THE THREE PATHS TO SOLAR
BY RICHARD A. FLOREY
Marketing Director
EcoVantage Energy, inc.
www./ecovantageenergy.com
The Big 3
The number three; it seems the universe runs on it. You
know, you’ve seen it work its mystical magic whenever
you get a traffic ticket. You KNOW two more are just
around the corner. In relative short order as well. There’s
just no escaping…three. That said …
Your Three Reasons
If you’ve made the decision to buy solar, be prepared to
answer the three questions as to why you are wanting
solar to begin with:
1. Are you looking to have solar reduce your
existing electric bill?
2. Are you looking to have solar erase your bill
through net metering?
3. Are you looking to be completely off-grid?
Reduce Your Bill!
With as little as ten panels, your electric bill can be
reduced by as much as thirty percent! This system is a
first step for most new customers in becoming power
self-sufficient and is a great introduction to a new
lifestyle. In the time leading up to the installation, we
urge the customer to change to LED lighting as well as
making sure they have sufficient insulation in order to
reduce their overall power consumption. This will also
get the most efficiency out of your new system and is a
vital part of getting to that thirty percent reduction in your
bill.
Above All
No matter which of the three paths you chose, ask a
professional to help make sure you get it right. The
professionals at EcoVantage Solar will be glad to help.
See you next time and, may the sun always shine on
you!
Net Zero via Net Metering
What two of the three systems have in common is
they’re what’s known as a, “grid tied” system. A grid
tied system runs parallel with your electric utility and is
monitored by a special meter that is capable of running
backwards. Most times you will see a fee for around $25,
which is the rental cost of the meter on your bill. It is also
advised that you have a small bank of batteries in order
to keep the essentials running during times of black-out
due to inclement weather or brown outs. Not nearly as
much as you will need going off-grid, but enough to get
you through until the power returns.
Being
Off-Grid
In any of the
three paths
to solar; the
bottom line
is you’re
paying for
electricity
NOW as
opposed to
over time.
And know
that going
off-grid is
the most
expensive
of the three
ways to
go solar.
Because
the system will run the entire household; you’ll need
at least double the solar panels as well as double the
batteries you would with net metering. Also keep in mind
that you’ll be running on batteries when the sun goes
down so it will be up to you to turn off lights, unplug wall
chargers, etc., but …
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