Dear Erta, I constantly see how solar panels are mounted on the roofs of all my neighbors. How do I know if solar energy is right for my home?
Sounds like you have smart neighbors! Solar panels capture solar energy and convert it into clean electricity. . It's good for the planet - it doesn't need fossil fuels - and it's good for your wallet, because generating electricity at home protects you from rising utility prices in the future. While electricity is less volatile than gas, unfortunately the rates are still higher. So how do you get solar energy for your home? Read on!
Sunny Summit
Why do you see so many solar panels on your neighbors' rooftops? Ask them if they're part of the Solarize Summit, a national program designed to make solar panels easier and cheaper to install. Since 2019, more than 200 homeowners across the county have taken part in the program and have collectively installed 1.5 MW solar panels in their homes. That's three times the size of one of Breckenridge's public solar parks!
What is the benefit of using Solarize? Provides a streamlined process for determining if solar is right for your home or business and your budget. The first step is to sign up for a free evaluation of a solar energy website. An installer for this year's Solarize Summit, Active Energies Solar will take advantage of available rooftop space, shade trees and more. He will visit your property for inspection. With this information, they will prepare an offer for you to review. At this point, you just have to decide if you want to move on. And there are good financial incentives to help with that.
For years, the federal government has provided tax credits to homeowners and businesses that install solar energy, but in recent years, those tax credits have diminished. never! In 2022, Congress again sets the tax credit at 30 percent. And will remain at this level until 2032. This is great news and means you can cut your solar home installation costs by up to 30 percent. Of course, you will have to wait until the next tax year to get this loan, but the money is back in your pocket.
In addition, many Summit County local governments also offer discounts to residents who participate in the Solarize Summit program. This year, residents of unincorporated Breckenridge and Summit County will receive $1,650 to install systems; Residents of Frisco will receive $1,500. And because it's a bulk buying program, Active Energies Solar is also giving all Solarize members a $300 discount. That means up to $1,950 off and lots of Solarize promotions.
Roof top solar alternatives
What if rooftop solar isn't right for your home? Perhaps you live deep in the woods or rent your house. Don't worry, you can still benefit from solar power. In such cases, community solar gardens are a great solution. When you subscribe to a solar garden, you get a share of the panels and monthly savings on your utility bills for the electricity your panels generate. Since the solar panels are located elsewhere in Colorado, no equipment is installed in your home or apartment.
Two great solar garden options are currently available to Summit County residents. Solar Energy Producer US Solar Building new solar farms at the forefront and looking for subscribers . The subscription fee is guaranteed to be less than the credit you get from Xcel Energy, so it's a great way to support renewable electricity at no extra cost.
The non-profit organization Energy Outreach Colorado also offers a community solar program. This is especially true for families earning 80% or less of Summit County's median income. . This program offers guaranteed monthly savings on your energy bills, so it's worth contacting the nonprofit directly if you think you might qualify.
absorbing sunlight
The sun is an amazing thing. Not only do they make life on Earth possible, but they can also power our homes. So, whether you're installing rooftop solar or joining a community solar garden, switching to solar can be easier and cheaper than you think.
