If you caught our discussion with Mike Menkes on solar tubular skylights, conventional skylights, and solar windows, then you already know that this independent business man is an expert on energy efficiency. As the voice of GreenEnergyFlorida.org and PowerBillDiet.com, Menkes believes in practicality in all situations. When making recommendations for commercial and residential applications, he keeps the following three goals in mind:
Menkes encourages something you don’t often hear from solar energy proponents: put solar panels on the backburner, at least initially. Prior to installing solar panels, he believes energy efficiency should be evaluated in multiple areas of the home. Menkes gives us two reasons why PV should be the last installation, no matter where your home is located:
“One, you will reduce the cost in proportion to the amount of energy you first conserve, and two, PV systems have to improve in efficiency, and then the cost of a system will come down. Personally, I would say to wait at least one year prior to making a 25-year commitment today.”
Before you have solar panels installed, Menkes promotes using a Power Bill Diet, designed to convert an expensive investment into something affordable and practical, especially once state-specific incentives kick in. “Most people get ‘sticker shock’ when they are told how much money it will cost them to become energy-independent with PV systems,” Menkes explains.
“A $300 monthly power bill can easily exceed $50,000.00, including a proper battery storage system. By following specific energy-conserving strategies, a $300 bill can go to $100/month or less. Then, a PV system may cost $30,000, of which the State of Florida will rebate 40%. $18,000 is much more affordable, plus, fewer PV panels and batteries are required.”
To find out more about the Power Bill Diet, which highlights specific strategies geared to increase energy efficiency within the home, check out the next installment of Ask the Solar Pros, featuring Mike Menkes.