We are committed to be your trusted energy advisor.
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is committed to be your trusted energy advisor.
Here are some tips to help you evaluate solar options to determine the benefits compared to the cost of solar, so that you can find a solution that is right for you.
A: Maybe.
Whether and how much you will benefit from a residential solar array depends on …
• how much you pay for electricity
• how much electricity you use
• state and local incentives for solar development
Be sure and check out the Solar Calculator to determine the benefit vs. cost.
A: Maybe.
- Is your property shaded? If considering rooftop solar, does your home face south or west?
- If considering rooftop solar, will you need to replace your roof sometime during the life of the panels? If so, you should replace your roof first.
- Have you explored all your energy efficiency options? (It doesn’t make sense to purchase more solar than you need!) We can help you reduce your energy use and right-size your array.
- Does your community have restrictions?
A: Not entirely.
Most solar panels do not provide electricity 24/7, so your home still needs reliable and safe electricity from SVEC. Your monthly SVEC bill will have a monthly charge and any energy delivered to you when your solar panels cannot provide enough electricity. These base charges are necessary to cover the operating and maintenance cost of having electricity available for your home.
A: If you are purchasing a solar array, be sure to ask…
- What is the total installed (turnkey) cost of the system?
- What is the payback period? What are the assumptions underlying that estimate?
- Will I need to finance the array?
- Who gets the tax credits (the “renewable energy credit”)?
- Will I receive “free” electricity once panels are paid for?
- Does the company offer warranties on panels AND inverters?
- What are the details of the service contract?
A: Research.
When you make the decision to invest in residential solar, you are making a significant financial investment. Be sure to do your research on the company.
- Are the installers North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric trained and certified?
- When was your company established and how much solar has it installed to date?
- Can your company provide a list of the projects and references for them?
- Are you accredited with the Better Business Bureau? If so, what is your rating?