Why Solar Energy?
The price of electricity is expected and predicted to rise in the future. By how much or why I am not certain. We
obtain our electricity from an energy retailer and an energy delivery company. Why the energy retailer is used
has not been explained sufficiently to make any sense. It seems like they are the accountant to calculate the
invoice. To bypass the need for either of the two entities is where the solar energy comes into the picture.
There are many solar energy companies, some good, some not so good. There are a number of manufacturers
of solar equipment with varying qualities and performance. The selection of a company and brand of equipment
depends on your own research and your budget. I suggest you use our friend Google to narrow down your
choices of manufacturers and then allow your choices to give you a presentation and a quote for a recommended
system. Your first couple of questions to answer are is the company in your state. Then does the company
employ their own installers. Even if the headquarters isn't in your state, are the installers local.
The manufacturer of the solar panels and inverters the solar company uses are very important for the efficiency
of your solar system. However, the cost of these components are critical. There are quality solar panels and then
there are not so quality. LG and Panasonic manufacture two of the higher rated solar panels. It is the efficiency
rating that is the benchmark for choosing a solar panel. The higher the efficiency the greater the cost savings to
convert solar energy into electricity. LG is rated at 21.7% while Panasonic is rated at 20.3%. The inverters are
the component that converts the electricity produced by the solar panel from DC into AC where it can be used
to power household appliances. SolarEdge is probably a better product than most.
Solar System Design
The three main inverter options are string inverters, micro inverters and power optimizer systems. The inverters
are what converts the DC electricity into the AC electricity in your home. Micro inverters and power optimizer
systems are typically more expensive than string inverters but allow for monitoring the power production of
each panel. This option produces more power than a system using string inverters. These will be best for shaded
areas or where the panels face in different directions but are also more expensive than string converters.
I recommend the micro inverter plus power optimizer option for your solar system. This will cost a little more
but will also be the most effective and efficient design.
Solar Energy Companies
I recommend using this link,
https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-companies/top-100-residential-solar-power-installers-2019/
to get a list of the top 100 solar companies with the most reviews and then use the links provided in the article to
show you the top solar companies in your state.
Final Comments
The federal government allows for a tax credit on your income taxes for 2019 of 30% of the cost of the
equipment but only through December 31, 2019. In 2020, the rate gets reduced to 26% and in 2021 it drops to
22%. In 2022 the tax credit goes away unless congress reinstates it. And this assumes your income from all
sources is greater than 30% of the cost of the solar equipment.
Do your research and homework. Allow the companies to come and look at your environment. They should
design a solar system that is the correct size for your home based on previous energy usage. Then compare
prices of two to five companies to narrow the field down to focus on other factors and criteria.
But hurry! The clock is ticking!