NOW is a Great Time to Start Thinking About Solar

December 5, 2022 | Posted In: ,

If you have ever thought about energy sustainability in your home, you probably thought about solar energy. We sat down with Clary Franko from Sugar Hollow Solar, a local Asheville-based installer, to find out what questions we’d need to ask when starting the solar search.

 

Some questions to consider would be:

  • How much energy can solar produce at my home? This will depend on your roof orientation, pitch, shading, etc. This is a great first question to ask a local installer to figure out how it will work for your individual situation. 
  • How does my new solar system work with my utility? Your rooftop solar will likely be grid tied, meaning overproduction will flow back into the grid so that you can still receive power when the sun isn’t shining. 
  • How will my monthly bill payment compare once I get solar? How will my upfront costs offset my savings later? This is also a great time to discuss payment methods for your system.
  • What happens when the power goes out? This is a big question that a lot of people have. Grid-tied solar will follow what the grid does. So, if the grid goes out, so does your power. To prevent this, look into a battery backup.
  • What happens if I need a new roof? This is the time to ask what costs you’d incur if you had to remove your panels for a roof repair or replacement.

 

Now is a great time to start a conversation with a local installer due to the tax incentives and rebates available. We’d recommend checking out Rewiring America’s IRA Savings Calculator to see how the Inflation Reduction Act can help you save on solar. There are also state and utility rebates that your installer will be able to provide information on.

 

Sugar Hollow Solar is partnering with Blue Horizons Project on our Neighbor to Neighbor Solar program, to provide solar to low-income households in Buncombe County. Learn more here.

Watch the full video with Sugar Hollow Solar on Youtube.

 

Photo courtesy of Sugar Hollow Solar.