Things to consider: solar energy

That bright summer sun is a reminder for many about the hottest (no pun intended) form of renewable energy on the market these days: solar energy. And with plenty of private solar installers on the market, there are a number of questions that members might have if approached by one. As your trusted energy experts, we’re happy to have a few answers and share some tips if you’re thinking about installing solar.

1. What is the goal? First you need to figure out what you want the solar system for. Is it to save money? Help reduce your carbon footprint?

2. Be accurate with you estimates. How much kilowatt-hours does your solar system need in order to power your home completely? In 2021, the average household kilowatt usage for a Salt River Electric member was 15,084 kWh, so just a few solar panels won’t get the job done. Experts say it takes anywhere from 25–35 panels for your home to be completely energy independent. Many private solar installers will overestimate how much sunlight you’ll be able to capture with your system.

3. You won’t get cash or a check for your surplus energy. Under Kentucky’s net metering law, when you generate more energy than you consume, the value of the excess energy is credited on you bill, but the energy credits are never converted to cash payments. Unused credits will be carried forward to future bills to offset times when you use more energy than you make.

The world of private solar installers and companies can be hectic and hard to navigate sometimes, but we’re here to help. Go to our website, www.srelectric.com/solar-energy, to read or download our free solar informational guide Solar 101. It’ll help inform and lead you to ask the right questions as you determine what your solar goals are, and what the best way to achieve them might be. If you’re still unsure about private solar, there’s another option: Cooperative Solar. Located in Winchester, co-op members can pay a one-time fee to rent a solar panel from East Kentucky Power’s Cooperative Solar Farm One.