Is Solar in My Neighborhood?

It’s cold and rainy outside, and there is a good chance you have just received your first heating bill for the season. Whether you have gas, wood, or electric heat, all are pretty expensive this year, leading many of us to look for more affordable alternatives. Solar is one of the first that comes to mind for many, so how do you know if there is solar in your neighborhood?

Technically, you individually can have solar pretty much anywhere. You invest in the photovoltaic panels which are installed in your yard or on your roof. There are other solar methods you can incorporate into your home, such as passive solar heat gain and solar hot water systems. If cost is a concern to you, check-out what financial incentives are available in your state and community. Remember that even though the initial expense is high, you will earn that money back over time in lower energy bills.

Aside from installing solar equipment, you can see what community programs are already in place. Sometimes, your public utility company may already be supplementing the power grid with some form of alternative energy. This can include their own solar or wind farms, or a net metering program that rewards customers for producing their own alternative energy, allowing them to sell their excess back to the utility.

Talk with friends and neighbors regarding what programs are available in your area. In some areas throughout our country, there are organized programs that encourage neighborhoods to switch to solar energy together. Sometimes, this can help with affordability and the success of the systems. Here are a few quick FAQs regarding solar systems to get you started. Request free estimates from prescreened solar installers in your neighborhood.

Posted on November 12th in Going Solar by Anna.