A Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar

Photo credit: OregonDOT

Okay, so you’re new to the idea of using solar power at home, in your business, on the RV, or elsewhere. But in seeking out information you might find a world wide web saturated with articles about semiconductors, copper-indium-gallium-selenide, and other complex terms that will frustrate and exasperate any beginner.

Fortunately, going solar is not nearly as complex as navigating the 128 million Google results for “solar.” Thanks to other people taking care of the science and technology end of things, going solar is as simple as ever. It does not have to start with a $50,000 solar electric system either. If you are reading this, then you are already into step one of a Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Step 1: See Solar

This is something I always tell people who look into going solar and then get overwhelmed by the complexity and costs embedded in the process. It happens to everybody, when you first notice something — say, another car identical to yours — you then start seeing it everywhere. It is a law of attraction that we all notice from time to time. So do the same with solar power. Simply keep your eyes and mind peeled and suddenly you’ll see solar flashlights, radios, garden lights, attic fans, and other solar products popping up everywhere. You’ll also probably start noticing how many of your neighbors have installed solar already.

The idea is to adopt solar power into your life. Any way you incorporate it you will save money; be it on batteries for the flashlight or on wiring and cooling costs thanks to a new solar attic fan. Also, you might find yourself networking with other solar-minded folks in your community — going solar is always easier when working together.

Step 2: Prepping Your Home

The next step is getting ready for the biggest step: installing a solar energy system. This involves any number of moves to make your home more energy efficient, including monitoring and reducing your daily energy usage, performing energy upgrades (e.g., CFL light bulbs, new appliances, insulation, etc.). You can start by paying closer attention to monthly utility bills, noticing how much power you use, and identifying possible ways to bring that total down.

Some are obvious, such as switching to more efficient lighting, putting electrical devices on power strips, and others. Other options are less obvious, such as locating weak spots and air leaks within the home, easily recognized through a home energy audit. These audits involve a professional coming to your home and performing a range of tests that will pick out specific areas for improvement. These tests usually cost around $300 but are sometimes paid in full or in part by your utility or state government as they press to meet set electricity standards. In addition, home energy audits may soon be incentivized by the federal government — many energy efficient upgrades already are.

Here is more information on prepping your home for solar.

Step 3: Site Analysis

When you’ve done what you can to maximize home efficiency and minimize energy consumption — a good idea for any family, whether you plan to go solar or not — then it is time to pick up the phone. The majority of solar contractors will gladly perform a free or inexpensive site analysis of your home. This review will analyze your home’s solar potential based on geographic location, roof space and alignment (in relation to the sun), and a number of other factors. This will help you figure the feasibility and size of your potential solar energy system — be it thermal or electric.

This site review will also help you along in choosing which type of solar application you want. Most notably that choice will be between building integrated, thin-film solar shingles or the more conventional solar panels that you’ve most likely seen on TV, online, or in magazines. As a rule, conventional solar panels are more efficient but stand out more as well; thin-film products blend into the roof but are less efficient and require more roof space.

Other considerations to be taken up at this time are local permits, building regulations, neighborhood association or subdivision rules, and other factors on the legal end of the spectrum.

Step 4: Financing

Financing is the ultimate issue for most homeowners. The initial installation costs are almost always daunting at first. Fortunately, there are a number of incentives and rebates that will bring the overall costs down considerably. In fact, depending on which state you live in, you can get over half of the system paid for by government entities. We are all eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of initial costs.

Now, in nearly every case, a considerable amount of money will be needed up front, even though a large portion will be reimbursed at tax time. Some states have programs that pay the contractor directly, which brings down initial costs, but most involve one or more tax years’ worth of credit.

So solar financing may be required. Some states and larger solar companies offer low-interest loans to cover these costs, including, in some cases, the federal government. Some companies, such as SolarCity, even offer lease programs in which they will cover all the costs and you’ll pay them a monthly fee. Cities such as Berkeley, California, have initiated programs in which the city pays the up front costs and you, the homeowner, pay it back through a voluntary increase in property taxes over a number of years. As you can see from these few examples there are a number of solar financing options available for beginners and solar experts alike.

Step 5: Installing the System

Now you’re ready. The new windows or doors are installed, insulation blown in, and the lights are always turned off when you leave. Already a sense of eco-friendly satisfaction pervades the home. In fact, by now you are no longer a beginner at all, as you’ve already taken some mammoth steps toward bettering your family’s and your home’s future. Now it’s time to hire a solar installer (if you haven’t already during Step 3) and get started.

Installing a residential solar system typically takes a matter of days and is relatively non-invasive compared to other home improvement projects. If you haven’t already, you can get easy and free estimates on a new solar installation with no obligation.

Posted on July 16th in Going Solar by Dan.