OUC Customers: Go solar and make money
The days of high energy costs are numbered, and converting homes to renewable energy is quickly becoming a smart, even lucrative investment for customers of the Orlando Utilities Commission.
While great for the environment, adding solar panels to a home used to be cost-prohibitive. But with falling prices, generous federal tax benefits, better financing options, and incentives from power companies, the sun is shining much brighter these days on those converting to solar energy.
Energy
- Visit myenergygeek.com
- Email info@MyEnergyGeek.com
- Call (407) 901-5001
OUC’s incentive for producing solar energy is generous. Customers earn 5 cents for every kilowatt hour produced, whether it’s used for the home or sold back to OUC. When the system is generating more power than the home needs, OUC buys it back for an additional 10 cents (the same price they charge you) totaling a nice 15 cent credit for every kWh they buy.
For customers in 46 of the 50 largest US cities, 100-percent-financed solar is a better investment than the stock market.
“That can really add up to significant amounts of money,” says Brandon Wood, president of My Energy Geek, an energy consulting firm in Orlando and a division of Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. “In many cases, the financial benefits can even cover the cost of converting a home to solar energy.”
AC dead? Best time to go solar When we think of electricity usage, we usually think lights, refrigerator, and laptop-charging. Your AC, however, can account for nearly 50% of your energy bill in Central Florida. Now, solar air conditioning is becoming one of the biggest opportunities for homeowners looking to head towards a zero-energy home.
One out of every 78 new jobs in the United States is created in the solar industry.
Wood adds, “One of the biggest steps you can make towards reducing, and even eliminating your energy costs is by replacing your standard AC unit with a solar-ready unit.”
Many consumers are discovering that when they replace old AC units with solar AC units and solar panels, the federal tax incentives alone cut the cost of the investment by nearly a third.
Woods recommends the Lennox Solar Sun Source from Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions, a Lennox Premiere dealer in Central Florida. Lennox is clearly leading the shift to solar AC, and while most AC companies are just grasping the opportunity, Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions has already installed hundreds of solar AC units in the Central Florida area.
I hadn’t considered going solar until my AC unit needed to be replaced. When I discovered the opportunity with solar AC to reduce and eventually eliminate my power bill, then factored in the incentives, tax credits, property value and energy savings…it was a no-brainer -Ken Marks, Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions Customer
Eliminate your power bill completely As an Energy Consultant, Wood isn’t shy about his mission. “Our goal is to offer a whole-house approach to energy savings with a strategy to reduce or eliminate your energy bill completely. Then, it’s to make money from your power company. We show you how to do just that.”
Wood is quick to show examples of OUC utility bills stamped “Do Not Pay.” He has an infectious passion for teaching others how to get there, and it’s clear he’s a crusader for showing customers how to save money. For a limited time, in fact, My Energy Geek is offering a Free Home Energy Evaluation ($399 value) to customers of OUC, who stand to benefit the most.
While all regions have the potential for solar development, the US has six times the solar capacity of Germany, the world’s leader in solar.
“We look at every aspect of your home where you could be losing energy and money. Your AC, hot water heater, insulation, lights, heat-generating sources in your home, and so many other things that contribute to higher energy costs. We’ll show you exactly where your energy is wasted and how you can put that money back in your pocket.”
Why go solar now?
Solar AC The advent of Solar AC has created the best opportunity for consumers to make the shift. The Lennox SunSource Home Energy system by Rinaldi’s uses solar energy to power your AC system, which accounts for most of your energy use. When the AC unit isn’t running or when the solar panels are producing more energy than the AC needs to run, the excess power is sent into the home to power lights, TV, hot water tank and more. Any excess power is sent back to the power company entitling customers credit on their bill.
Investing in solar is more affordable than ever Solar is the most affordable it’s ever been —since 2010, the average price of PV panels has declined 63 percent.
Solar keeps energy dollars local, rather than outsourced.
Positive environmental impact Switching to solar energy helps to mitigate climate change, improve air quality and public health, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Make some money OUC, a city-owned utility, offers homeowners a financial incentive to produce energy through renewable resources. If you produce more energy with your solar system than you use, OUC will purchase that extra energy from you.
Increase your home value with a system that pays for itself According to the United States Department of Energy, for every $1 reduction in your energy bill, your home appreciates $20 in value. In addition, the savings generated by reducing your energy bill is often enough to cover the capital investment in a few short years. After that, it’s money back in your pocket.
Solar is growing 20 times faster than the overall US economy.
Federal and local utility tax rebates As a US taxpayer, you may claim a credit of 30 percent off your taxes with the residential renewable energy tax credit.
Ready to go solar today? Get started today with a Free Home Energy Evaluation from My Energy Geek, who can answer any of your questions and show you the best strategy for a zero-energy home.