As the effects of climate change become more apparent and energy costs rise, more and more people are considering installing solar panels in their homes.
The Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board is hosting a Solarize Royal Oak discussion that will feature one of its volunteer members, builder and resident Woody Gontina.
A 2019 survey by Pew Charitable Trusts found that 6% of US homeowners have installed solar panels on their homes, while 46% are seriously considering adding solar panels to their homes.
The City's Environmental Advisory Committee will use solar power from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It was discussed on September 29 in the municipality of S. 203 Troy St., during a meeting of the municipal commission.
Gontina has a home built in 1935 that is converted to solar power, with the goal of being a net-zero home powered entirely by its own renewable energy system, he said.
He is adding an extension to his family home, with work due to start next month.
"We calculated the size of the solar system," Gontina said. "But we want to be there for six to 12 months before we start with renewables" to figure out what's needed.
The meeting will discuss, among other things, the cost of using solar energy.
“I think people will be surprised at how effective their property is,” Gontina says. For homeowners and homeowners, there are two separate things to consider: solar panels and a battery system to store unused energy.
Solar power not only saves money and reduces long-term carbon footprints, it can also protect homeowners from common power outages in the region, he added.
“Getting solar power is a great way to take control,” Gontina says.
Gontina and others formed the group Solarize Royal Oak, which grew out of her involvement with Solarize Ann Arbor.
Solarize is now under the stewardship of the non-profit Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
One of the primary goals of the Solarize Group is to connect people with questions about using solar systems with experts.
The groups are working to support overall purchases by offering discounts to those interested in the community, Gontina said.
“Solar power is cheaper than most people think,” he said, “especially with the new tax incentives that have been put in place.”
With the passage of the Cut Inflation Act of 2022, the federal solar tax credit increased to 30% over the next 10 years.
According to Energy.gov, the tax credit will drop to 26% for solar systems installed in 2033 and 22% for systems installed the following year. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed. The federal tax credit expires in 2035 unless Congress renews it.
