Installing a Small Solar Electric System
If you’ve already made your home as energy efficient as possible, and you have sufficient sunlight (also referred to as your “solar resource”), you might want to consider generating your own electricity with a solar power system. Solar energy systems also often make sense if you drive a plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle since you use additional electricity to charge your vehicle.
Solar panels can be installed onto ground- or roof-mounted racks, and products are available that integrate solar cells with the roof, making them much less visible than older systems.
You should consider several factors if you want to install a solar power system, such as your solar resource, siting and sizing the system, and electrical safety. Because of the complexity and need for proper installation, it’s best to have a solar professional install your system.
There are now more ownership and leasing options for homeowners interested in installing solar energy systems. You can choose to purchase a system with cash or a loan; you can lease a system and own the power generated; or you can enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA), in which a solar system is installed on your property and you buy the power generated.
If you choose to purchase a system, small solar energy systems are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through 2019. The tax credit decreases to 26% in 2020, then to 22% in 2021, and expires December 31, 2021.
Before designing your solar energy system, call 270-926-3200 to contact a member of our Transmission & Distribution staff to review connection and net metering requirements.