Solar Energy: The Why & How-To
By Nicole Pressly Wolf

Would you like to open up your LIPA electric bill and see a credit instead of a charge? Well, it’s not a dream. That’s what Janet LaViolette will do this month, when she receives the first statement after installing her new solar energy system.

Solar energy technology has been around for 50 years. And because of technological advances it has recently gotten to a new level. “It is more efficient, more aesthetically beautiful and more importantly 60 to 65 percent of the cost of the system will be paid for by LIPA and the government,” said Richard Perl, President of ABC Solar Goods. “Before it wasn’t affordable, now it is.”

Over this past weekend, two open houses and several presentations were given in Saltaire and Ocean Beach by the ABC Solar Goods team, Rob Ashmore as ABC Real Goods general manager, Richard Perl as President and Shane Metcalf as Perl’s assistant.

ABC Real Goods Solar is the collaboration of Real Goods and ABC Carpet & Home. Real Goods, a subsidiary of Gaiam, is California's premier solar electric provider. Since 1978, Real Goods has installed over 60,000 solar systems in homes and businesses.

ABC Carpet & Home is the prestigious New York City retailer, lwith locations in New York and New Jersey. ABC Carpet, founded over a century ago, is the world's largest retailer of carpets. ABC Home, established in the 1980s, has developed a worldwide reputation as a cutting edge home furnishings store, which, according to their Web site, helps customers “articulate their personal expression of home by integrating beauty, spirit and culture from around the world.”

With people pouring into the first presentation held in Saltaire, everyone was open to the possibility of upgrading their homes in a new way. “The other solar article you published before peaked our interest. We are thinking of winterizing our home and are considering solar. With the oil crisis, everyday I think, ‘you have to do something.’ In the off-season we use those electric space heaters—and our bill is like we are here full-time!” said Jim McDonald of Saltaire.

David Lambie, of Lambie Electric of Kismet, was there to hear the Saltaire presentation. He has been researching the benefits of solar for years and is only waiting for Town of Islip approval to install solar panels on his screened-in porch; DEC approval was given this summer.

“People are putting in granite kitchens and glass tiles as they improve their beach homes. Why not put that money, if you have it, into something that can help the planet?’ said Krysia McBride, Lambie’s wife. “If you need a new roof anyway, why not put in solar shingles or panels?”

Earth Friendly, Duh…

Solar energy makes sense for a number of reasons. Natural resources such as oil, coal and natural gas are being used faster than they can be created. Meanwhile, the sun's energy output is constant or nearly so each and every day. Clouds can block sunlight, and the change of seasons creates a varying amount of available sunlight on any given day. But we can count on the sun. When the sun is shining on south-facing lots in the Northern Hemisphere, massive amounts of energy can be captured. In fact, you might capture excess energy that can be sent backward through the power lines to LIPA and make money when your usage is low.

“We live in such a beautiful place. But that doesn’t give us license to abuse it. I mean look at what happened recently with the E. coli scare in the water. We need to start thinking outside of ourselves here,” said LaViolette.

Costs

“What does it cost?” was the first thing yelled out at the beginning of the Saltaire presentation. After someone countered “Let him speak!” and Rob Ashmore was able to begin again, it was obvious dollars were on many people’s minds.

Solar used to be only for the rich. Electricity was cheap and the solar energy systems were very expensive. Now all that has changed. As energy prices climb and solar equipment has come down in cost and the added combination of government tax credits, rebates and buy back electricity programs have made solar in the New York area very appealing.

The Money Breakdown

What does all this mean? Lets look at a sample bill. If you have an average monthly electric bill of $125 we would recommend a 5,000 watt solar system for a total cost of $42,500, which includes materials and labor. However, ABC Real Goods Solar will collect $18,750 of that directly from the LIPA rebate program, so the upfront cost to you is only $23,750. For purchasing the system, you receive a federal tax credit of $2000 and a state income tax credit of $5,000, reducing your total cost to $16,750. Your new solar system will generate $108 of electric savings each month ($1,296 per year). As electric prices rise your savings and income will increase. If you choose to finance your solar system with a loan your cost of capital for the $23,750 out of pocket expense will be lower than your initial benefit of $1,296, so the system will be cash flow positive from day one.

Added bonus: no sales tax on any of it on Fire Island, that’s right—any of it—even installation. And you are insulated from further rate hikes. Your rates from LIPA are locked.

How does it work?

Panels absorb the energy, and bring it to the inverter that then converts the power from your solar panels for use in your home and for transmission to your utility company. Your meter spins backwards and extra energy is sold back to LIPA. Two-way power grid means you are never disconnected from the grid. On a really cloudy day, you may be using energy from LIPA.

On Island Concerns

“I did nothing. Just had to return Rob’s emails,” said LaViolette in response to her labor for the solar system. The freight was taken care of by ABC Solar. They deliver the panels and the electrician was “top notch,” said LaViolette. It took three weeks once she committed.

“It was the easiest and most satisfying investment I ever made, added LaViolette.

“ That’s amazing to say that, on this island, it was no hassle!” said Lisa Smith-Horowitz at the Ocean Beach brunch.

Everyone was so supportive, added LaViolette. “From Ted Minsky, to inspect it, to the one day it took for the town permit approval to the LIPA guys, who were so excited.” In Saltaire, some residents were concerned that the village had building codes against solar panels. According to Mario Posillico, village administrator, there is nothing in the building or zoning codes that regulates solar.

“It would just have to comply with the regular building and zoning codes. Since we don’t have any [solar panels] in Saltaire, we’re just not familiar with it,” said Posillico.

What if your home is closed up for several months every year?

No problem. Just cut the electricity to your home like you would normally, but leave the solar system on. The breaker for the solar system is above the main. This way you are still sending LIPA electricity and getting credit.

What about the harsh conditions here? Will it be destroyed or fly off during high winds and cause damage?

They are built to withstand harsh conditions. “I’ve only had two break in my six years and thousands of installations,” said Ashmore. In addition, they are covered under your homeowner’s insurance in case of any damage. LaViolettte just had to take a picture for her insurance policy and they covered it without any problems. In addition, each panel is grounded for lightning. Ashmore has never seen a panel system destroyed by lightning. But again, homeowners insurance will cover it. On the entire island, LIPA claims there are only eight or 10 solar systems, and none in Ocean Beach.

Does it work during a power outage?

No. Because it is required by federal standards to shut down all power if the power is off. That prohibits any energy being created and sent to a power plant that may not be able to use. If that is important to you, you can have a battery back-up system, or simply use a generator.

What if my roof doesn’t face south?

South facing roofs are the best. Especially pitched. ABC Solar will evaluate your roof and see if it even makes sense for you to have a system. You may just have a lower wattage system, but it can still be very beneficial. You don’t have to get 100 percent of your energy from solar, it can be any percentage you like.

What about roof repair? On FI people often have to repair their roofs every ten years due to the harsh conditions.

The panels can be removed in a half a day and then returned to the new roof. With the panels on they will make the roof last longer too. I would recommend repairing your roof before you install them, although they are very light.

Maintenance

The only maintenance is hosing off the leaves/dirt every two months or so as needed. The frames are aluminum so they withstand corrosion from salt.

Warranties

The panels are made by manufacturers that offer their own warranties. Most are for 25 years. LaViolette’s are made by Sharp. All ABC Solar’s work is covered by a five-year warranty.

Towards the end of the presentation Perl looked out thoughtfully at the group assembled and smiled. “It just takes that first step. That’s what’s so beautiful about Nurse Janet is to have a person like her. She is so authentic and disarming,” said Perl.