Set your Solar Energy Goals for the New Year!

It’s that time of year when your feed is brimming with content about resolutions and goals. A lot of the goal-oriented content we see is about health, fitness, wellness, and financial planning.

Setting achievable goals is important to us. One of our core values is growth. And a big part of achieving growth is setting goals. A goal based on learning something new is a noble goal: reading, discovering, talking to someone in the pursuit of knowledge. After all, that is where change begins.

Our intention with this post is not to add to all that “New Year” noise but instead to help you to learn something new.

If solar is on your list this year – whether you plan just to learn more or your goal is to actually take the leap – we hope this article can help you.

1. Educate Yourself About Solar Energy

There sure is a lot to learn. We speak with so many people every day who are just starting on their solar journey.

Your Guide to Going Solar is a free eBook download and is where we recommend you start.

Some of the biggest questions we here are:

• How does it work?
• Is solar the future?
• Does solar energy even work in Ohio?
• What about in the Snow?
• Do I need batteries if I go solar?

If you prefer learning through video, head on over to our YouTube page. If you’re interested in digging deep on a particular topic, check out our solar 101 webinar series. This list of webinar recordings is comprehensive and covers many frequently asked questions.

2. Keep Track of Your Energy Prices

It’s always good to reflect – especially on the money we spend. Look back at your energy prices over the last few years. Do you notice any changes in the rates that you are paying for your electricity?

Solar energy allows you to own your power instead of paying varying and increasing monthly payments to the utility company.

We predict that energy prices will continue to rise between infrastructure maintenance and grid modernization over the next decade or two. And we’re not alone.

Escalating energy costs is crucial to consider when evaluating a solar energy system for your home.

3. Understand Net Metering

Net metering is what makes residential solar energy systems so prevalent in Ohio. It is a simple concept, but it is new to most people when they start to research solar energy.

Net-metering allows you to store the energy you produce in the electric grid in the form of credits. Excess electricity travels back into the power grid when your panels produce more energy than you need. You get credit for that energy. When you pull energy from the grid, you can use those credits to pay for grid energy when your panels aren’t making power.

If you’re interested in understanding net metering better, this webinar recording will be right up your alley.

4. Find Out About the Financial Benefits of Solar Energy in Ohio

Will solar save you money? Will you… make money? If you are on Facebook, you have undoubtedly seen those claims.

If you have always wondered what the payback is, now is a great time to find out. The best way to understand is to get a custom quote for your home. We evaluate three main factors to bring you a custom quote:

• Available space (roof or ground)
• Annual electricity use at your home
• Your budget for solar

We’re thrilled that solar energy is now more accessible to more and more people in Ohio.

As the market has grown over the past 20 years, so too have financing options. Now, Third Sun Solar offers customers new and improved financing options and an opportunity to have 12 months without payments on their solar energy system.

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a piece of the financial picture to consider. In 2021 and 2022 the ITC allows you to take 26% of the system’s cost off of taxes you owe. The ITC will drop to 22% in 2023. Read more about the current state of the ITC here.

Often, folks bundle the purchase of a new Electric Vehicle with a home solar energy system. If you’re thinking of doing the same, get up to speed on Ohio’s Electric Vehicle incentives here.

5. Get A No Obligation Solar Estimate

If you’ve always wondered if your home is a suitable candidate for a solar energy system – find out!

Start planning now if you think 2022 might be the year you go solar.

Most installers get pretty busy in the spring and summer months when the sun is high in the sky, and people are thinking about all the solar energy their roof could be capturing. Little do most know that wintertime is the best time to plan for that spring installation.

It takes time to design and permit a quality solar system like most other construction work. Think about it: you could get your solar system installed just in time to take advantage of those bright spring sun-rays.

Maximize your savings in 2022 by planning early and getting an install in time for Ohio’s peak sun days in spring, summer, and fall.

