H
SUN-LIGHT
YOUR HOME
ave you been wondering if there’s a way you can cut
your energy bills while helping to contribute to a greener
environment? Though Pennsylvania may not immediately
spring to mind as a sunny destination, solar power is readily
available and already being used in hundreds of area homes
successfully.
Think of it like this: If there were a river flowing by your house
and you only had a five‑gallon bucket to collect the water, you
would only be able to use five gallons. But if you had 20 fivegallon buckets, you could have all the water you needed. Solar
energy functions in a similar way. If you live in an area that does
not get much sun, by adding more solar panels you can collect
more sun.
According to lead designer Ian Smith of Energy Independent
Solutions, the Pittsburgh area is able to produce about 80%
of the solar power that Miami, Florida, does! There are also
attractive options for installing the panels, such as all-black
panels and solar shingle products that blend the panels in with
your roof. Solar awnings can also be installed on a pergola or
carport. And with flat roofs, the panels are generally not visible
at all. There are also ground-mounted systems which are
separate from your home.
Smith adds that the initial cost for an average‑size home of
2,000 sq. ft. might range from about $15,000 to $25,000, which
is recouped over a few years. Homeowners switching to solar
will also receive a 30% income tax break until the end of 2016. ■
Upper St. Clair | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 37