3 minute read
Let the sunshine in
By Sean McCarthy
The sun has been around for a while – we might as well take advantage of it.
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“Solar power can give you economic peace of mind,” says Ryan Rego, a co-founder and Managing Partner with Isaksen Solar, a Fall River-based company devoted to establishing solar systems in both homes and businesses. “It’s much cheaper than buying energy from the electric company. Once you pay off your solar system, your electricity is free and independent – you won’t be worried about the price of electricity going up. You’ll have security and protection.”
Rego says that the average domestic solar system is warrantied for 25 years but could be paid off in five to ten years.
“If you’re somebody who cares about the environment the number one thing you can do is buy a solar system,” Rego says. “Over 25 years, a solar system is going to reduce as much carbon as planting 3,000 trees. Solar systems cost less than buying electricity from the electric company, which all comes from coal or natural gas. You’ll pay less and be environmentally responsible.”
For homeowners in the South Coast, the modern promise of solar power is environmental responsibility and economic sensibility. But it’s not an opportunity available to everybody.
“Fifty percent of the homeowners who we’re in touch with aren’t a good fit for solar,” Rego says. “Their house may not be in good enough shape, or they may not get enough sunlight. I have to shake their hand and tell them I can’t help them. Not every house is a good fit.”
Domestic solar systems are usually mounted on the roof of a home but the option of posting solar panels on the ground (often in a backyard) is also available. Rego says that a domestic solar system requires only two or three maintenance checks over the course of 25 years.
Another economic advantage of owning a solar system is the tax incentives that come with the technology. There are federal and state tax credits and other benefits that are based upon the size and efficiency of the system.
Rego claims that Isaksen can get a solar system up and running in a day or two and they are also skilled in the paperwork that comes with the implementation. There are a variety of options when it comes to purchasing a solar system. “We can help with all of the details from start to finish,” Rego says.
Shining a light
Isaksen has been in business for more than four years. All of its’ co-founders have experience with national solar companies.
Rego practices what he preaches – his Dartmouth home is entirely equipped with solar technology. He has central air and hot water and all the amenities of a home while paying nothing for his electricity.
One of the major barriers that has prevented the popularity of solar is the economic factor. That is no longer the situation.
“What has made solar economical is that the industry has gotten bigger,” Rego says. “The factories have gotten bigger and smarter so the cost of the materials have gotten dramatically cheaper. The quality of the materials have also improved greatly and they last a lot longer. The panels have become more efficient.
“The economics have shifted,” Rego says. “Your loan payments will be way cheaper than your electricity bill.”
It may be surprising that Rego claims that cold weather is actually a boon for solar as opposed to a blazing hot summer day. Cloudy weather may reduce the amount of energy being received but it is still advantageous.
“A 50-degree day is better than a 100-degree day, but a 60-degree day is ideal,” Rego says. “Your house may not be a fit for solar, but if it is you could potentially save as much as $70,000 over 25 years and benefit the environment at the same time.”
To learn more about solar power and find out if your home is a good fit, contact Isaksen Solar at 508-567-0647 or visit isaksensolar.com.
