HERE COMES THE SUN
In today's world of environmentally responsible choices, solar energy is emerging as a popular alternative energy source for households everywhere. Environmental impact aside, solar energy also makes good economic sense. We sat down with local solar panel installer Justin Rossi, owner of Rossi and Sun Energy Solutions, Inc. in Ivyland, to learn about the benefits and incentives available to homeowners seeking to go green by turning to an unlimited,
free resource rather than traditional means.
WHAT'S NEW UNDER THE SUN
"One misconception many people have about going solar is that they're going to be storing energy in on-site batteries," says Rossi, who graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's of Science in mechanical engineering and holds a L.E.E.D. accreditation for energy efficient building. "These new systems don't require batteries. They're tied directly into the energy grid." Through a process called "net metering," a solar energy system not only supplies electricity to power the household or business to which it is attached, it feeds unused power back into the larger energy grid so that other customers can make use
of it. "If your system produces electricity that exceeds your family's needs at a given time, the surplus is fed back into the energy grid and redistributed," Rossi explains. When your home demand exceeds the production of the solar energy system, you automatically purchase electricity off of the grid, ensuring a constant feed, day or night.
MAKING IT WORTH YOUR WALLET
According to Rossi, advances in the science of renewable energy harvesting are making solar energy systems scalable and cost-efficient. Recent federal and state initiatives are giving consumers the financial incentives they need to make this important investment in the future of our planet. Since May 2009, a rebate has been available through the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Rebate Program, which remits up to 35 percent of the cost of an approved photovoltaic energy system to consumers. In addition, 30 percent of the cost of the system, after the state rebate, can be recouped through a federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which has been available since 2006.
And the incentives don't stop there. A state initiative called the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard requires that an annually increasing percentage of electricity sold to retail customers in Pennsylvania be generated using renewable sources. Rather than investing in a costly renewable energy infrastructure, many retail energy suppliers find it economical to purchase Alternative Energy Credits from a decentralized network of commercial and residential "green energy generators" within their grid.
With this trifecta of incentives, it's easy to see why so many homeowners throughout Pennsylvania are choosing to go green with solar energy. "Right now is the best time to go solar," says Rossi, "Because most of these government programs are relatively new, their budgeted payouts are still at the highest levels."
THE TIME IS NOW
Consumer interest in solar energy is likely to grow as more homeowners see the ways in which it can benefit their pocketbooks. As of now, the Pennsylvania Sunshine Rebate Program has allocated funds for an estimated 1000 Pennsylvania residential solar energy customers. As more individuals apply for the rebates, the state will incrementally lower their value.
Still not sure about the initial investment? "About five years ago, the price tag for a solar hookup was so great that the best a consumer could hope for was a 40-year return on his or her investment," says Rossi. "Those days are long gone." As it stands today, consumers who invest in approved solar energy systems will see a positive return on their investment, the average system paying for itself in less than 10 years. And if you need help meeting the down payment, Rossi and Sun Energy Solutions has partnered with a local bank to secure a 15-year, reduced-rate home equity loan for homeowners seeking to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.
Electricity production carried out by individuals through the use of solar energy and other renewable sources is just one way future generations will power their homes, businesses and lifestyles. According to Rossi, it can't hurt to be ahead of the pack as the new frontier of energy production expands.
Go online at rossiandsun.com