Why Solar?Increasingly, homeowners, businesses and governments are turning to solar energy as a way to power their electricity needs. Why? Well, most people believe it is because solar power systems generate clean energy and are a solution to global warming. Although, this is very true and benefits are enormous, more and more governments are recognizing the many other benefits that solar energy systems provide. First, because solar energy systems are placed at the ultimate or final point of energy use, the natural energy losses associated with transporting electricity over the energy grid are eliminated. Second, solar power systems generate electricity when it is most needed - at peak times of the day when the utility is stressed to provide electricity. These first two points translate to less investment required into the utility's transmission and distribution grid (which is aging considerably and in desperate need of upgrades) as well as into peaking power plants. The more solar power systems deployed across the grid, the less investment is needed into those ugly power lines and polluting electric generation stations. As competition for dwindling supplies of fossil fuels increases, governments concerned with energy security look for home-grown energy solutions. Solar power, wind energy and tidal power are gaining popularity. The problem with wind and tidal power is that it typically exists in low population areas and there is still the need for transmission and distribution lines. Although reliable, their power production isn't as consistent as that from solar energy systems. Finally, the cost of extracting the fossil fuels to power America is going up considerably. When environmental, transportation, exploration, and political factors are accounted for, electricity from solar energy systems is a more sustainable way to grow our economy and lessen our dependence on other energy-rich nations. |
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Will it work with my home?
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Does the sun shine on your home?
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Do you have an area of your roof that is somewhat South-facing (East and West-facing roofs work also)?
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If trees shade your roof, would you consider removing them? (Each 1 kW installed is roughly equivalent to planting an acre of trees.)
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If you don't have available roof space, do you have land where a ground-mounted system could be installed?
If you answered yes to the questions above, then a solar power system will work on your home.
How much does it cost?
Like a typical fossil fuel power plant, the initial costs of a system are high. However, unlike a fossil fuel power plant, once the system is installed, the incoming fuel (sunlight) is free and not subject to any cost increases and supply disruptions. So, the key is to figure out how to overcome the initial installation cost. Because, over its lifetime - 25 to 50 years, the cost of solar energy is actually cheaper than the cost from your utility (and this doesn't count the external factors mentioned above).
To overcome the initial high cost, federal, state and local governments are increasingly providing incentives to help. These incentives come in the form of tax credits, rebates or grants, tradeable (for cash) renewable energy certificates, and various financing options. The incentives for each state and each town are different so review our section on incentives. However, in some areas, the incentives are so great, the system is free. If you live in the following states, the incentives are so great that a solar power system is more economical than continuing to pay your electric bill.
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Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York
How do I pay for it?
Trinity is able to offer unique financing programs to homeowners in New Jersey, allowing a homeowner to install solar for NO MONEY out of pocket, as they immediately realize lower electric bills. With our innovative suite of options, a Trinity consultant can design a custom solar plan to fit your needs or your pocketbook. Contact us today to learn more about our residential programs.
How much energy will I save and are there other benefits?
Each kW installed will produce approximately 1,200 kWh per year. This number is, of course, dependent on the angle the solar system is pointed toward the sun and how much direct sunlight it receives over a given year (an East or West facing roof receives less direct sunlight than a South facing roof). If you are paying $0.15/kWh, a 1 kW would save you $180 per year. Most of our customers install an 8 to 10 kW system so their savings is around $2,000 per year. In addition to the electric savings, by installing a solar power system on your home, you will increase your property value. According to the Appraisal Journal of the National Appraiser's Association, home values increase $20 for every $1 in annual energy savings. So, a $2,000 energy savings translates into a $40,000 increase in your home value.
A Solar Energy System for your home is:
- Attractive: Take a look at the photo gallery to see our showcase of solar homes. As professionals in the industry with over 12 years experience, we understand how important this is. Workmanship is the key, inside and out.
- Easy to Maintain: Solar panels, tilted slightly to the south, are washed clean by occasional rain. The panel manufacturers guarantee performance for 20 years. Solar energy systems are maintenance free and produce energy silently and efficiently.
- A Great Value: A solar energy system adds asset value to your home. Not only do you save energy, but you can sell any energy you don't use back to the utility. See Spinning your Meter Backwards. Further, as energy prices rise, the value of your solar energy system increases with every rate hike.
- Makes you a part of the solution to our energy crisis and global warming problems.
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| Solar Energy Inverters make your solar electricity grid-compatible and can be mounted inside or outside your home. | |