There is a lot more to find out…

We know that when you’re first looking, you have many questions, and we hope we’ve helped answer those.

Also, we know that sometimes it is easier to get questions answered by a real person. We pride ourselves in our no-pressure, consultative and educational sales approach. Feel free to reach out when you’re ready – we are just a phone call away.

Happy new year to you and yours from the Third Sun Solar team!

This year we talked with one of our clients, Kay, who was gifted a solar energy system by her mother-in-law, Sara.

Brad, Kay & Family

Brad and Kay were in the process of building their forever home on a rural piece of land in southeastern Ohio when they first started seriously considering solar energy.

In recent years the couple had been looking into solar; they were both curious about it.

You may know from experience, but there is a whole lot to think about when building a house. The planning phase is the best time to plan for solar, but knowing when to throw a solar installation into the mix can be tricky. Brad and Kay were choosing vendors, suppliers, appliances, and making big decisions about their home. As they were chatting about the various considerations, solar energy came up, and Sara decided to gift them the solar system.

All in, it was the perfect gift: It was something Brad and Kay wanted, was a good environmental decision, it would set an example for the grandkids, and the solar system would offset the young family’s electrical costs for 30 years or more to come.

The Motivation

The whole family is environmentally driven.

“We are very aware of our carbon footprint. We know that the future is green. And we want to go in that direction,” Kay said when asked what first inspired her to look into clean energy.

Kay and Brad compost and recycle. They like to travel, enjoy nature, and most importantly, want to leave a healthy planet for their family.

The couple has a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old, and one on the way. For Brad and Kay and Grandma Sara, too, setting an excellent example for their children and creating a sustainable world for them is what matters most.

Sara lives in Anchorage, Alaska now, but grew up in Gallipolis, a town in southeast Ohio. She left Ohio in 1997 to join the Air Force. She’s a no plastic bags, composter, recycler, and renewable energy type of person at heart.

She says: “If I could talk anyone into it, I would.”

Sara is worried about climate change. Where she lives in Alaska, the effects of climate change are increasingly visible. She’s experiencing rising temperatures, receding glaciers, permafrost melting, which makes the homes in her community less stable, and eroding beaches that destroy homes.

When speaking about her family in southeast Ohio, Sara says: “My goal in life is to start taking them [the grandkids] on trips to get to know the world. If I can convince them to do their part, I’ve done my part.”

Choosing a Vendor

Sara asked Kay to do the research, and she did. Kay learned about solar, got the quotes, and when they were ready, Sara made the purchase.

Sara even got them a backup generator to ensure they had power access when the grid went down.

What did Kay and Brad learn while exploring solar options for their family? The couple learned that the cost was high, but the cost benefits and payback were something they hadn’t imagined.

What do they like most?

• The benefit of low electric bills
• Aesthetics – the solar panels, aren’t seen from the front of the house, and the black-on-black panels look good on their roof
• Quick installation – during the pandemic, having long waits for items and long construction timelines was typical – a 2-3 day solar install shocked them!

Why did the couple choose Third Sun Solar? Kay says: “everyone was so friendly and excited. You can tell the people liked working there.”

If you’re looking for a unique, impactful gift for someone special this holiday season, consider giving the gift of solar to a loved one. It will no doubt have a lasting impact.

Upgrade will result in long-term energy cost savings and reduce the facility’s carbon footprint

LOCATION –A new solar panel installation at the Southeast Ohio Foodbank, a program of Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP), will help the facility to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and serve more individuals across the region.

The installation was made possible through a significant gift from the Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program. The addition of the 364 rooftop solar panels will allow the Foodbank to significantly reduce their contribution to greenhouse gas and carbon emissions over time, while also generating long-term financial gains associated with decreased energy costs. The 163.8 kW solar array system is expected to offset the facility’s annual energy costs by nearly 47 percent and offset an annual equivalent of 149 metrics tons of CO2. In greenhouse gas emissions, this is equivalent to 50.5 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled, or 27 homes’ electricity for one year.

