HOME & COTTAGE
Solar energy is steadily gaining popularity, and its use has nearly doubled annually in recent years as power rates have increased. Homeowners are searching for innovative new ways to increase energy efficiency and save money long-term. Installing a solar array is a great way to do just that, and solar itself is now more accessible than ever. Technological advances have created smaller, less expensive, and more powerful panels. Now, it’s possible for nearly everyone to acquire a solar energy system array.
Words by Story Sheidow
Renewable energy sources such as solar are great options for homeowners, and are suitable for both new builds and existing homes. One key advantage of solar power is its minimal environmental impact. Since solar energy is a renewable resource, it produces zero emissions, so its carbon footprint is minuscule compared to finite resources like coal and gas. That in itself is an undeniable reason to consider solar energy.
HST is charged when you utilize stored energy credits, and any unused credits with the electric company are zeroed out at the end of the year, aiming to produce slightly less than your needs can lower your installation, operation, and maintenance costs. That maximizes solar power's value for owners, and simplifies metering practices.
But How Does It All Work?
Net Metering Will Save You Money
Solar panels can be installed either on your home’s roof, or on specially designed ground level racks. Which style you choose is contingent on the size of your required solar array, how many panels your roof can accommodate, and how much direct sunlight your home receives. You can determine your solar needs based on your average daily energy consumption, which can easily be calculated using your past year’s electric bills. In Eye’s experience, “The average home consumes 25 to 30 KWHs per day, or about 11000 KWHs per year.” Based on those estimates, homeowners can ideally expect to require an approximately 30-panel system to balance production and consumption. With all this in mind, there are many reasons to choose solar energy. As finite resources rise in price and solar costs decrease, many people are now making the shift to this renewable resource. On-site solar consults are generally free, so consider reaching out to explore your options, and taking part in the clean energy movement.
Through the local electric company, an energy budgeting program called “net metering” is available. This program stabilizes homeowners’ energy needs and maximizes the advantages of shifting to solar power. Because solar energy relies entirely on available sunlight, energy intake can vary widely from day to day. Net metering enables excess energy created on sunny days to be banked and carried over throughout the year, allowing customers to use stored energy credits on days when their production is low. Net metering can make solar power more reliable for Islanders, often evening out their yearly production/consumption ratio. Matt Eye, of M.B. Eye Electrical, is a certified solar installer specializing in energy-efficient electrical options. He offers some of the most innovative site-specific solar energy solutions available today. “Homeowners should strive not to produce more solar energy then they consume,” Eye advises. Since
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www.pei-living.ca WINTER 2019
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