Dear Wanda,
I’m about to build a house. Is that a good time to install solar?
Sincerely,
Worried About Cost of Build
Dear Worried About Cost of Build,
That’s a great question!
The best time to install solar is when you’re building because you won’t be retrofitting your home for solar. If you know you’re going to have a renewable energy home, it’s best to design the house with solar in mind.
Our co-owner Zach Wieber and one of our customers Margie Rife appear on the J.S. Brown & Co.‘s Above Grade podcast. Learn a bit about Zach, how grid-tied solar works, and what you might expect to pay for solar. Easily share with friends!
Even if you’ve gone solar, it’s a good idea to be aware of your electric usage, especially as more objects turn to advanced technology. As your usage skyrockets during these extremely hot summers, now’s the perfect time to start cutting back, even if you have a solar system! Let’s take a look at the ways in which you can reduce your electric bill or your electric usage.
Dear Wanda,
How do I know my house is right for solar?
Sincerely,
Mr. Unsure
Dear Mr. Unsure,
Though Icon Solar briefly discusses the matter of whether your house can be solarized on the website, I, Wanda your Wealth Warrior, wanted to clarify a few things including sun exposure and restrictions.
Solar isn’t anything new. In fact, you’ve been using it in your everyday life, and you probably don’t even think about it. From the vast openness of space to our infrastructure, solar has changed the way we live.
We may not know all the services our government provides for us (The United States Board on Geographic Names – who knew?!), but one thing that you’ll notice with a sharp eye is that a lot of our government buildings are run on solar power. This is especially interesting because government often sets the tone for the future. Our government’s interest in solar energy displays the value of this energy source and saves citizens money.
Solar panels thrive in the sunlight, so this begs the questions: How do solar panels perform in colder months? Thankfully, solar panels only require sunlight, not heat. This means that solar panels are absolutely capable of powering your home during the winter. In fact, some solar panel users have reported higher solar panel output when there is snow since it can act as a reflective blanket for sunlight.
Ask Wanda: I’m ready to install solar power, but I expect I’ll be selling my home and moving to another one in the next few years. Is this even worth my money to do now, or should I wait until I’m in my next house?
Dear Making Moves,
When it comes to solar, there is no time like the present. It’s as simple as asking the question, “Do I want to start saving now or wait a while?” Why wouldn’t you want to start saving immediately on your electricity bill?
Finding a fun gift for everyone on your list can be tough, so Icon Solar is here to help you out—no cords attached! Solar powered presents are perfect for the techie, environmentalist or anyone in your life looking for a cool gift that won’t run up the electric bill. Here is a list of ten fun products you might even add to your own wish list!
#1 Solar Powered Christmas lights
Ditch the old tangled up pile of Christmas lights and switch to these fun, solar powered ones instead!
What could make Fiona the Hippo even more lovable? How about the fact that she relies on solar energy? The Cincinnati Zoo is the Greenest Zoo in America currently, thanks to the solar canopy that is installed above the parking lot. These panels make our zoo the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the country! The parking lot produces 20 percent of the Cincinnati Zoo’s needed energy and generates additional solar power to send back to the utility company.
Cincinnati, or should we say Suncinnati? This solar mega-house may get EVEN bigger!