Southern
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Frequently Asked Questions:1. Are solar panels and solar water heating systems a viable renewable energy for Southern Indiana? 2. What are the benefits of installing a solar system? 3. Where do I start in my home? 4. How do I plan for solar on my home? 5. Isn’t it expensive? How can I afford solar? 6. What types of solar systems are there? 7. What do all these acronyms mean? § Are solar panels and solar water heating systems a viable renewable energy for Southern Indiana? Absolutely, in our region there are approximately 4.5 direct sun hours on average. This is plenty to provide ample hot water or electricity for the energy conscious household. Solar panels may be installed on roofs, in yards with good southern exposure, or as an architectural feature such as awnings or carports. There are many efficient, innovative products available for both solar water heating and electricity production. §
What
are the benefits of installing a solar system? The greatest benefit is creating a clean, renewable form of energy right at home. Solar systems are a reliable alternative to coal fired power plants. Financially, the benefit is locking in electricity rates for the next 25-30 years. §
Where
do I start in my home? The biggest form of renewable energy is energy conservation. Using electricity wisely is the first big step to renewable energy. There are many creative ways to reduce our use of electricity. See www.sirensolar.org and www.builditsolar.com for excellent energy tips. § How do I plan for solar on my home? You may calculate system size and costs at www.findsolar.com. Solar site assessments are available with MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Association) certified site assessors. They assess energy demand, solar site potential, and size systems for homeowners. Alex Jarvis (www.solarsystemsofindiana.com.) is a local MREA solar site assessor. Mann plumbing is also an experienced local solar water heating installer (www.mannplumbinginc.com). § Isn’t it expensive? How can I afford solar? Yes, initial costs are expensive, but hot water systems cost less than PV and a PV system can be installed in stages to spread cost over several years. The biggest asset you have is your ability to cut your energy needs by conserving energy. Small changes can bring about big savings. Every kilowatt-hour you eliminate saves thousands in system costs. It could be possible to have a solar system which meets a household's entire electrical needs, for the cost of a new hybrid car. This investment will increase your home value, reduce peak loading on the grid, help create stable energy rates and support the local economy. The October 2008 financial aid package includes a 30 percent federal tax credit which can be carried forward to future years if the amount of credit is more than your tax liability. Your actual cost would be $7,000 for a $10,000 system after the tax credit. § What types of solar systems are there? Solar hot water heating is a great way to cut electricity demands. Water heating is the 2nd biggest use of energy in most homes after heating and cooling demands. Solar air heating - heat air and transfer it into the home. A cost effective heater, may be
homemade or purchased commercially. Grid tied photovoltaic(pv) systems use solar panels to generate electricity. This system is economical because excess electricity not used during peak season is put back onto the grid and credited to the homeowner. Electric grid outages do affect this system. Battery or stand-alone pv. systems are off grid and will provide electricity in outages. Hybrid pv systems are grid tied with a battery backup for outages.
§ What do all these acronyms mean? Here are a few commonly use acronyms, please let us know if there are other we should add to this list: webmaster@sirensolar.org. APE Alternative Power and Energy (grant) ASES American Solar Energy Society AWEA American Wind Energy Association DIY do it yourself DNR Department of Natural Resources DOE Department of Energy EIA Energy Information Administration EPA Environmental Protection Agency ICREED Indiana Coalition for Renewable Energy and Economic Development IDEM Indiana Department of Environmental Management INDOT Indiana Department of Transportation ISES International Solar Energy Society LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design MREA Midwest Renewable Energy Association NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory PV Photovoltaic RE Renewable Energy
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