It’s nearly impossible these days to go online without encountering an ad for solar panel installation. These introductory teasers are often presented as a “one size fits all” energy solution that will not require any out-of-pocket expense. Unfortunately, members do not always understand the true cost and operational realities prior to purchase. When promotional claims come up short, recourse for a homeowner can be difficult or impossible. Therefore, I would encourage you to please call us at Tideland before you enter into a purchase agreement. We will be glad to work with you and the solar sales team to help ensure a successful transaction.

Nearly eight years ago we constructed our first solar array in Pinetown, and today we host two Hyde County microgrid projects that include both solar arrays and utility scale Tesla batteries for energy storage. You can drive a short distance to see any number of industrial size solar farms located in the counties we serve. Construction of large projects due to economies of scale, carbon credit purchases, and/or subsidy via tax credits will continue to add value as North Carolina pursues carbon reduction goals signed into law late last year as NC House Bill 921: “Energy Solutions for North Carolina.”

However, an individual’s investment in rooftop solar panels at home demands careful evaluation when considering the improvement purely due to dollars and cents. Homeowners may consider residential solar or residential solar plus battery storage for reasons other than a promise that the cost will immediately be justified by savings.

With these conversations happening almost daily, we can tell you our members’ motivations for solar vary greatly and have been evolving in recent years. Increasingly, members say they are considering solar plus battery installation as an alternative to a traditional generator powered by fossil fuel for the purpose of residential backup power. In those cases, our discussions are solely focused on grid safety to ensure the system is properly isolated from our electric system to avoid potentially dangerous backfeed. We can help with any standby generator, regardless of energy source, to ensure a safe installation that meets National Electric Safety Code standards.

However, if you indicate that your interest in solar is to reduce monthly energy costs, our energy services team will first review your billing history to determine if you have reached peak efficiency. After all, the cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use. After that review, we may ask to schedule an energy audit to determine if there are more cost effective ways to reduce your energy bill when compared to the cost of a solar installation. In some cases, we may also suggest conversion to our time-of-use rate with the low cost implementation of a water heater timer and smart thermostats.

If you are considering a residential solar system that would require interconnection with our utility grid, our team will talk with you about the technical specifications. We will explain our “buy-all, sell-all” rate schedule, as well as design options to incorporate a battery for energy storage and the most effective use of energy at home from a solar plus energy storage project. We will also be glad to discuss the catch-all term “net metering” that is often misunderstood when it comes to utility rate schedules.

Lastly, these tips should be considered best practices as you explore solar:

1 Conduct thorough research before investing in a PV system and obtain more than one quote.

2 Ensure that your home is energy efficient before purchasing solar – it may be a wiser investment option due to the speed with which the investment will pay for itself.

3 Understand how a PV system interconnects with Tideland’s system – a call to Tideland early in the process is always a good idea.

4 Consider all the costs and review the return on investment.

5 Consult a tax professional to make sure you can actually benefit from any tax credits that may be referenced in the solar proposal since all homeowners may not be able to capitalize on tax credits.

6 Ask your insurance agency how a solar installation may impact your homeowners’ coverage. Systems such as solar panel carports or ground-mounted panels may require an add-on or separate policy.

7 Establish a project partnership between you, your contractor, and Tideland before installation. Tideland’s interconnection documents and applicable rate schedules can be found online at tidelandemc.com.

8 Follow all safety precautions.

9 Choose a reputable contractor/installer – check reviews and ask for references. Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded for the work they will perform

10 Maintain good records, including financial records and notes from conversations.