Residents interested in using solar energy to power their houses are invited to a meeting on Sept. 22 to learn more about the Solarize campaign.
The meeting will take place at Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning.
This Free Solar Workshop is ideal for homeowners who want to know if going solar is right for them.
Finding ways to save energy and money in your home isn’t a new concept, but there are many more options available today led by improvements in solar power.
“Texas is a little behind, but the cost of electricity is increasing. So during the workshop, we are going to explain how to read an electric bill and understand what is going on in the last year or so. Solar can offset these costs, and we are going to explain how to take advantage of rebates that are coming in the next few months,” Bodine-ScottRenewable Division Manager Gianluca Ferrario
Before taking the solar plunge, consumers should act with due diligence and do their homework.
“Because we are in a hurricane prone area, it is very important for a homeowner and business owner to understand the process to obtain a permit, windstorm regulation, and windstorm permit before installing a solar system,” said Ferrario.
Attendees will be able to ask questions on how the solar system works, installation costs, tax refunds, utility credits, and energy sell-backs.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, prices of solar have dropped by 60% over the last decade.
“On average, a standard system can range between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on the number of panels. After the rebates and tax credit, it can range between $5,000, $8,000,$12,000; it depends on the size of the system. On a typical system for a residential home, we see a savings in a 30 years life expectancy of a system about $50,000-$60,000,” said Ferrario.
The cost of solar panels can vary drastically from home to home, but some key factors include size of the system needed (the larger the home, the more it costs), and location of where the system will be installed. A study by University of California’s Berkeley Lab found solar panels also increase property value, by as much as $15,000.
For more information contact Bodine-Scott Solar System workshop at 653-2441.
