How to Take Control of Your Energy Costs Using Solar Energy
Solar panels are cheaper now than ever due to rising popularity and availability.
Grid-Tie Systems pay themselves off in 7 years—with a 25-year life expectancy.
And amazingly, we’ve found solar panels to be quite resistant to hail damage.
So, is investing in solar energy low-risk, or are there downfalls to harnessing sunshine?
In this article, we’ll discuss how to take control of your energy costs and why using Solect’s solar energy systems offers more reward than risk.
Why should I choose Solect Energy over bigger businesses?
It’s no secret that many people have had negative experiences with large, national solar companies.
There were countless families who invested in a solar system only to have the installers disappear (with no follow-up).
Those losses were devastating for us, too. No one benefits from someone in the same industry being dishonest. We understand the frustration that comes when someone doesn’t guarantee their work.
We Guarantee Our Work
For us, solar energy isn’t just a trend or a quick way to make money.
We started Solect in 2014, and together, we have over 50 years of combined experience in the solar industry.
We offer high quality products at a fair price. We also stand behind our installs, offering a 10-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Our solar Panels have a 25-year warranty. Plus, we offer a 10-year warranty on all inverters and batteries.
We service our systems. We’re not going anywhere.
How can Solect help me take control of my energy costs?
We start by installing a system that meets your specific needs.
Our options include a Grid-Tie System or a Hybrid Grid-Tie System.
The average return on investment for a Grid-Tie System is around 7 years—making an excellent hedge against rising utility costs.
The type of system is based off your monthly power usage, meaning the size of each system ranges from household to household.
Your system matches the amount of power you use each month and excess power returns to your personal grid or to the county’s grid (for 1/3 credit).
How much does investing in a solar system cost?
Like we said, the scale of a solar system ranges for each household.
For instance, someone with five children is likely using more electricity than someone with two children. Another example is someone with a business or a farmstead likely needs more electricity than someone only needing electricity for their household.
Here’s an overview of Solar System Install comparisons/costs:
- We look at your current electrical bill—using it as a guide for the amount of electricity you need from a solar system.
- An average grid-tie system costs $10,000-$15,000 for starters.
- The Hybrid Grid-Tie System costs more since it offers a battery back-up that provides a source of electricity when others are experiencing power outages.
We usually see a grid-tie system pay for itself in seven years—which is a great rate-of-return for something that’s expected to last for 25+ years.
Do Solar Panels Get Damaged During a Storm?
In our 12 years of solar system installations, we have seen very minimal damage to solar panels.
At one point, there was a hailstorm that damaged the roof of a client’s home. The solar panels weren’t affected and were reinstalled once the roof had been repaired.
We’re not foolish enough to believe that storm damage is impossible.
We know that tornadoes are a yearly occurrence in the Michiana area.
However, we haven’t seen our installations affected by hailstorms or windstorms, and our solar panels are backed by a 25-year warranty for times when you need it.
What Type of Solar System is Best for Me?
We always start by asking, “What’s your reason for going solar”?
Our two main options for Solar systems include Grid-Tie Systems and Hybrid Grid-Tie Systems.
Grid-Tie Solar Systems
A Grid-Tie System is more economical and will feature the fastest payback (typically seven years).
The Grid-Tie Solar System is made up of solar panels and an inverter. This system will use solar power to run your home and sell the excess back to your local power company.
While there used to be a one-to-one conversion rate before 2022, today, companies like REMC and Nipsco typically pay back only 1/3 of what they charge you for electricity.
This drop in credit makes our Hybrid Grid-Tie System option more appealing since the battery backup stores energy and keeps it accessible during emergencies.
Hybrid Grid-Tie Solar Systems
If you’re looking for peace of mind against power outages, the Hybrid Grid-Tie System with battery backup is your best option.
This allows you to use more of your own energy without depending on local utility companies and keeps you self-sufficient even as weather changes.
One downside is that, since it offers a battery back-up, the Hybrid Grid-Tie System costs more compared to our Grid-Tie System.
However, the efficiency of constantly having access to electricity makes this system well-worth the investment.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
For cabins and other remote locations that don’t have power, we also offer Off-Grid Packages and appliances.
Our Off-Grid Appliance line is built for efficiency, making them a great option for secluded areas.
Our Off-grid products include:
- Batteries and Chargers – Venture Stackable Modules (Lithium), MillerTech AGM, 12V Electric Lithium Battery Chargers
- Charge Controllers – SRNE HC Series PWM Controllers, SRNE ML Series MPPT Controllers, MidNite Solar Inc The Classic MPPT Charge Controller
- Inverters – PST Series of Pure Sine Inverters, SamlexAmerica Inverter / Chargers, EG4 All-In-One Inverter, Sol-Ark All-In-One Hybrid Inverters
- Solar Panels – 12V Solar Panels, Prewired Solar Panel Kits
- Freezers and Refrigerators – Sun Star Refrigerators, Sun Star Freezers
- Prewired Solar Kits – Freezer/Refrigerator Kits, Sun Star Prewired Solar Kits, Solect Energy Prewired Solar Kits
- Portable Solar Sheds – 10’ x 12’, 12’ x 20’, or Custom Sizes Available and Unlimited Color Options
Perks of Our Off-Grid Solar Systems
We offer some Off-Grid Prewired Solar Kits that are smaller in size than our other systems and DIY friendly. (Unlike our Grid-Tie and Hybrid Grid-Tie Systems, which require permitting before installation).
With our freezers and refrigerators, there is nothing on the market that comes close in efficiency, making these ideal for those with limited amounts of power available.
Off-Grid Solar Shed Systems
Our Portable Solar Sheds come with an inverter and batteries installed inside. These sheds make solar systems possible for those who don’t have room in their garages and need additional space.
During installation, we run power to these sheds instead of your garage.
Portable Solar Shed are also popular in Off-Grid Systems, giving more flexibility if you live remotely.
How Do I Get Started with A Solect Solar System?
Whether you need solar systems for your residential, commercial, or agricultural buildings, we have flexible options to help you find an economical solution.
The first step is getting a free estimate by calling or emailing us.
Once you’ve received your free estimate, we’ll enter into a contract with you—guaranteeing our work and outlining our 10-year and 25-year warranties.
From there, we’ll put you on the schedule. Typical lead times are 4-6 weeks from initial scheduling, but this depends on how long the permitting process takes.
We cover the permitting process for you.
Once we have clearance, we start the installation process! This part is fairly seamless and typically takes 1-2 days until it is completed.
And there you have it—your Grid-Tie or Hybrid Grid-Tie System is ready to go!
Ready to get started?
Contact our Sales Manager Chester Gingerich at 260-499-3051 Ext 104 or email us at [email protected] today!