Solar panels allow homeowners to go green

By Gloria Austin 
Staff Writer
    Today, homeowners are trying to build and live as “green” as possible to protect the environment. One way for them to get a clean, renewable energy source is through the sun.
SUN POWER — Solar panels can provide an alternative source of energy to your home and help slash elecricity bills.
    Within the last two decades, solar energy has become an increasingly powerful resource. And, one way to garner energy from the sun is through solar panels.
    “Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it to usable energy for the home,” said John Flannery of John’s Electric and Solar Systems in Patten. “In the case of photovoltaic panels, commonly called PV panels, they collect radiation from the sun and convert it to usable electrical energy.”
    Solar panels draw energy from the sun, so to be effective, Flannery advises to make sure the panels are placed in a southern location with the correct angle to ensure they will not be shaded by surrounding elements.
     “Panels can be installed at ground level, on pole mounts adjacent to property and roof mounts,” explained Flannery. “All installations of solar PV systems must adhere to local, state, and NEC requirements. Electrical voltages are present whenever panels are subjected to the sun and electrocution is always present.”
    The cost of installation varies from one manufacturer to another and depends on the size of panels. Flannery said the rule of thumb is $3 to $6  per watt uninstalled and $6 to $12 per watt installed.
    “Small systems can be installed, but for financial or other reasons, they can be added to at any time to increase the output of kilowatts.”
    Within the industry there are various types of applications for solar panels. There are solar PV panels that convert sunshine into electricity; there are solar hot air panels that convert sunshine into heating applications for space heating and water heating and for domestic hot water, and then there are solar domestic hot water heating panels for hot water and radiant heating applications.
    “Timely installation depends on the location and size of the system,” said Flannery. “Most residential systems — solar PV and solar hot air systems — can be installed and operating within two or three days. A solar domestic hot water system generally takes four to five days.”
    Flannery has been installing solar and wind systems for more than five years.
    “To date, we have had no recalls for service, other than, scheduled maintenance, on any of our installed systems,” he said.
    Solar energy not only improves the environment, but puts money into a homeowner’s wallet.
    “Solar systems reduce our carbon footprint for future generations,” Flannery said. “They also can help reduce utility bills and increase savings after the [initial] pay-back period.”
    There are state and federal incentives to lower the out-of-pocket expense for these systems, Flannery noted.
    “The state of Maine has a program for up to $2,000 for qualified systems and the federal government has a 30 percent tax incentive for an installed system,” he added.
    Solar systems have plenty of benefits, including a 25-year lifespan. Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money on electrical and heating bills and solar power has great potential, but seems underutilized. Flannery is trying to change that with excellent products and dependable service.
    “Solar PV systems reduce cost by using available sunshine to produce kilowatts to operate your electrical system and any excess is fed back into the electrical grid to be used by you at a later time when you need it. The power company will supply a bidirectional meter for this purpose,” said Flannery. “Solar hot air and hot water systems will also reduce your demand for space heating and domestic hot water expenses for number two fuel oil or electricity.”
    For more information on solar systems, call Flannery at 528-2130 or 951-2817 or e-mail flannery339@hotmail.com. Information on John’s Electric and Solar Systems can be seen online at www.johnselectricandsolar.com.