A Plug for Solar
If you’ve driven past Palatine Park in the past decade or so, you’ve probably seen the solar panels atop the pavilion next to Lake George South. Then again, maybe you didn’t notice– solar panels are becoming so sleek and widely used that they don’t stick out like they once did.
And they’re becoming so widely used for good reason– solar power reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, creates a sustainable source of energy, and, in the long run, ends up saving its users money.
Still, solar power sounds great, but it feels daunting.
However, what I learned in eighteen months, 12 tons of CO2 emissions and 185 equivalent trees planted ago, is that it is not as tough as it seems. And, after Germantown passed the NYS Unified Solar Permit last month, which streamlines the application process, getting solar panels on your home’s roof became even easier.
When my wife Lauren and I moved into our new home, solar was a consideration right away. All the pros — reducing our carbon footprint, creating the power we actually used, increasing our home value, getting ahead of the alternative energy game, long term savings — outweighed the only real concern we had– upfront cost.
Still, getting started was the hardest part.
Like with any major purchase, we shopped around. We called a solar company whose vehicles we had seen driving around town, another whose commercials we had heard on the radio, and a third company that had installed solar at my aunt and uncle’s house.
One company’s quote was too pricey for our budget, another company’s salesperson was too pushy, and the company we went with had a price in our budget and a team of professionals we felt were on our side.
They presented us with multiple options for panel layouts and production. They answered all our questions about financing and when we should be in the black. They encouraged us only to install as many panels as we were comfortable to start with– we could always get more later.
And, only two months after our initial consultation, our personalized plan was complete, and we were ready to install.
Installation day was exciting. The crew showed up on time and went right to work. A couple of guys started setting up the frame on the roof right away while the team leader answered my questions. He explained which levers to pull if we ever needed to, how we could add a generator to the system in the future, and asked where I would like the boxes installed.
Before lunchtime, half the panels were already in place. By early afternoon, the crew had packed their cars, cleaned the site, and the system was ready to go. I couldn’t believe how efficiently they worked.
As a symbolic gesture, it was indescribably rewarding twisting the switch to “ON:” We were doing our little part to help the planet. Not only did the panels look sleek, but we were also significantly decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in a more sustainable future.
There is not much that I would change about our solar process. Lauren and I continue to be happy with our provider: the support they provide and the product we have installed. And, in the past year, there have only been four out of twelve months where we have used more energy than we had cumulatively produced.
So, if you’re financially able and thinking about solar, my advice is to take the plunge. Do your homework, shop around, ask friends and family about their experiences, and go for it.
