Installing a solar photovoltaic system, or a solar panel system for your home’s energy, is a big step for homeowners who want to reduce their electric bills, increase their property value, and decrease their impact on the environment. While the size and cost of the solar power system varies based on the amount of energy a home consumes, solar is a large investment for homeowners. Fortunately, there are incentives and tax credits that can be claimed alongside flexible financing options to reduce the overall cost, making going solar an attainable goal for many.
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting your hopes up about doing something and then being told you cannot do it. Especially when it comes to home improvement projects you have your heart set on. You may have experienced this before if you have a Homeowner’s Association (HOA).
In the solar world, we are no stranger to this concept. Luckily, HOAs are seeing the light and are becoming a lot more relaxed with their policies regarding solar, and increasingly they’re welcoming installations. If you have an HOA and are considering solar, here are some things you should know:
It’s really no surprise that battery storage is a growing trend in the renewable energy market. Solar power with battery storage allows you to generate, store, manage and monitor your home’s energy usage. Solar energy and energy storage go hand-in-hand. For many homeowners, the double benefit of convenient energy during a power outage PLUS the money saved from using battery-stored energy instead of buying it from the electric company is a no brainier. If you want true energy independence, solar and battery storage could be the perfect solution for your home. Continue reading →
Icon Solar customer Daryl was interviewed for an article in the most recent issue of Natural Living Journal, Vol. 4.3. You can find it in the Louisville area’s health food stores like Whole Foods and Rainbow Blossom, or you can download it at their website.
Icon Solar gets a lot of people thinking that they’re better off with wind power because it would run when the sun’s not up or out. Sure, it’s effective and has benefits, but it has more downfalls out here in lower Indiana, Ohio, and northern Kentucky than solar power does.
So you didn’t get all your holiday shopping done on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday (or whatever else is out there for the other days). That’s fine. We’ve got you covered with some solar ideas for everyone. And maybe there’s a little something for yourself!
Many companies have been in the news lately for their dedication to adopting sustainable practices. Much like microbreweries, large national and international companies are investing in their own future—and our own future—by installing solar systems. Like lighthouses, they’re beacons lighting the way into a cleaner, brighter future.
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.
