Solar power taking shape at MCC

Matt Wilhalme

Many solar companies are searching for alternative sources of energy.Rising popularity of solar systems in the Valley has created a back order on the availability of solar modules and installation, according to Michael Norris, Marketing Manager for Dependable Solar Products.

The current backlog on the installation process is due to a significant increase in demand and a shortage of solar modules.

The wait time from first call to total installation is about three months depending on permit processing and a final inspection by the electric company, Norris said.

Lori Kaake, an MCC student, considers herself globally conscience and practices many typical forms of conservation. She uses CFL light bulbs, recycles, and uses a programmable thermostat to keep her energy usage down along with her electric bills.

Kaake said that when her electrical bills are high she and her husband will forgo any extracurricular activities and avoid splurging on groceries to deal with the high cost of electricity.

Although Kaake does not currently own her own home, she has researched installing a solar system for the future.

Outfitting a typical home in the Valley will run around $30,000 after all is said and done.

However, tax credits and rebates will, on average, pay for about half of the system’s total cost, Norris said.

“We have noticed an increase of several hundred calls a month,” Norris said.

If more people have solar systems installed onto their homes people will be more likely to get them as well, peer pressure, Tong Jian an MCC student said.

Jian said, he is exploring different options but he is just not sure what to do yet.

Currently he is living in an apartment he just moved into because the utilities were included in the monthly rent.

“We moved out because the electricity was too high,” Jian said.

“Customers notice an immediate difference in their electric bills after installing a solar system,” said Norris.

“And receive credit from their electric company for power they generate that is not used and sent back.”

Solar systems have most commonly, but not exclusively, been installed in homes of those with higher income because of the high initial cost of installation, Norris said.

Solar panels installed by Dependable Solar Products have a warranty of 25 years, but commonly last about 30 to 35 years, according to Norris.

“We actually know of some solar panels that have been in use since the 1960s,” Norris said.

There is virtually no maintenance necessary on the solar panels themselves, but the power inverter used to convert the direct current generated by the panels to alternating current used in power outlets may need to be serviced or replaced about every 10 to 12 years, Norris said.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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