Steps to take before switching to solar powerJun 24 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Erin Wisdom St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
With long days of sunshine now upon us, there's no better time to consider switching to a solar-power system to save on energy bills. But before you decide on a system, it's important to investigate the energy efficiency of your home, according to the University of Missouri Extension. "Plug the leaks and think about your habits in regards to using energy," Don Day, an energy specialist with the MU Extension, says. "Be sure your energy use is as efficient as it can be, and then we can start thinking about alternative energy." In a press release, he also offers these tips for determining what system is best for you: Consider whether you want to replace some or all of your energy with solar power. Some people want to be off the grid entirely and try to generate all of their own energy, which will present more challenges and require a battery system. Others will want to be connected to the grid, which comes with rules and regulations from the utility company. Look into programs that offset the expense of switching systems. Homeowners may be able to recoup a portion of the up-front costs with a 30 percent federal tax credit, and some municipalities offer incentives such as low-interest loans and rebates. Calculate your total energy use and decide the exact amount of energy you want to generate. Resources exist to help you decide what kind of system might fit your needs and budget. One such resource is the National Renewable Energy Lab (www.nrel.gov), which offers tools for calculating the energy potential and cost savings of possible systems. In addition, the MU Extension currently is adapting some materials from Montana for Missouri, including worksheets that help calculate the total cost of a system, expected savings and other factors that can affect cost. For more information, go online to extension.missouri.edu/energy-sources. Erin Wisdom can be reached at erin.wisdom@newspressnow.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SJNPWisdom. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=29072150 |