Illinois has more sun power per square mile than Germany, the world’s leading producer of solar energy. Solar panels work in cold temperatures. Panels are actually a little more efficient when it’s cooler outside. They can work in snowy climates as well. You get the most solar power on a clear, sunny, day, but your panels won’t stop working when it’s cloudy. Solar panels protect and preserve the portion of the roof they cover. For customers in Illinois, 100% financed solar is a better investment than the stock market. In many locations solar will add substantial value to a home or business. Solar systems are resilient and have great longevity and typically carry a 25 year warranty. Solar panels will outlast your roof and are hail tested to sustain 1-inch hail impact at 50 mph.

How a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Works: The system operates using a principle known as the Photovoltaic Effect (PV). This allows an array of solar PV panels to directly convert solar radiation into electricity as follows: 1. Solar panels capture energy from the sun and create direct current (DC) electricity. 2. An inverter in the power box converts the DC power into alternationg current (AC) that is suitable for home and businesses. 3. A 2-way electricity meter records the amount of electricity generated and, if required, measures any power the home or business feeds into the grid.

Is Your Home or Business a Good Place for a PV System? Do you have a clear and unobstructed access to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day throughout the year either on the roof or on the ground? Is your site free from shading from trees, nearby buildings, chimneys or other obstruction? Do you have sufficient southerly facing roof surface? (Roofs that face east or west may be also acceptable.) Does your roof or property contain a large enough area for a PV system? What kind of roof do you have and in what condition?

Steps to Consider When Installing Solar: Get an accurate idea of the amount of energy your home uses each month. Make sure you are already as energy-efficient as possible; as a consequence less energy needs to be generated which affects the size of the solar array required. Consider hiring a Certified Site Assessor to evaluate the proposed site, answer questions, and summarize the site specific information in a written report. The information gained from an unbiased site assessor is invaluable in making a wise solar energy decision. Find the right contractor for you. Get multiple quotes from more than one contractor that is properly licensed or certified and check how many years’ experience they have. Call their references! Your system will need to be sized, sited, installed and maintained correctly to achieve optimal performance. Ask if the contractor will facilitate handling of local construction permits and assist with determining State and Federal incentives that may be available. Illinois Solar Energy Association: ISEA is a non-profit, whose mission is to educate and advocate for the widespread application of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy for the people of Illinois. ISEA periodically offers opportunities for solar tours of local homes and businesses. They also facilitate vocational training for installers and assessors via the community college system. To find more about ISEA and details on solar, go to www.illinoissolar.org. In Glen Carbon you can contact Chris Krusa, a Glen Carbon Cool Cities Committee member, and request tour of his home’s solar array at 27 Rose Court by emailing him at clkrusa@charter.net. Prepared by Chris Krusa supplemented with information provided by the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA).