When making recommendations for commercial and residential applications, keep the following three goals in mind:
1. Reducing overall energy consumption without changing lifestyle.
2. Seeking contractors who have special services.
3. Reducing carbon footprint with domestic hot water systems and photovoltaic systems to independently generate electricity all year.
Something you don't often hear from solar energy proponents: put solar panels on the backburner, at least initially. Prior to installing solar panels, energy efficiency should be evaluated in multiple areas of the home.
Two reasons why PV should be the last installation, no matter where your home is located:
1. You will reduce the cost in proportion to the amount of energy you first conserve.
2. PV systems have to improve in efficiency, and then the cost of a system will come down. Personally, I would say to wait at least one year prior to making a 25-year commitment today."
Before you have solar panels installed, use a Power Bill Diet, designed to convert an expensive investment into something affordable and practical, especially once state-specific incentives kick in. "Most people get 'sticker shock' when they are told how much money it will cost them to become energy-independent with PV systems," Menkes explains.
"A $300 monthly power bill can easily exceed $50,000.00, including a proper battery storage system. By following specific energy-conserving strategies, a $300 bill can be reduced 60% or less. Then, a PV system may cost $30,000, of which the State of Florida will rebate 40%. $18,000 is much more affordable, plus, fewer PV panels and batteries are required."
