In his years in the solar industry, Bill Stewart of SolarCraft has witnessed the solar industry getting creative. Not necessarily through specific applications, but in the creative ways the technology has been made economical.
Stewart, who is the President and Founder of the solar energy service company, explains that the 1970s and 80s primarily saw solar energy used for thermal, or water heating applications, such as for pools or household hot water. The application of solar electric systems became more possible within the household after 2000, when two new innovations were introduced. These consisted of the California rebate system and federal tax credits that help bring down the initial cost of the installations. Even more importantly, Stewart says, was the concept of “Net Metering,” whereby the utility company purchases back the electricity produced by solar electric systems at the same rate they would normally charge.
“This, in effect, acts like a perfect battery,” Steward explains. “The excess energy you generate is sent back to the utility for your future use, at 100 percent efficiency.”
Solar energy continues to give back in numerous ways long after you’ve purchased a system, making the investment a truly unique purchase. As each year passes, the return on a solar investment grows steadily through reduced utility bills and higher energy efficiency within the home. The sunlight that powers the system is free, and the conversion process does not have adverse effects on the environment, as burning fossil fuels does. The economic incentives Stewart mentions can only mean expected increases in the use of solar power, a win-win scenario for all sides of the equation.