For thousands of years, the sun has powered life on Earth. Its rays grow our food, create our seasons, and light our way. New and ever-evolving technology means those rays can power our modern lives as well, helping us wash dishes, watch television, and stay comfortable inside our homes. In the St. Louis region, there are now more options to harness the sun’s strength than ever before. Ameren Missouri, for instance, announced this summer that it plans to produce enough solar energy in the next three years to power nearly 100,000 average-size homes. Grow Solar Gateway Region, a partnership among the Missouri Botanical Garden, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, is also offering a bulk-purchasing discount program for prospective residential solar buyers through November 18. “There’s a sense of pride that comes with generating your own electricity,” says Taylor Ball, MREA’s solar program manager. Are you thinking about making the switch? Here’s what you ought to know before investing in a system that uses the sun’s energy to fuel your home.
HOW RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY WORKS
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1. The sun releases light particles called photons, which contain varying amounts of energy.
2. When photons hit a solar panel, they are absorbed by silicon semiconductors, which release electrons and create direct current (DC) power.
3. The DC power travels through an inverter, which acts as the heart of the system, converting it to AC power that can be used inside the home.
4. A meter on the home tracks how much energy a home’s panels create and consume, and then shoots any excess energy back into the power grid.
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE SWITCHING TO SOLAR
1. Make energy-efficient updates to appliances, windows, and lighting to reduce the need for additional energy generation. If your roof needs to be replaced within the next eight years, do that before installing a solar array on top of your home.
2. Figure out your energy needs. What types of things do you need to power on your property? Do you want to use solar energy only to heat your water, or your air?
3. Schedule a site assessment to determine whether your property is suitable for a solar array. Panels work best when they can be installed in a south-facing area with a clear view of the sun, though east- and west-facing areas can also work. This will maximize your solar window, the time from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. when sun exposure is most conducive to generating power.
4. Review ordinances to ensure your solar project will not be impacted by local laws.
5. Research a solar company, sign a contract, and have your system installed. Keep in mind that it typically takes between four to six months to complete the process of switching to solar.
