13 May 2010

Special Edition:
Solar Energy

ATTENTION SOLAR ENERGY PROVIDERS

Big benefits for you and the planet

Across the globe, millions of people

power their homes and heat their water with
clean, abundant, renewable energy from the
sun. Solar energy systems have been around for
decades. But in the United States, their accep-
tance has been slow because of their high up-
front cost.
Attitudes are changing, however. With
concern mounting about carbon dioxide emis-
sions, rising energy costs, and dependence on
imported oil, having a power plant on the roof
sounds awfully attractive. In fact, after tuning up
your house to make it as energy efficient as
possible, installing a solar energy system is one
of the most powerful steps you can take to
green your home.

What’s in It for You

Residential solar energy systems fall into two categories: solar electric
systems and solar hot water systems.
Solar hot water systems, also called solar thermal systems because they
capture heat, can provide hot water for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and other
household uses. They can also be used to heat homes, pools, and hot tubs.
Solar electric systems, also called photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert the
sun’s energy into electricity that can power buildings.
Not every household can benefit from a PV or solar hot water system. If your
electricity or water heating costs are extremely low, or if you have too much
shade on your roof or property, a solar energy system may not make sense.

But for many people, the energy savings from a PV or solar hot water
system will eventually save money, after you’ve recouped the system’s initial
cost. In addition, the system can lock in your energy costs, giving you a hedge
against future energy price increases. Although most solar homes still use some
fossil-fuel energy, it is possible to meet your home’s entire energy needs with
solar electric and solar hot water systems. And as plug-in hybrids and electric
cars become more available, someday you may be able to run your car on the
sun’s energy.
Solar energy systems may even increase the value of your…
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13 May 2010
Special Edition:
Solar Energy

Does the solar professional have experience designing and installing the type of system you want? If you are in
the market for a photovoltaic system, for example, don’t hire a contractor who has only installed solar hot water
systems.
How many years has the contractor has been in the solar business and how many installations have they done?
Solar is booming in many parts of the country; be cautious about hiring a newbie contractor.
Is the contractor licensed? Some states require that solar contractors to have special licenses; check with the
contractors’ license board in your state about requirements.
What specific services will the solar contractor provide? Most offer a “turnkey” service: they’ll analyze your site
and energy needs, design an appropriate system, procure the equipment and materials, handle the utility com-
pany and rebate paperwork, obtain any necessary permits, and install the system.
Are the bids you received based on the same type and size system? Bids should also include all costs associ-
ated with buying and installing the system, including hardware, installation, permits, and grid connection. The
bids should state the expected energy output in kilowatt-hours.
For general advice on what questions to ask contractors and other tradespeople, see our “What to Ask Your Con-
tractor” article.

When you first contact solar professionals, they’ll probably ask a few questions over the phone to assess whether a
PV system is feasible for your site. They’ll ask for your address so they can look at your property on an online aerial
map to see if shade might be a problem. And they’ll want to know how much electricity you used over the past 12
months. You might want to pull out your electricity bills ahead of time or get copies from your utility company if you
don’t keep them on hand. You can often access these bills online.

If your site looks promising for solar, a salesperson will come to your house to physically evaluate your site. They
have tools and software that they use to create a solar map showing how much sun the site receives at any time of
day throughout the year. This allows them to figure out the best spot for a solar array and how big a system you
need. Systems are usually installed on the roof, but if your roof doesn’t get enough sun, they’ll look for sunny spots
elsewhere on your property.
Based on the site evaluation, the company
should provide you with a detailed proposal that Chris Prelitz with New Leaf America take us through the
will include benefits and techniques of using Passive Solar Heating.

Site survey results. This should describe the

recommended location, solar orientation, and
mounting angle for the PV modules to give
them the best solar access for maximum
energy production. The proposal may include
digital photos and a site plan marked with
the proposed mounting location. It should
also describe the conditions at the proposed
installation location, and how the panels will
be mounted. If the solar contractor antici-
pates conditions that might hinder installa-
tion, such as signs of roof deterioration,
these should be spelled out in the proposal.

Continues at SCGH.com

Find a GreenCheck verified Solar

Provider near you!
13 May 2010
Special Edition:
Solar Energy

GreenCheck is a great source of credibility for your company and ensures to

your clients, old and new, that you are taking the extra steps towards environ-
mental responsibility. Learn more about our GreenCheck.

Only a few Earth Days ago, people felt there was relatively little they could do to combat
climate change. But today more and more homeowners are finding their slice of energy
independence by installing solar energy at home. This Earth Day, SolarCity CEO Lyndon
Rive is celebrating by busting the top five myths about solar power.

Myth #1: “Solar is beyond my budget!”

Lyndon Rive: Solar has never been more affordable, and a solar roof can cut the typical
household’s electric bill in half. Moreover, federal, state and city governments are offering
unprecedented incentives for homeowners to go solar...

Continues at SCGH.com

See all partners

Climate Crossroads
Student Coalition
Sierra Trails
13 May 2010
Special Edition:
Solar Energy

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13 May 2010
Special Edition:
Solar Energy

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