Today’s consumers want and expect options, including the type of energy powering their homes. The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by the decreasing costs for rooftop solar. However, as attractive and popular as rooftop solar may appear, it is essential for consumers to fully understand its actual costs, the operational reality of this form of energy, and the actual energy savings. To determine whether rooftop solar is suitable for their particular situation, homeowners must undertake their due diligence.

We’re Here to Help! At Pee Dee Electric, we strongly recommend that you call us first when considering rooftop solar. We can help you understand the costs and help you make the right decision for you and your home.

Before committing to a contract to work with a solar company, answer these critical questions.

• Is it a solar company that is reputable?
• Will the company be around for years to come?
• If this company goes out of business and the house needs a new roof or roof repairs, it will be difficult to find another solar company that will remove and reinstall another company’s panels.
• A 3- to 5½-kW solar system is appropriate for most homes in our area. This size balances energy production with payoff duration and is generally large enough to power your home when you’re away. Is this what the solar company has told you?
• Some companies will assess a homeowner’s needs and tell them they need a 10 kW system, or about 32 panels, which is much more than they need.
• Are they offering “no money down”?
• Since the solar company may be financing the system, they will take the Federal Income Tax Credit associated with the sale of the system as their down payment. The larger the system, the larger the credit they get. Sometimes, homeowners are stuck with payments that stretch for decades, and the number of panels on a roof not built for them creates wind shear and other liabilities.

With programs like our community solar farm and EV charging rates, Pee Dee Electric is continuing to look for ways to offer members access to clean energy. While we are pro-solar, we want to make sure our members receive accurate and factual information.

Contact Todd Moore at 704-694-7607 or tmoore@pdemc.com for more information.