Solar Power for Prudent People.

This month Hikingware.com will be looking at some of the alternative energy sources that are available to you -- from sun to wind to water. When disaster strikes, wouldn't it be great if you already had your own guaranteed supply of power -- so you wouldn't have to depend on an aging power grid that could go out at any time? 

More than 90 percent of Americans today favor the use of clean energy, according to recent surveys where respondents enthusiastically supported the goal of moving away from dependence on dwindling fossil fuels and expensive imported oil. Particularly tantalizing for homeowners is the thought of powering their households via the abundant — and exceedingly clean — golden rays of the sun. With new technology and financing options making solar electric systems more attainable than ever, now is the time to go solar at your house. Here are the key considerations.

Background

Photovoltaic systems (literally, photon + voltage) convert sunlight to electricity for the home and are typically made up of groups of solar panels that are installed on a roof. New technology has produced sleek black solar modules that aesthetically complement any architectural style, and there are even solar roofing shingles in development that will lay side by side with conventional roofing shingles.

Cost has been the biggest barrier keeping homeowners from installing solar photovoltaic systems, as the systems needed to power a home may cost $20,000 or more. But new financing options and plenty of federal and state incentive programs are bringing the price into the affordable range for many Americans. Indeed, for the past two years, the number of solar photovoltaic installations has risen steadily, and industry experts expect the trend to continue.

First Things First: Size Up Your Needs

To decide if a solar photovoltaic system makes sense for you, begin with some facts about your current household electricity. Look at last year's utility bills and see how many kilowatt-hours you used (the national average is 10,000 per year). Then decide if you want to invest in a system to meet all or part of your needs. Typical residential systems range from 3 kwh to 10 kwh in size. As a general rule, a 3-kwh system will generate approximately 3,600 to 4,800 kwh per year; a 5-kwh system will produce 6,000 to 8,000 kwh per year; and a 10-kwh system will produce 12,000 to 16,000 kwh per year.

Look at Your Site

The most important factors affecting a solar photovoltaic system's effectiveness are orientation toward the sun and unobstructed access to sunlight. PV systems work best on a south-facing roof, and they must receive sunlight with no obstruction from trees or other shading. In addition to your own observations, consult solar resource maps available on such websites as the U.S. government's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Consider the Roof

One factor that may limit the size of your photovoltaic system is the available surface area of your south-facing roof. A solar installation company can supply a precise calculation, but ballpark figures suggest that a 4-kwh system requires 400 to 600 square feet of roof area, and a 10-kwh system requires 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

Assess Your Home's Energy Efficiency

A photovoltaic system works best in an energy efficient structure, so think about the things you can do to reduce your home's electricity use. You may want to add insulation, replace old appliances with Energy Star versions, install more efficient lighting, and upgrade windows and doors.

Think About Cost

A 5-kwh system may run $35,000, but federal and state incentives can reduce that expense by more than half; recently introduced legislation called the "Ten Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011" proposes incentives that could lower the $35,000 cost to as little as $7,875. A clearinghouse for rebate information can be found online at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). Also, the government offices or websites of your state or town should provide information about rebates, fees and permits for solar photovoltaic installations. Some solar installation companies also offer leasing options where you pay a monthly fee for a 20-year lease rather than paying up-front.

Find a PV Professional

If word of mouth doesn't lead you to a solar photovoltaic installer in your area, try BestCompany.com’s solar listings. It automatically updates the listings based on your IP address, and provides the most comprehensive listing of reviewed solar companies ranked in a number of different ways based on your preferences.