“Given the size and scope of our work at the Foodbank, we historically have had significant electrical expenses. The less money we spend on energy, the more money we can spend on food and other supports for our community members who struggle with poverty and food insecurity, “shared Kelly Hatas, Executive Director at HAPCAP. “We also know that climate change is an issue that disproportionately impacts low-income communities, and we want to be a part of the solution to this global crisis. Overall, this project represents HAPCAP’s commitment to a thriving and sustainable future for Southeast Ohio.”

Geoff Greenfield, CEO and co-founder of Athens, Ohio based Third Sun Solar, who designed and installed the system, commented, “We are really proud of this project. Not only will it continue to give back to the community for decades, but it’s a trip down memory lane for me. Before we started Third Sun Solar I worked for several years at Community Action. I love their mission and really appreciate all the important programs they run in our region.”

For more information about HAPCAP’s programs, please contact Rose Frech at [email protected], or (740) 767-4500.

by Geoff Greenfield, CEO

Are Solar Prices Going Up or Down?

As discussions about inflation become commonplace, many people are asking us if the price of going solar will be affected as well.

If prices ARE going up, this would certainly be a reversal of historic trends. Many that follow the industry have gotten used to a general expectation of falling prices.

Solar installers around the country have celebrated the significant price drops that accompanied widespread adoption and increased efficiency of the technology. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “Since 2014, the average cost of solar PV panels has dropped nearly 70%.”

Due to various factors, this trend has reversed, and solar costs are rising for the first time in recent memory.

What is Behind the Inflation in Solar Prices?

Several factors are driving this new upward cost curve.

You’re surely aware of the rising commodity prices and surging freight costs across the country. These factors have impacted everything from vehicles to kitchen ovens. Like all markets in the U.S., the solar industry is beginning to see the effects of inflation as we turn the corner into the new year.

The building blocks of a solar system include copper, aluminum, steel, and electrical components. Copper is needed for solar inverters and electric cabling. Aluminum and steel make up the solar panel racking and panel frames. As the global economy comes back from Covid-19, and economies are “stimulated” with low interest rates, demand is booming while supplies are struggling to keep up.

The economists predict that these materials will continue to rise in price in 2022 and perhaps beyond.

The other major ingredient in a solar system is the people needed to do everything from the engineering work to bolting the modules to the rooftops. Just as the wait at your favorite restaurant is longer due to staffing shortages, the solar industry has their help wanted signs up as they seek to hire and train the workforce needed to meet the growing demand for clean energy.

Wages are rising to attract quality team members and compete with the other booming sectors of the economy. Across the board, positions are harder to fill.

What Does This Mean for People Planning to Go Solar?

Many solar installers have begun raising their prices, and others are planning to as they sell older inventory and are faced with buying more expensive material.

Facing a more competitive labor pool, installers are raising prices to keep up with higher payrolls.

These cost increases have driven up prices. Solar panel prices have jumped 16%, and total prices have risen 12%, according to a press release by Rastad Energy. The forecast is for more of the same throughout 2022.

Could it Get Worse?

While the modest inflation impacting solar is undoubtedly a change in direction from steadily declining prices, several variables could make this inflation more dramatic.

In a significant development in the global marketplace, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is beginning to enforce “Withhold Release Orders” on imported solar modules containing silicon from China’s Shaanxi Provence over concerns about the use of forced labor.

While many solar modules are made from material from other regions, systems to track and prove this do not yet exist, and industry experts are worried that even “ethical” solar module shipments may be held at the border.

Another area that could further raise prices is the efforts of several manufacturers to increase tariffs on imported modules – not just from China but from a host of Asian nations.

Finally, while we have discussed costs, rising demand is the other market signal leading to higher prices. The recently passed infrastructure bill is predicted to further drive up commodity and construction labor prices. The pending “Build Back Better” bill promises to incentivize further solar development, driving up demand in an already hot market.

