Solar Energy Going Mainstream, Vendor Says
Installing an alternative source such as a solar panel array is an excellent way for owners to power their homes and to cut down on rising annual energy costs.
But Michigan Solar Solutions LLC president Mark Hagerty says there's a common misconception that these installations are costly and only make sense for larger homes, and that keeps many homeowners from embracing the technology.
In fact, according to Hagerty, factors such as ever-improving technology, additional vendors bringing products to the marketplace and a selection of skilled installers have made solar and wind energy applications more affordable than ever before.
"Not too many years ago, the only individuals who could afford alternative energy installations were wealthy individuals or larger companies," said Hagerty. "That has all changed. The industry is rapidly growing and the technology is evolving with it."
In addition, Hagerty said that federal tax credits offered by the government and incentives offered by energy providers such as DTE Energy make alternative energy installations even more affordable and within the grasp of every homeowner and for every home, from 4,000 square-foot mini-mansions to 1,000 square-foot bungalows.
Michigan Solar Solutions recently completed residential solar arrays in two metro Detroit cities, Roseville and Eastpointe. These dwellings were fitted with eight-panel solar arrays attached to the garages that will produce enough power to completely offset the annual electrical usage of each home. At the end of the year, the owner will receive a check, not a bill.
DTE Energy will pay the homeowners 11 cents a kilowatt hour for the power that each solar array will produce. DTE is not buying the electricity; this is owned by the homeowner. DTE is buying the right to claim the solar renewable energy credits and the power it produces. This will result in no monthly electric bill and a check received to the homeowners once a year from DTE.
Hagerty feels that most homeowners would be surprised to find out just how affordable it is to install a residential solar array. According to Hagerty, the total out of pocket cost of a system similar to the ones installed at the homes in Eastpointe and Roseville is approximately $11,000. Federal tax credits currently available during the first year of installation can bring the homeowner's out of pocket expenses to approximately $6,400.
As electric rates continue to climb, so will the savings for customers who have installed solar installations, Hagerty said.
"At the end of a 20-year contract with DTE Energy, most customers could expect to have realized thousands of dollars in energy savings," he said. "With most solar arrays having a 25-year power production warranty, many customers are now factoring in their retirement planning when making a decision on whether or not to go solar."
Michigan Solar Solutions is a leader in Michigan for the design, sale and installation of solar and wind energy-producing systems. The company specializes in residential, commercial, municipal and school energy efficiency audits and the installation and maintenance of solar-powered electric and solar thermal home heating/water heating systems. It also specializes in roof-mounted and pole-mounted wind generator systems.
More at www.michigansolarsolutions.com or www.facebook.com/michigansolarsolutions.
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