Regardless of whether you’re a residential or commercial property owner, the concept of solar energy can be confusing. With so many different options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. But by understanding what’s available, you can determine the exact solar energy solution that is right for your home or business.

Residential

Using solar energy for residential use is a good way to save money on your power bill and decrease your carbon footprint. It can also help you reduce your exposure to pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.

There are two primary options when considering the installation of solar panels. One is a grid-tied system, which connects to your local municipal utility provider’s system. It is the cheapest type, and it also offers the quickest payback. However, with this type of system, when the grid is down, you will not have any electrical power. This type of system requires a functioning grid.

The other type of solar system is one that combines solar panels with batteries. These are known as hybrid solar systems. While this type of system will provide power even when the grid is down, it is also more expensive.

For the longest time, solar energy was not widely adopted because of technology restrictions. However, as technology has progressed, more people have adopted solar for their homes. The cost of solar installation has come down, as a result of economy of scale along with state and federal incentives.

Solar energy for residential use has come a long way in the past decade. With the increase in demand, the technology looks to continue to see a sustained growth in adoption.

Commercial

Several countries and states have already implemented policies to encourage the use of renewable energy. They provide financial incentives to end users, system integrators and manufacturers of solar products. In addition, some major countries and states also offer tax credits and capital cost tax rebates.

One of the biggest benefits of solar energy is that it is clean, free and renewable. This is why it is becoming increasingly popular. It is also less expensive than other forms of energy.

Solar technology is now being used to generate concentrated solar power (CSP). These farms generate enough electricity to power entire cities. The world’s largest CSP farm is the 392 megawatt Ivanpah project in California’s Mojave Desert.

In addition, several Latin American countries have also adopted policies to promote the use of renewable energy. This includes the Caribbean nation of Jamaica, which has over 800 licenses issued under its solar energy program.

Jamaica has also supported the development of residential solar pv systems. Through a net billing scheme, the country provides financial support for such projects. In addition, the central government subsidizes qualified photovoltaic building application demonstration projects.

Utility-scale

Approximately 100,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar facilities are currently under development or construction. With federal tax incentives and solar industry-targeted tax credits, the energy industry is moving quickly to bring facilities online. It’s important for local governments to be prepared to deal with the challenges of hosting clean energy facilities.

As utility-scale solar energy facilities grow in number and size, the cost of land may increase. This can put pressure on local governments to amend their comprehensive plans to accommodate them. Planning staff may also need to make adjustments to their zoning ordinances to accommodate these types of projects.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. has more than 1.2 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The number is expected to rise to more than 30 gigawatts.

In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, officials have been grappling with how to handle utility-scale solar energy facilities in the community. Planning staff have been using model ordinances and professional networks to gather information.

The PAS Memo identifies four primary actions planners can take to minimize the impacts of utility-scale solar facilities. The first action is the most obvious. It involves enforcing restoration claims made by applicants. The second action involves a more complicated process. The third action involves identifying a suitable location for a solar facility. The fourth action involves incorporating the project into a long-range comprehensive plan.

In order to minimize the visual impact of utility-scale solar facilities, localities should consider buffering. This may be appropriate along main arterials or along any public right-of-way. However, buffering should not be the only solution to the problem.

The PAS Memo states that a comprehensive plan should address the environmental and economic impacts of utility-scale solar facilities. This means planners should evaluate the potential effects on viewsheds, a community’s land-use vision, and neighbors. It also means planners should evaluate the impact on local property values.

Disadvantages

Whether you’re looking to invest in solar panels or just want to learn more about solar energy, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider. Solar panels are more energy-efficient than most traditional electric power sources, and they come with a high initial cost. However, solar panels are becoming more and more affordable as technology advances.

Depending on your location, budget and the weather, a solar power system may not be able to generate enough energy for your home. This is especially true during the winter months here in Maine.

The initial cost of solar panels is the major disadvantage. Depending on your location and the size of your home, you may need to buy a large area of solar panels to produce the same amount of energy that you would with a traditional electric power source.

Solar energy is also subject to seasonal changes, and the duration of daytime sunlight varies from region to region. Homes here in Maine do not get enough sunlight during the winter months. However, this is the opposite during the summer months.

There are many factors to consider in choosing a system that is right for you.

We’re here to help you make the best decisions and enjoy decades of renewable energy.