Is Solar right for me?

Unless your RGS/Solar system includes a battery, you need utility grid power for the inverter and for those times when the sun is not powering your solar system (at night or cloudy days for instance). Most solar systems are designed to produce the amount of the home’s total energy consumption but not at the time the consumption occurs. The difference comes from the utility grid. Keep in mind that an RGS/Solar system without a battery must be tied to the utility grid to work. This means that solar panels will not be able to provide your home with electricity during a power outage, unless you have a battery.

We process required documents, evaluate system specifications and ratings and install net meters. Please contact our Energy Services division before you invest in solar. Our personnel can answer your questions and help you determine if solar is a fit for your home. Please email solar@clayelectric.com.

You will need to consider the cost involved in:

• The solar purchase and installation. A general rule of thumb for calculating the cost of an RGS/Solar system is $4 per installed watt. A 5,000-watt (5 kW) RGS/Solar system costs approximately $20,000 initially. Currently, the federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit (you have to file income tax to determine if you qualify). This is a tax incentive, not a cash rebate.
• A battery storage system. Many members who install rooftop solar also choose to purchase a battery storage system. These systems allow you to store the power produced by the rooftop solar panels for later use, such as at night when solar panels are not producing solar energy but the home is still consuming it. This is an additional cost to an RGS/Solar system.
• Roof replacement (if needed). Rooftop solar panels are drilled into your roof directly. It is very important that your roof is in good condition so it can physically support solar panels. It is better to replace the roof prior to installation if needed. It can be costly to remove the solar system after installation, replace the roof and then re-install the solar system. Roof replacement can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more, so it is an important factor to consider. Ground mounts might be a better option.
• Tree removal (if needed). You may decide that tree removal is necessary to get optimal solar output from your system. Tree removal can range from $100 to $5,000+ depending on the amount and size of trees that you want to have removed.
• Your electric rate. A common misconception with solar is that you will no longer receive an electric bill, or that your electric bill will be $0. Even members who purchase solar panels and a battery storage system will receive a Clay Electric bill each month. This is because solar arrays are not typically sized to meet the total energy needs of the home. Production can also be variable based on the weather. Solar members often rely on Clay Electric for at least a portion of their power, and they depend on the reliability offered by the grid. All members pay a monthly Access Charge that covers some of the basic costs of providing service.
• Your homeowner’s insurance. Each policy is different, so you should contact your insurance provider before installing an RGS/Solar system to make sure you do not need additional coverage.

Energy efficiency improvements. You might choose to make energy efficiency improvements to your home to optimize your energy use. Lowering your consumption needs could result in you being able to invest in a smaller RGS/Solar system.

• Operation and maintenance. Your system might need occasional maintenance or repair and cleaning.
• Rates. Evaluate kWh rates by reviewing Clay Electric’s rate and comparing it to the RGS/Solar cost per kWh.