For many Wisconsin residents the sun signifies a nice summer day and a great suntan, but for a growing number of residents and businesses it means something more—energy.  Today more and more people are turning to solar energy to provide hot water and electricity for homes and businesses and in doing so, are making a positive impact on the environment.  In addition, benefits of solar energy are felt on the local, national and global levels, as new jobs are created, energy imports are decreased and the economic impacts caused by sudden increases in the cost of fossil fuels are reduced.


Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems connect to a building or home’s existing gas or electric water heating system to provide a renewable source for hot water. These systems can supply about half of the hot water needs of the typical Wisconsin residence.  They’re efficient, reliable and well proven for use in Wisconsin’s climate.


Solar hot water systems are very reliable, with a long and successful track record in Wisconsin. The major components of a solar hot water system can last the life of the home while other minor components are subject to wear and may need to be replaced eventually. The system should be checked every 5 years to 10 years by a qualified service technician. Expect the average annual maintenance costs to be around $30.


Solar hot water system costs vary depending on a number of factors, such as the layout of your site and the hot water needs of your home. Typical return on investment, with current incentives, averages between 5 percent and 15 percent.  That equals savings of $100 to $400 per year in energy costs, depending on the type of fuel your conventional water heater uses, the cost for water heating fuel and the amount of hot water your household uses.


Solar Electric Systems

Investing in a solar electric system allows you to produce your own electricity without noise, air pollution or moving parts while using a clean, renewable fuel resource. A solar electric system is really the only renewable electricity generation technology suitable for cities and neighborhoods, and their popularity is increasing.  During the past five years, the Wisconsin solar electric market grew at a rate of about 80 percent each year.  Since systems typically operate for 40 years to 50 years with little maintenance, these households and businesses will be creating free green power for decades.


While the cost of living has been rising throughout the country, the cost of solar electric systems has been stable to declining. Many solar electric market experts predict prices will fall significantly in the next few years and gradually become cost competitive with grid electric power. In the meantime, Focus on Energy and others offer significant financial incentives to help reduce project costs. Information about available financial incentives from Focus on Energy can be found at focusonenergy.com/reincentives.


There are many steps to take before a solar hot water or solar electric system can be installed in a home or business.  For example performing a site assessment, checking zoning restrictions and insurance requirements and contacting your local utility are just a few.  While this may sound daunting, Focus on Energy can help you navigate this process.  In addition, it provides financial incentives to help finance the cost of this process from the site assessment through installation. The program’s goal is to knock down as many barriers as possible between you and an energy independent future.


Seeing is Believing

Not sure if solar energy is right for your home or business? Visit the 2008 Wisconsin Solar Tour on October 3 and 4 to see homes and businesses with renewable energy systems and sustainable features.  Free tours are located throughout the state. To find out more information, visit http://www.the-mrea.org.  You can also call Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077, or visit focusonenergy.com/solarhome to see how solar energy works in a home.