Here are some questions to ask yourself before making the decision to install photovoltaic (PV) panels.
1. Am I sure I don’t have a micro-hydro resource?
If you have a stream which runs all year long, and it drops more then ten feet over your property, you should investigate putting in a micro-hydro generation system rather than PV. It will save you a lot of money.
2. Am I sure I don’t have a wind resource?
Although not as cheap as hydro, wind is certainly cheaper than PV. You will need a reasonably reliable source of wind, and a tower tall enough to get about 30 feet above obstructions.
3. Have I taken advantage of all solar heat opportunities?
Solar hot water systems can heat much of your domestic hot water needs, and some of your heating needs, in most parts of the U.S. Solar hot air is another option for heating the house. Both are about 6 times as efficient as PV and cheaper.
4. Have I reduced my electrical use to the absolute minimum?
Solar photovoltaic panels are not environmental friendly to produce, don’t but any more of them than you absolutely have to to offset your electrical usage. Replace all lights with CFLs or LEDs. Improve the efficiency of your appliances or buy new high efficiency ones. Get your family into the energy saving mindset. Post the electric bill on the fridge, and reward those who help lower it. Consider a heat pump to replace electric baseboard heat.
5. Is the place I plan to put them optimal?
If your prospective location is partially shaded, consider looking for another location. Does your neighbor have a better spot; consider working a deal. Can you sacrifice a tree or two to improve the solar exposure?
6. Does my state ave a net metering law, or a feed in tariff?
If you are going to connect to the power grid, you should be fairly compensated for the power you produce, otherwise the financial aspects are much less favorable.
7. What are the current tax incentives?
Be careful, some state offer rebates but only fund them for a limited number of applicants. If you miss out, you get nothing. The tax situation changes all the time, check on it often.
8. Does the power go out for extended periods of time (especially in the winter)?
Consider having some battery backup, even in a grid tied system. Put vital systems on a separate circuit connected to the battery backup.
