The Basics of Renewable Energy

Today’s renewable energy systems are reliable and commercially available. But first things first: energy efficiency. For every dollar you spend on energy efficiency you will save up to three dollars on the cost of your renewable energy system. The more efficient your building is, the smaller the system can be to meet your energy needs.

Benefits of Going Solar

• Clean
• Reliable
• Local
• Creates jobs
• Adds significant resale value to home
• Will offset costs of electricity (over the life of the system)
• Solar electric systems have expected life of over 25 years
• Low operation and maintenance costs (no moving parts)
• Gain experience with technology that may have tremendous future potential
• Great public relations and opportunities for community education
   

Considerations to Going Solar

• Will increase building insurance costs
• There will be some maintenance costs

Requirements for Solar Installation

• Open south facing roof area (with minimal shading from trees)
• Roof is less than five years old
• Roof is structurally able to support the roof
   

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Want to learn more?

• Myth busting
• Fact about solar energy
• Case studies