Doing what’s best for the environment has never been a cheap option, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the best option.
According to James City County’s webpage for their Going Solar program, solar energy saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop form increasing demand and technological developments. Using solar energy also improves the resilience of the electric grid during peak demand and other stresses to the grid system.
After thousands of households lost power during Tropical Storm Isaias, it begs the question if solar power is better than what grid power can offer homeowners.
York County is currently collaborating with New Jersey-based solar company, KDC Solar, on building a solar farm on the 432-acre property near the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. The property used to be a fuel farm.
KDC Solar bought the land on behalf of the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, or RIFA, for $1.3 million. RIFA consists of multiple localities, including Williamsburg, James City, and York Counties, said Jim Noel, York County’s director of Economic Development.
When surveying the land, officials found only 250 acres of the property were good enough for panel usage but that about 25 acres outside of the property were actually perfect, Noel said. Construction should be completed in 2021.
In James City County, Dominion Energy is currently constructing another solar farm measuring approximately 193 acres. The ground mounted single-axis tracking facility will contain about 66,900 photovoltaic panels. The project is also scheduled to be finished in 2021.
But what about homeowners who want renewable energy for their homes now?
James City County offers resources to help residents transition to solar power. Their webpage assists in selecting a solar contractor to assess your home for solar energy.
Scott Stevens, county administrator for James City County, said they had about 60 solar projects so far this year, and the county still has the desire to help homeowners switch to solar energy.
When considering switching to solar energy, the county has a few pieces of advice for residents.
According to the Solar Estimate, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Virginia is $3.11. A typical 6,000 watt (6 kW) solar system is $18,680 before the federal solar credit and $13,823 after claiming the federal solar tax credit.
If you live in a community with a Homeowner’s Association, then it’s best to consult your HOA’s Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions documents for solar panel requirements. In Virginia, HOAs or Neighborhood Associations cannot restrict solar through their bylaws unless the community association’s recorded declaration establishes such a prohibition.
When it comes to installing solar panels, south facing roofs are the best candidates, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. In America, roofs facing north are not the best for solar because they don’t receive direct sunlight.
Depending on the contractor, there are also various payment options available. Homeowners can buy a solar system (with cash or a loan) and own both the system and all the power it produces. They can also lease a system, usually for a monthly rate, and own all the power it produces, or enter a “power purchase agreement” to buy in price per kWh the electricity the system produces.
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