What Can We Do?

As prices increase due to all these factors, deciding when or if to go solar is more important than ever.

We recommend our customers carefully evaluate their circumstances – no two households or businesses are the same.

One of the important variables is “the cost of waiting”: each month of buying costly dirty utility power is a month that could be filled with the savings of clean energy. We predict that despite the slight rise in costs, the demand for solar will continue to rise, and the limited schedule for established quality solar installers will fill quickly, especially as hiring to meet growing demand is a challenge.

If you have an older solar quote, it is possible that the current rise in prices is partially or completely offset by the historic reduction in costs that the industry has benefitted from over the past several years.

Even if your costs are going up, securing your space in the install schedule is likely to pay off as deferred savings are a lost opportunity.

Our guidance for you: gather updated information, evaluate your own personal situation, and make the right decision for you.

Each solar company has its unique solar quote.

Several critical pieces of information should be consistent when you compare solar quotes.

We know comparing apples to oranges can be difficult, so we’ve created a checklist of items you need to watch out for when you’re considering which solar company to hire.

The information we’ve chosen to highlight is based on what we’ve seen in other proposals shown to us by our customers.

1. Solar Module Manufacturer

It’s essential to know the specifics of what equipment your installer will be supplying you. Although it can be difficult to trace exactly where a panel is made, make sure the manufacturer and model name are identified in your solar quote so you can verify that the panel manufacturer is reputable.

Keep in mind, the industry standard for a panel warranty is around 25 years. You will need to establish the likelihood that the manufacturer will honor your warranty during that time.

2. Warranties

Solar Panels

Solar panels degrade gradually over time with exposure to sunlight, wind, and weather. Panels are typically warranted 25–30 years and have a design lifespan of over 30 years. Energy production is expected to degrade by about one-half of one percent per year.

Inverters

Inverters are warranted for 10–15 years and have an expected lifespan of 15–20 years. You may need to replace an inverter once in the system’s lifetime, and we figure that cost into our financial predictions.

Workmanship

Any home improvement typically has a “workmanship warranty” covering the quality of the work done. This promise from the contractor that they will install things correctly generally is two years. In the solar installation business, warranties often range from 2-5 Years, sometimes up to 10.

We rolled out our 20-year workmanship warranty in our twentieth year of business to give our customers peace of mind when they go solar.

3. Production Factors

Watch out for fluff! Production factors should be based on:

• Azimuth
• Tilt
• Shade
• Climate Data
• Inverter efficiencies

Some companies will add in some “fluff” to the numbers to make their quote look better. We have enough confidence to guarantee our customer’s production because we always confirm our solar production estimates with a physical in-person site assessment to take accurate orientation, tilt, and shading measurements!

4. Solar Production Guarantee

Your most considerable risk in solar is that the system doesn’t perform as you were told it would.

We believe that the homeowner should not be liable for that risk.

As a solar installer, we back our production estimates with a performance guarantee.

5. How are they estimating the increase in energy prices in the future?

Your solar company must know your current energy rate to project your system’s lifetime solar savings potential. If this number is wrong, the accuracy of their estimate of the financial benefit of the system will be off from the beginning.

We have seen some installers grossly overestimate how the cost of energy will rise in the future to make the solar system look like it has a greater return on investment or quicker payback. Make sure the current electricity price and price escalation rate are presented clearly on any solar quote you consider! The rate used dramatically affects the economics and the system value.

6. Bundling energy efficiency upgrades

Watch out for:

• Unverified energy audits
• Estimated utility savings from efficiency upgrades built into the projected solar system savings

Energy-efficient homes indeed help a homeowner maximize their solar purchase. We know of a few solar companies that bundle energy efficiency upgrades with their solar installation.

While this is great, watch out for these red flags:

For starters, there is no way to model the actual energy saving these upgrades have, so there is no way to do economic modeling for the estimated cost savings of the upgrades.

