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There are many people who are interested in adding solar or wind power to their homes, but there are so many questions and finding the right place for the correct answer is not always easy.
You also have to weigh the reasons and the outcomes of why you would add solar or wind power to your residence. In reality, you’re not likely going to make money by selling electricity back to the electrical grid, but you could greatly reduce your electric bill, your dependence on public electricity and natural resource production of that electricity, and greatly reduce your personal carbon footprint on this planet.
There are four types of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) type electrical systems: Grid tied, Grid tied with battery back-up, Off Grid, and Direct Power.
Grid tied systems are the most common type of solar system and do not require a battery. The electricity produced is used to directly power the house; if excess power is produced you received credits from the electric company that goes toward your electric bill.
Grid tied with battery backup systems are slightly different in that the power produced goes first to a battery which powers the house. As electrical demands for the house are made, they are met with power from the battery. If the battery is drained, electricity is pulled off the grid. If the solar unit completely charges the battery and produces excess, you receive credits from the electric company which go toward the electric bill (…in essence, ‘back on the grid’).
Off Grid systems are the most expensive and require an energy-efficient design and a lot of thought. These homes are off the electric grid and do not have the utility grid as a back-up. (Not typical in the Independence, Blue Springs area.) The solar systems charge batteries which power the home.
Direct power systems are basically what they sound like; the solar panels produce electricity to power direct loads. I’ve often seen these used for single items such as gate openers, water pumping systems, etc.
Solar energy systems are estimated to cost $8-$9/watt for a small residential system, before incentives and not including taxes or permit fees. Solar systems don’t cause pollution, have no moving parts, make no noise, and the sun is free! According to Susan Brown, vice president sales of the Energy Savings Store, “It’s like prepaying for your electricity for the next 25-30 years, but at a fixed price.” Susan also quotes a survey produced by the National Appraisers Association, for every $1 in energy savings your home’s value will increase by $10. So, for example, for every $500 you spend in energy saving systems increases the value of your home by $10,000. That is huge!
The Grid system is essentially the same for wind electricity as it is for solar electricity. There are two types of wind turbines. What we typically think of as a wind turbine is the horizontal axis turbine (looks like a windmill). These work best for wide open areas and with prevailing winds from one main direction. Vertical axis turbines work best with areas in which the wind may come from several directions, or in urban, highly residential, or forested areas where structure can affect wind flow.
For a wind turbine to be effective you have to have at least 10-12 mph average wind speed at your location; if you don’t have adequate maps to help you figure this, there are ways (and people) to help.
Effective January 1, 2009, the federal government instituted another 30 percent tax credit for solar and wind residential installations. (Be sure to check with your accounting adviser before you purchase.)
Obviously, the addition of solar and wind systems to your home can be a wise investment to your future and to the Earth. It can also be complicated and confusing.
The Energy Savings Store is now opening a showroom in Lenexa.
Although, it is quite a jaunt from the Independence, Blue Springs area, this store is the only one of its kind in the entire metro area, and quite possibly the state! The store is designed to showcase product samples and provide key highlights about renewable energy. Energy classes will be held regularly.
The grand opening will be this Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, with drawings for free solar site survey, energy-saving fireplace plug, and more.
To contact the store call 913-495-9434.
Times are changing, just think, driving to the store and picking out your new wind turbine!
There are many people who are interested in adding solar or wind power to their homes, but there are so many questions and finding the right place for the correct answer is not always easy.
You also have to weigh the reasons and the outcomes of why you would add solar or wind power to your residence. In reality, you’re not likely going to make money by selling electricity back to the electrical grid, but you could greatly reduce your electric bill, your dependence on public electricity and natural resource production of that electricity, and greatly reduce your personal carbon footprint on this planet.
There are four types of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) type electrical systems: Grid tied, Grid tied with battery back-up, Off Grid, and Direct Power.
Grid tied systems are the most common type of solar system and do not require a battery. The electricity produced is used to directly power the house; if excess power is produced you received credits from the electric company that goes toward your electric bill.
Grid tied with battery backup systems are slightly different in that the power produced goes first to a battery which powers the house. As electrical demands for the house are made, they are met with power from the battery. If the battery is drained, electricity is pulled off the grid. If the solar unit completely charges the battery and produces excess, you receive credits from the electric company which go toward the electric bill (…in essence, ‘back on the grid’).
Off Grid systems are the most expensive and require an energy-efficient design and a lot of thought. These homes are off the electric grid and do not have the utility grid as a back-up. (Not typical in the Independence, Blue Springs area.) The solar systems charge batteries which power the home.
Direct power systems are basically what they sound like; the solar panels produce electricity to power direct loads. I’ve often seen these used for single items such as gate openers, water pumping systems, etc.
Solar energy systems are estimated to cost $8-$9/watt for a small residential system, before incentives and not including taxes or permit fees. Solar systems don’t cause pollution, have no moving parts, make no noise, and the sun is free! According to Susan Brown, vice president sales of the Energy Savings Store, “It’s like prepaying for your electricity for the next 25-30 years, but at a fixed price.” Susan also quotes a survey produced by the National Appraisers Association, for every $1 in energy savings your home’s value will increase by $10. So, for example, for every $500 you spend in energy saving systems increases the value of your home by $10,000. That is huge!
The Grid system is essentially the same for wind electricity as it is for solar electricity. There are two types of wind turbines. What we typically think of as a wind turbine is the horizontal axis turbine (looks like a windmill). These work best for wide open areas and with prevailing winds from one main direction. Vertical axis turbines work best with areas in which the wind may come from several directions, or in urban, highly residential, or forested areas where structure can affect wind flow.
For a wind turbine to be effective you have to have at least 10-12 mph average wind speed at your location; if you don’t have adequate maps to help you figure this, there are ways (and people) to help.
Effective January 1, 2009, the federal government instituted another 30 percent tax credit for solar and wind residential installations. (Be sure to check with your accounting adviser before you purchase.)
Obviously, the addition of solar and wind systems to your home can be a wise investment to your future and to the Earth. It can also be complicated and confusing.
The Energy Savings Store is now opening a showroom in Lenexa.
Although, it is quite a jaunt from the Independence, Blue Springs area, this store is the only one of its kind in the entire metro area, and quite possibly the state! The store is designed to showcase product samples and provide key highlights about renewable energy. Energy classes will be held regularly.
The grand opening will be this Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, with drawings for free solar site survey, energy-saving fireplace plug, and more.
To contact the store call 913-495-9434.
Times are changing, just think, driving to the store and picking out your new wind turbine!
