How solar can empower your life
It’s no secret that solar energy is better for the environment than the use of fossil fuels. If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who cares about the planet and is looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint. But how much does solar energy really help? We’ve summarized some interesting data and facts that might help you understand the advantages of solar energy and how it can empower your life.
Solar energy by the numbers
In the US, solar energy is more accessible and affordable than ever, yet it’s still only 3% of the country’s power use.
There have been multiple fact checks based on Elon Musk’s statement regarding how much space is needed to provide solar power for the entire United States. Indeed, a 100-mile by 100-mile piece of land with a one-square-mile battery bank could generate and reserve enough energy from the sun to power the United States.
Obviously, having the entire country’s power source in one location isn’t the best idea. This is more of a visualization to show how little solar power we actually need to generate energy for our everyday lives.
Financial incentives for going solar
In addition to the feel-good vibes of being kinder to the planet, there are financial benefits for going solar.
Net metering
Some states have net metering available, allowing excess power your solar panels produce to be directed back into the grid. Homeowners receive credit from their electric company for every kilowatt-hour that isn’t used and allows you to cash in those credits when you’re not generating excess power. This is an excellent incentive for homeowners who live in places with long days in the summer when you can “bank” your kWh and then utilize credits in the shorter winter months.
Federal and state tax credits,
The Federal Tax Credit, also called the Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, has been extended to run for the next ten years due to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The 30% reduction will be available to qualifying homeowners every year from 2022 to 2032. This incentive is scheduled to reduce to zero by 2035.
Other solar incentives
There are cash incentives from some states’ electric companies, solar incentives for businesses, subsidized loans, and property tax exemptions available to those who qualify.
Solar for remote dwellings
You’ve found the perfect piece of property in the middle of Montana that you want to use for a summer vacation spot. It’s not a primary dwelling, and you’re only planning to put a tiny home on it. A small solar power system is perfect for adding extra convenience to your vacation.
Solar for accessory dwelling units
ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are becoming more popular every year due to the overwhelming need for affordable housing. ADUs are small, self-contained living spaces built on properties that already have a primary residential home. They can be a separate structure with a foundation (no motorhomes) or a converted part of a home, like a garage or an attic.
Adding solar power to an ADU helps to provide more affordable housing to your community while continuing to lower the carbon footprint of housing in general. Depending on your solar power system, you may be able to power your ADU with no additional costs beyond the initial installation.
Boxabl, a new startup, has been storming the housing industry with its “out-of-the-box” housing solution. Its mission is to significantly reduce the cost of homeownership for everyone by providing sustainable, efficient, affordable housing. They are succeeding by manufacturing prefab 375-square-foot tiny homes that fold into a box for easy transportation.
Why are we mentioning them here? A Boxabl home comes near-complete with a full-sized kitchen, bathroom, and living area. It can unfold onto a foundation in an hour, with all plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems ready to be plugged in. Boxabl’s stock flat roof system can easily accommodate solar modules, or you can add them to whatever roof design you incorporate. Boxabl delivers modern sustainability to your [soon-to-be] door that will last a lifetime.
Solar for communities
When you only need 10,000 square miles of solar panels to power the entire country, the idea of breaking that up into communities seems quite feasible.
Companies like Mighty Buildings are building entire communities of sustainable housing using 3D printing technology. Their manufacturing process produces significantly less waste and CO2 emissions than traditionally built homes.
Since the homes are prefab and delivered to order, it significantly reduces soft costs and labor hours on-site. Homes are equipped with solar power systems, achieving net-zero energy consumption. Mighty Buildings has accomplished producing a customizable end-to-end housing solution that’s good for the environment for generations to come.
Is a solar power system worth the investment?
Once a solar power system is installed, you can generate and store clean, sustainable, renewable energy indefinitely for 10+ years before needing to replace any equipment. You may have sticker shock when getting a quote for the initial investment, but if you’re planning on being in your home for some time, it can be worth the investment and then some.
If you’re only going to be in your home for a year or two, unless you can recover the cost in resale, it would probably be better to wait until you’re in a home longer-term.
The advantages of solar energy are always worth the investment when considering the greater good of our planet!
Benefits of Array’s solar series
At Array, we want to help empower your life with clean, sustainable energy. We also appreciate architectural aesthetics and value your time. ARRAY’s solar series encompasses all three of these interests. We have designed beautiful solar modules that integrate easily onto your home, reducing carbon emissions generated by fossil fuels.
We’re not just about the bottom line and selling solar modules. When you work with Array, you become part of our family. You’ll receive white-glove customer support starting with determining what solar series is suitable for your home and through the installation process.
True to our name, we offer an array of alternative solar options for residential homes. The Array solar series can integrate with pre-fab homes, existing construction, ADUs, and everything in between.
Easier installation
Our lightweight, adhesive solar modules are installed easily with a peel-and-stick process. There are no penetrations to your roof, which means no opportunities for leaks. It takes fewer people to install the modules since they are easier to handle and manage.
Beautiful integration
No one would know if you added solar to your home after it was built. Our modules are low profile, sleek, and look like they were made for your home. We use an integrated wire management system, so you never see bulky wires or ugly connections. It’s almost like having invisible solar. You’ll never have to be concerned that your HOA won’t approve your solar upgrades.
Clean and green
Array is proud to say that our modules have the lowest carbon footprint among all energy sources. We know the benefits of solar energy to the environment and ensure our manufacturing process is as clean and efficient as possible. What good is a solar module with a poor manufacturing process that still pollutes the planet?
We use CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) technology for our modules. The manufacturing process does not rely on toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, hydrofluoric acid, or hydrochloric acid. Producing CIGS panels uses significantly less energy and water than manufacturing traditional solar panels. Along with the lower use of resources, we ensure materials are recycled when spent.
Summary
Solar can empower your life in so many ways. It’s incredible to know that all of your energy consumption can come from a clean, sustainable, renewable source. You can cook your meals and heat your home with zero emissions. Your electricity bill can be reduced significantly or eliminated with the correct setup. Solar can add power to outbuildings, ADUs, and remote homes without digging trenches for new power lines. When there are power outages due to extreme storms or damaged power lines, you will still have reliable electricity in your home. The benefits of solar energy will continue for generations to come.
We are excited to see companies like Mighty Buildings and Boxabl disrupting the affordable housing market and creating better ways to live. Our business strategy is aligned well with these types of companies. Array is already a proud partner with Mighty Buildings, and we can curate custom solar solutions for other prefab companies like Boxabl. While working together, we truly can help make a better world.
How can we help you empower your life? Array’s solar series could be your perfect solution! Check out our FAQ page to see if Array is right for you.
