Renewable Energy How Do I Begin?
First
If you are a condo or a
co-op you should clear any decisions with your homeowners association.
Ask if there are any covenants that restrict, or require an approval
process for solar or wind systems before you commit to a site
assessment.
Use this site to locate
Federal, state and local utility rebates and incentive programs for
your project. Some utilities will have a list of preferred vendors and
will share the cost. Check there before you call for an assessor.
Go to http://www.dsireusa.org/ for
incentives in your area. Check to see what programs they will
finance/rebate in your area. Read the article Rebate and Tax Incentive
Programs for Federal as well as local incentives
Often, there will be
multiple programs providing incentives using Federal and local
agencies. Maximize your savings by choosing the best energy efficiency
incentives for the best of the assessor's recommendations.
Contact your insurance
agent. What, if any, renewable energy system are covered by your
homeowners liability insurance policy. What is the process and
additional cost of adding a particular system to your policy cost? Are
there any systems not covered? You certainly wouldn’t want to choose an
expensive system that isnt protected.
Then get a site assessment.
The best way to find out
what renewable energy source for your location is to have a site
assessment. A renewable energy professional can evaluate your energy
needs and make recommendations for site specific renewable systems. You
wouldnt install wind turbines without assessing the power and
consistency of available wind. The assessment will provide a general
cost estimate for purchase and installation.
Call a Contractor and a get estimates
Your best source for a
reputable contractor may be word of mouth. A happy customer is a fact
on the ground. You may check our contractor directory as an alternative
source. The Yellow Pages can also help you to find a contractor near
you. A good contractor will also help you with material, costs and
necessary permits. Please see our How to hire a contractor which will
help you find a good contractor and really check them out. By the way,
always get two or three bids and use our helpful process. It can save
you a ton of grief and money. Estimates should include the cost of
hardware, shipping, installation and any connection fees to the utility
grid, travel time and sales tax. Many people consider installing their
own system. Unless you have specific experience with product and
installation, you should hire a professional.
Check zoning, utility requirements, Insurance and permit needs and any community requirements.
The energy system
installation must comply with the zoning and building codes of your
State, City or county it is installed. Permits may not be needed until
you are ready to do the work. Many installers may even get the permits
for you. If you want to connect your renewable energy system to your
utility grid, contact your electric utility for any paper process or
regulations you may need to follow before you commit to
buying/installing an energy saving system. Be sure your choice is
compatible with local law and utility regulations. Many utilities are
required to connect a renewable energy, electric-generating
installation to its utility system, business or organization.
Need financing?
There are several places to
turn for funding your renewable energy system. Financing for a
renewable energy might come from a home equity loan or a capital
improvement loan if it's a commercial project. You can contact Federal
or State programs links ( Go to our article Rebate and Tax Incentive
Programs to find out about financial incentives offered in your state.
) on this site to see whether your project qualifies for a
Cash-Back Reward, grant, or low-interest rate loan to help you recover
costs. Be sure to research and apply for any incentives before
purchasing equipment or signing a contract with an installer. Certain
systems may not be included and certain systems may have better
incentives. Doing this first can help you make the best decision for
yourself.
Some states allow for a
property tax exemption for renewable energy equipment, so your
renewable energy system will not affect your property tax bill. The
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a
comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and
selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access
information, state by state, link to http://www.dsireusa.org/ .
Learn how to maintain your system — safely.
Ask your installer how to
maintain your system properly. Read all written materials provided by
the manufacturer. Keep an eye on meters and utility bills to be sure
your system is functioning. You should see significant savings. You
might also ask your installer if you should perform simple
troubleshooting or maintenance. It's a good idea to learn basic safety
procedures, like how to shut down the system in emergencies. Floods,
fires or earthquakes that could damage the system; and how to power
back.
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