Taking a look into solar energy can be illuminating

A week or so later, I received a well-written proposal that clearly explained what work the firm would perform, whose panels and inverters they would use, how they would tie it in to my existing electrical system, and much more detail than I can relate in this short article. They would apply for all permits and state rebates, install the entire system, commission it, and do a follow-up assessment.

They offered a five-year warranty on workmanship in addition to individual component warranties that are effective for much longer periods on the panels and inverters. They explained that the electricity generated by my system would simply mix with the power on the grid and that I would continue to be billed for power that I use minus the power that I generate.

But how well and how long would the system perform, and how much would it cost? The panels and inverters should operate for at least 25 years with minimal maintenance and very minor reductions in efficiency. After state rebates, a $1,000 state tax credit, and a 30 percent federal tax credit, the cost for my system was reduced by 35 to 45 percent from $25,000 to $9,162.

Our installer estimated that the system would generate 4,050 kilowatt-hours per year, reducing our electric NStar bills by 65 percent. But there are additional savings we did not expect. Large savings also come from the system's production of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates).

The details are a little complicated, but the end result is that we earn an additional $300 to $600 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours our system generates, thereby shortening the pay-back period for the whole system to between 2.8 and 4.5 years. Right now Srecs are worth about $500 per 1000 kilowatt-hours. We will receive more than $2,000 per year in Srecs alone.

I must admit that the favorable economics of a solar energy installation like ours depends in part on generous incentives provided by the state and federal government, but I believe that the government is right to encourage us to move away from fossil fuel use. It is satisfying to know that our solar energy system helps to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil, slows down global warming, and cuts our personal electrical costs.

Once you get started with this home-grown electric power, you can't help but wonder how your system is doing. Our system's performance is clearly shown in a clever web presentation I can read from any computer connected to the internet. The presentation allows me to watch the production of each panel on our roof anywhere, anytime.

If you invest in a solar energy system like ours, you tend to watch its performance often, and you develop an interest in conserving energy in other ways. Compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs make the power you generate go much farther, you remember to turn off unused lights, and you really celebrate the sunshine!