Cooperative Living June 2020 - 34

SmartConnect | by Maria Kanevsky, Contributing Writer
Does Solar Make Sense for You?
Consider these three factors before tapping the sun's power
S
olar panels are becoming less expensive and more
prevalent in the United States and around the world.
Whether you're interested in saving money or helping the
environment, solar rooftop panels offer many benefits. But
before you make the jump, consider these three key factors.
LOCATION
The best areas for rooftop solar panels generally receive a lot
of sunlight throughout the year and are less likely to have natural
disasters that could damage equipment.
Lesser-lit areas might not be as
efficient, but most still will receive
enough sunlight to power panels.
Areas prone to natural disasters should
consider unique ways to prevent
damage; for example, by using
different mounting procedures to
protect against hurricanes.
Location figures into the budget side
as well. Some states and localities offer
incentives and rebates for installing
residential solar panel systems on top
of the federal solar tax credit of 26%
in 2020. Your electric cooperative can
help you with specifics or point you
to someone who can.
ROOF CONDITION
The direction that your roof slant
faces and the angle of the slant are
major factors in determing solar panel
efficiency. Tops on the list: southfacing
roofs with roof angles between
30 and 45 degrees. Even if your home does not have a southfacing
roof you can still have an economically viable solar
panel system.
Solar panels can be installed on practically any type of roof
material, but composite roofing and tile roofs are better suited
to the job. More complicated roof materials, like tar and gravel
roofs, may be more expensive and require additional expertise.
Ensuring your roof is in good condition plays a large part
in situating your solar panels correctly. Don't install panels on
a roof that needs replacing.
FINANCING OPTIONS
There are many ways to make solar affordable for all electric
cooperative member-consumers. You can buy or lease your
solar panels from a solar developer or installer in almost all
32 | Cooperative Living | June 2020
An occasional
feature on how
co-op members
use electricity.
cases. In some states and areas, you are able to finance your
solar panels through a power purchase agreement, or PPA,
where the solar company owns your panels and you pay the
company back over time through purchasing the electricity
that the panels produce, until the panels are paid off.
A variety of financing options also plays a role in how the
various state and federal tax incentives are applied. In
Virginia, nonprofits and governmental members of electric
cooperatives can use the PPA financing option as a result of
A solar rooftop sounds nice,
but experts warn that the
devil is in the details.
legislation passed in 2019 with the support of Virginia's
electric cooperatives.
Before you decide on a financing option, talk with your
local electric cooperative to determine if installation is right
for you or if there are other measures you can take to save
energy (and money) at home.
These three considerations are a starting point for learning
how to go solar, but additional details such as how long you plan
to live at your current home are worth keeping in mind.
Remember, your electric cooperative is a great resource to discuss
the benefits and considerations of rooftop solar, especially
before making any agreements with solar vendors. ■
Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
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Cooperative Living June 2020

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