Is Solar Power Right for You?

Image Gallery Solar-electric panels on a south-facing roof in Brooklyn, Mass. SOLAR DESIGN ASSOCIATES/DOE/NREL

Have you ever wondered whether a solar-electric system is right for your home? There are a lot of good reasons to consider solar power. It’s a great choice for the environment, because with photovoltaic (solar-electric) panels you can get your electricity from clean, renewable solar energy, rather than polluting fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. In most circumstances, installing solar panels can also save you a lot of money.

To figure out whether solar-electric panels make sense for you, start by considering these questions:

1. Do you have a sunny, south-facing space to mount solar panels? Chances are you do, because there are a lot of options (check out the Image Gallery for examples).

2. How much will it cost for a solar-electric system that meets your needs?

3. Will solar power save you money in the long-term?

The last two questions are the trickiest. To begin with, you’ll need to decide if you want a grid-connected system, or if you would prefer to be “off the grid,” and completely independent of the electric utility. (More about those options here.)

But how much solar power will cost you also depends on your location. For example, the same set of solar panels will produce more electricity in the sunny Southwest than in rainy Seattle. Another important factor to consider: Some states offer hefty rebates and tax incentives for purchasing solar-electric systems.

So how do you find out whether solar makes sense for where you live?

First, Some Background

You can find many great websites for learning about solar power (more on that below), but there’s so much information online that it can be a bit overwhelming. To help cut through the fog, I contacted Real Goods, a renewable energy retailer and solar installer that’s been selling solar-electric panels for more than 30 years. I spoke with Liz Huntington, the marketing director, and we talked about what people should know before they start shopping for solar panels.

Liz said the main thing to know is that when you’re looking at the cost, you have to think long-term. “Often there is sticker shock. When you’re looking at the numbers, you have to think about it as an investment.” She says that in the end the question is, would you rather own your power or rent it?