Second, some solar installers roll the projected energy savings into the solar system payback analysis. When installers add energy efficiency upgrades to the solar system payback analysis, they mislead customers about the actual capabilities of the system’s performance.

8. Installer Accreditation

Looking at reviews can make a world of difference when evaluating your solar partner. Beyond the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and other review sites, there are a few accreditations that you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Does the installer hold an electrical license? Find out here.
• NABCEP Certification is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized certification organization for professionals in renewable energy. A company that employs NABCEP certified individuals shows a commitment to the industry standards and practices.
• Dun & Bradstreet – is the solar installation company you’re working with in good financial standing? Remember: your solar installation is a long-term investment. You’ll want to work with a company that demonstrates that they’ll be around for the long haul to assist you if any warranty claims arise or if your system needs maintenance down the line.

Takeaways

A solar energy system is a big investment and comparing solar quotes is one of the first steps in the journey. Our biggest takeaway is to choose a solar installer you trust.

Solar Power and Rural Electric Co-Ops

Rural electric co-ops and solar power have a long history here in Ohio. In the 1930s, Ohio established rural electric cooperatives. At the time, investor-owned utilities refused to service rural areas because it did not make economic sense. The structure of rural electric cooperatives provided a means to get electricity to rural America.

These cooperatives still stand today and are member-owned, like the title “cooperative” would suggest. You get one vote towards the board of directors if you’re a participant in the cooperative. Rural electric cooperatives are nonprofit entities, unlike more prominent investor-owned utilities.

Because these locally owned, nonprofit entities are much smaller than national energy companies – you might think it would be easier to go solar when plugged into one. But there are a few nuances to be aware of when choosing to go solar if your electric provider is a rural co-op.

Rural Ohio Net Metering Differences

Rural electric co-ops in Ohio are not required to offer net metering like investor-owned utility companies are. Most of them do, however, not all.

Additionally, because rural co-ops are member-owned and not required to follow regulations set out by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), they can set their own net metering rules. For example, when you produce more energy than you consume, you send that excess back to the grid. The rate you’re paid for that energy production varies from rural co-op to co-op.

Rules and regulations around fixed-rate amounts on your monthly bills vary. And the amount of electricity that you can send back to the grid annually also varies.

Because there isn’t one standard for the 24 rural electric co-ops, solar installers need to be familiar with the local rules, rates, and regulations.

Why Solar Power and Rural Electric Co-Ops Matters

Why is all of this important to know? If a rural electric co-op services your home and you’re thinking about going solar, you should be paying attention.

Your solar installer must understand your cooperative’s rules and rates to provide an accurate economic analysis of your solar installation project (that goes for investor-owned utilities, too!) We encourage you to ask them:

• When I send electricity back to the grid – what rate will I get for that production?
• Will there be fixed charges on my monthly electric bill that can’t be paid with my excess generation?

Kokosing Solar works very closely with the Distributed Generation Coordinators employed by each utility, including rural co-ops. We do this because it’s part of our job as a full turnkey solar installation partner. We know our customers trust us to stay up to date on the net-metering rules and fixed-rate fee structure.

*Keep in mind – there is certain information rural electric cooperatives will only give to their customers and not us! When this happens, we will ask you to communicate directly with your provider to retrieve this information.

Lastly, if your utility has policies that disincentivize solar production – become an advocate! If you’re part of a co-op- use your vote, attend public meetings and make your voice heard! Here is just one example of one of our customers who could go solar after advocating at the local level.

If you have any questions about going solar – reach out! We would love to help answer your questions.

Where are Ohio’s top locations for Electric Vehicles?

In the U.S., the most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions comes from cars and trucks. Transportation accounted for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. According to the EPA, “Over 90 percent of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, which includes primarily gasoline and diesel.”

