The energy of the Sun; solar power is a choice

Intro by Cris McCullough

As a culture, we have become dependent on fossil fuels. We need to heat and cool our homes, along with powering our vehicles and supportive devices too. But now, since we’re faced with supply chain issues and other disruptions we cannot control, many are seeking alternative solutions. Among the possibilities, solar power seems like a no brainer. However, solar power isn’t a cut-and-dry option. Two common solar power choices for the everyday consumer are solar panels (such as those installed on a roof), or solar farms where consumers “buy in” to a solar-powered cooperative to run their homes. When you start exploring the options, buying into a solar farm or investing in solar panels, the information shared on websites can be confusing. Sitting down in person with a solar provider can be a start in understanding the pros and cons of either option. Continue reading to see the pros and cons of solar energy.

Solar power choices

I had an opportunity to speak with Kevin Underinner, Project Manager and Site Manage, Mike Lynch of Sunergy Solutions of Newport, RI to better understand the options. Synergy Solutions has installed 450 panel arrays for homes and businesses in the Rhode Island area. They offer a 23 year manufacturer warranty on workmanship they design, install and maintain. They customize the installation to the orientation and size of your roof and customize the cost for each customer. Excess energy can be stored or returned to the system for a credit, whereas if your panels do not create enough energy to run your home, you can still access traditional electric sources through your provider.

Mr. Lynch mentioned that assistance is offered to homeowners via a Federal Tax Credit which can offer taxpayers a substantial refund for hooking up to solar. According to Energy Star’s website, in December 2020, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. (Systems installed before December 31, 2019 were eligible for a 30% tax credit.) The tax credit expires starting in 2024 unless Congress renews it.

Choosing a solar farm

A solar farm is managed by an energy company. Instead of owning your energy outright, the energy company remains the owner and broker of the energy source. There is no way you can store the excess energy produced and, in a way you are paying, and trusting, the energy company to maintain, store and dispense the energy to you.  

There are pros and cons of buying into a solar farm. as seen in the following article. I for one found sitting with a representative informative and enlightening, ultimately making review of the information online much more understandable.

Solar power facts we can’t deny

In struggling with the economy of energy, consumers and policy makers end up with two options: make more or use less. While conservation is a popular idea, it is a practical challenge to a significant degree. So dependent are developed cultures on automation that restraint of power usage is likely only achievable around the edges of people’s lives. Renewable energy better appeals to this plugged-in society. Solar farms are attractive to many, but are not without shortcomings. CONTINUE READING…