written by David Secan, CSBA, MS  

Many Boomers are in a position to take advantage of the Renewable Energy rebates, tax credits, and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that are available in several states. Properly designed and installed renewable energy systems provide tremendous opportunities to substantially reduce energy bills, the household’s drain on the local power grid, and the production of toxic greenhouse gases (where the power is produced) related to climate change, as well as illnesses, such as asthma. But there are a few things you should know before starting your project.

First, incentive programs have certain design, application, and installation criteria that must be met in order to qualify. This isn’t just red tape. It is intended to optimize system safety and performance. A system usually needs to be designed and installed by a person or company certified by the relevant authorizing body, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). So be sure to read the program guide carefully.

Secondly, if the installation is to be roof-mounted, the roof must be in good condition or you might be risking the solar panel manufacturer’s warranty. For example, an unstable or rotting roof might shift over time and cause damage to the rigid solar panels attached to roof members. Remember, panels have a pretty long life span, often exceeding the 25 or 30 year performance warranty.

Additionally, your roof warranty might be invalidated by solar panel installation . To illustrate, any penetrations to the roof that are not sealed properly may allow leaks to develop, causing direct water damage, rotting of roof components, or mold growth hidden in insulation or walls. On the other hand, a proper installation on a structurally sound roof may even protect the roof from the elements and extend its life well beyond its warranty.

Thirdly, conservation is ALWAYS less expensive than adding renewable energy systems. A thorough power demand assessment will identify many opportunities for your family to conserve energy, thereby saving cash every single month. Such an evaluation should include your needs based on your historical electric bills, system and appliance loads, and inefficiencies (due to both equipment and behavior), as well as your projected future needs.

While daily habits may need to shift, such as turning the lights off in unoccupied rooms, your lifestyle need not be impaired. Here’s an example. The cost of replacing your 15 year old refrigerator and 25 year old freezer in the garage with new Energy Star models will cost you much less in out-of-pocket money and electric bills than installing the extra solar panels required to run these inefficient units.

Finally, hiring qualified local professionals to design and install your project will keep most of the money spent on service (many panels need to be imported) in your neighborhood, contributing to a more cohesive sense of communi...

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