Stats like these are motivating Ohioans to consider going electric with their next car purchase. Electric Cars are better for the environment, require less maintenance, and electricity is cheaper than gasoline (especially if you have solar).

So, What are the Top Locations for Electric Vehicles in Ohio

Top Alternative Fuel Vehicles by County in Ohio 2018 – current

1. Franklin County (Columbus) – 4,154
2. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) – 2,771
3. Hamilton County (Cincinnati) – 2,563
4. Summit County (Akron) – 1,249
5. Delaware County (Central Ohio) – 1,144
6. Montgomery County (Dayton) – 1,071
7. Lucas County (Toledo) – 672
8. Lorain County (Northeast Ohio) – 561

Columbus, Ohio, seems to be the top location for electric vehicles in Ohio. It’s also the most populated city in the state. Following Columbus are our two key metropolitan Cities: Cincinnati and Cleveland.

Top Electric Vehicle Models in Ohio

Top 10 Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Ohio – From 2018– now

1. TESLA Model 3 – 5,438
2. Chevrolet Volt – 2,717
3. Tesla Model S – 2,437
4. Tesla Model Y – 1,395
5. Nissan Leaf – 1,331
6. Tesla Model X – 1,155
7. Chevrolet Bolt EV – 891
8. Ford Fusion – 889
9. Ford C-max – 710
10. Toyota Prius Prime – 701

The U.S. has seen a slow adoption of electric vehicles compared to other countries. In 2020 E.V. registrations reached a new record by taking up 1.8% of overall U.S. light vehicles registered.

Some of the barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption in the U.S. include:

• High costs for Electric Vehicles
• Few options for models
• Challenges recharging vehicles

Building Infrastructure in Ohio

With an awareness of these barriers, private and public entities are making processes to make Electric Vehicles accessible to more drivers.

According to Clean Fuels Ohio, last month, The Ohio EPA awarded $3.25 million in grants to support the installation of E.V. infrastructure. The grants fund more than 500 publicly accessible Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports at more than 170 locations in 22 counties.

Lordstown, Ohio

In 2020 ground broke on an electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Lordstown, Ohio.

The facility will produce Ultium batteries for a new Cadillac electric car, a new electric Hummer sport utility vehicle. The project is a $2.3 billion joint venture between G.M. and South Korea’s L.G. Chem.

Bringing the production of Electric Vehicle batteries to the United States tackles some of the barriers listed above.

“Sales of E.V.s are set to exceed a 3.5% overall market share in 2021 and climb to a more than 10% share in 2025, due to broader product offerings, according to IHS Markit. More than 100 new E.V. options are expected to launch between 2021 and 2025.”

Spotlight on Solar and Electric Vehicles in Columbus, Ohio

As with solar power, building out the infrastructure for Electric Vehicles will require coordination. Public and private partnerships have been the golden standard for widespread solar adoption. And we can see the same happening with electric vehicles.

In 2016 Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $10 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge.

In 2015, only 0.38% of new cars purchased in the seven-county region were E.V.s. We set a goal to increase E.V. ownership by 500% to 1.8% by 2020.

Fortunately, we’re on pace to meet or surpass that goal, with E.V. sales exceeding 2% of vehicles sold at the end of 2018.

How did they do it?

• Engaging employers
• Building out workplace charging
• Hosting events
• Working with dealers
• Building a playbook

Read more about SMART Columbus here.

Solar, Electric Vehicles, and You

Third Sun Solar proudly offers Electric Vehicle charger installation as a service to homeowners interested in going green all the way. More and more, we see homeowners who go solar install Electric Vehicle chargers before buying the Electric Vehicle itself.

When you go solar, you have the opportunity to set yourself up for an entirely green lifestyle.

With Solar plus an Electric Vehicle, homeowners can charge their cars and, in most cases, drive more economically than they would by charging from the grid or public charging stations.

If you’re interested in learning more from our team about how we can make your clean energy dreams a reality, reach out today.