That is changing as technological advances enable end-users to send power from solar arrays, bio-digesters, small wind turbines back onto the grid. Can too much solar be a bad thing for the power grid?įor decades electricity has, essentially, traveled a one-way street from the power plant to the end-user.
Check with state or local agencies on recycling requirements. End-of-life disposal of solar products in the US is governed by the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state policies. Some companies include recycling as part of their initial system price. Yes, but it’s not as easy as recycling newspapers. Yes, if the producer follows industry best practices. Residential solar arrays should use high efficiency modules, which allow more power to be installed in a smaller area. The amount of energy produced by any given PV panel depends on four factors: the PV cell efficiency, the temperature response of the cells, the module layout and the anti-reflective coating.
While the efficiency of PV technologies is improving, because PV cells cannot respond to the entire spectrum of sunlight up to 55% of the sun’s energy is wasted. Many co-ops now offer education and training for fire departments. But these risks have been addressed in changes to local building and electrical codes. Module defects, improper installation or even general wear and tear (visualize rodents chewing through wiring) can lead to fires. There are fire risks associated with all electrical systems, including PV systems. Yes, as long as they are properly installed. However, they will continue to provide power for many years after that. PV modules typically have a warranty for 25 years to 80% of original output. However, the efficiency of the panels will slowly degrade over time. How long do PV panels last?Īssuming high quality modules and proper maintenance, the life of a PV system should be 30 years or more. What is an inverter and why do I need one?Īn inverter converts electricity generated by solar panels, direct current (DC), into alternating current (AC), electricity that can power your lights and appliances. Utility-scale PV systems cost 50 percent less on a dollar-per-kW basis than residential systems. For this reason, community solar options usually offer a better value to co-op members. Utility-scale solar can take advantage of economies of scale, including stream-lined production, installation and materials. Even with the declining costs, many solar systems may take ten years or more to return the investment. Systems in different regions of the country will produce differing amounts of energy. It all depends on circumstances.įor the developer, the cost of the array is a combination of initial costs and the operating costs over the projected life of the system, divided by the amount of electricity that system will produce. The cost of installing solar arrays has fallen dramatically, and in some regions with high-cost electricity, solar is a cost-competitive option. What is the value of electricity generated by solar? While Georgia has less sunshine than Florida or Arizona, on those clear cold days solar panels can produce a lot of electricity. In fact, as temperatures rise, solar panels become less efficient. Many people mistakenly believe solar is only viable in the Southwest, where it’s hot and sunny much of the time. Can I benefit from solar even if I live in Southeast, Georgia? This option almost always offers a better value than residential solar, and it’s a good choice for members whose property isn’t suitable for residential solar. Under this model, members can purchase the output of panels in large solar arrays built and maintained by the co-op, and receive credit for their portion of the electricity produced. With a battery or energy storage system, some residential solar arrays can provide backup power during extended outages.Ĭommunity-owned solar is another increasingly popular option. While members with residential solar arrays often benefit from available tax benefits and incentives, they are also responsible for the system and all the up-front costs, which can be significant. Members can choose to offset all of their power use with electricity generated with solar energy, or just a portion. They also have the option of purchasing power from an array developed by their utility or other entity. Members can buy or lease solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on their own rooftop or property (“residential solar”). (800) 342-0134.įact Sheet on Solar Energy How can I benefit from solar energy?Ĭo-op members exploring solar energy have new options. This could save you considerable headaches, and possible added costs.
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If you have already contracted with someone, or have decided to install on your own, it is important to contact us prior to installation.
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