sun’s energy is nothing new. We’ve been using it across time and space since the dawn of humankind. But the field of solar energy started to expand in 1839 when Edmond Becquerel discovered that sunlight could generate voltage and electrical current in a solid material. This is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect. Ever since scientists have been working to develop more refined tools and materials based on this physical and chemical phenomenon.
PV cells
Today’s solar panels are covered with PV cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. Those loose electrons flow and create a direct current (DC). That DC is captured and converted (with the help of another scientific device called an inverter) to an alternate current (AC), which is the type of current needed for homes and appliances. Solar-generated electricity works exactly like the electricity generated through the electric utility company.
Electrical bills and how net metering works
Solar panels do not work around the clock. They work in tandem with available light, generating electricity whether you are home or away. This means they can and often do generate more electricity than you are using. How much electricity they generate depends on the size of your system. Smaller systems may not eliminate your entire electrical bill. Whatever size system you have, you remain connected to your local utility company. Utility companies use smart meters to measure electricity flowing to and from your home. This is called net metering. If your solar panels do not generate enough electricity to power your home, you will be charged for what you use from the grid. However, if you are not using all the energy your solar panels create, you will have a surplus amount. Xcel Energy will provide credits for any surplus power you send back to the grid. These credits can be applied against future bills.
Costs, incentives and alternatives
Solar systems take roughly nine to twelve years to pay for themselves. According to one online solar cost estimator, cash prices range from $8,000 up to $45,000 depending on the size of your home and the size of the system you purchase. Financing programs can, over the cost of the loan, end up running thousands more, but on a month-to-month basis, they hurt less. To soften this financial blow and move us toward a more sustainable future, the federal government has extended the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, that credit will drop to 23%, and unless Congress renews it, it will expire in 2024. To be clear: this is not a rebate check. It is a credit
applied towards taxes due. For people who want to go solar but can’t for various reasons, other options, such as Community Solar Gardens, exist. Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar PV systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. Through this program, subscribers can affordably support a greener industry without investing heavily in a home system. Xcel Energy’s website provides a list of area solar gardens (third-party providers) if you want to further explore this option.
Bottom line
Deciding to go solar is one thing. Deciding which company to go with is another. As with any big purchase, it’s best to get multiple quotes and check a company’s background, its track record and its warranties. The bottom line, though: is it worth it? In sunny locales, yes. America is moving towards clean energy. As a renewable energy source, solar is relatively affordable and good for the environment. Despite its cost, it is a low-risk investment with a high payoff. If paying cash is off the table and you can qualify for a low-cost financing package, you should consider it. Going solar can eliminate electrical bills, and according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and for 17% more than those without. It’s good to know even if we can’t afford the PV system, we can still participate in community efforts to address climate change. It’s an issue that is not going away without our active commitment to change.
