Sunny side up: Does solar energy make sense for your home?

Over the past year, I've been fortunate to make some energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades to my home. During this process, I examined the feasibility of installing solar panels.

As it turned out, my home was not a great candidate for installation (too much shade), but I still wanted to know more. So, this month, I turned to local installation expert Jeremiah Chavez, General Manager of Energy Design (solarenergydesign.com), to ask a few follow-up questions.

First on my list: what makes a property a good candidate for solar electricity?

Not surprisingly, Chavez highlighted that sunlight exposure is a crucial factor. He said that just one in eight people who contact his company in Lane County have adequate sunlight levels to make solar a "decent" investment.

Additionally, he noted that the age of a roof plays a critical role in determining whether the installation is appropriate.

"Most rebate and incentive programs, if available through the state or a local (utility company), require the roof to have at least 15 years remaining roof life," he said. "Ideally, we're looking for 20 to 25 (years of remaining life)."

He said that if the roof covering was replaced within the last eight years, it's likely a prime candidate.

Furthermore, Chavez said a changing climate has increased solar irradiation rates. Solar systems today produce approximately 10 percent more power annually than 15 years ago.

Chavez acknowledged that most local power in Lane County is already cheap and clean, so solar may not always make sense for owners. Conversely, the cost of solar panel installation has come down approximately 80 percent during his two decades at Energy Design. Currently, according to Chavez-without incentives, rebates, or tax credits applied-solar installation costs an average of around $27,000 for an Oregon home.

Chavez says most people can "pay for a solar electric system that offsets 100 percent of their consumption annually in about 12 years." However, he acknowledges that this timeline may not always be practical or even the most effective way to improve building efficiency.

"We always recommend that people first look at heating and air conditioning upgrades and weatherization (before considering solar)," Chavez said. "Those programs are not as 'sexy,' but...long term...(they) are the best way to invest in the home, and solar should really just be considered after those."

Waste Wise Tip: Washing in cold water saves energy (and more)

According to Energy Star, 90 percent of the energy used to operate a washing machine is spent heating the water. Energy Star estimates that switching from hot to warm water cuts energy use in half, and switching to cold water lowers energy use even more. Washing in cold water also reduces microfiber shedding, prolongs clothing life, and reduces wrinkles. For this tip and others, visit Instagram.com/wastewiselanecounty.

Energy Trivia

Take a few minutes to test your knowledge of energy and take our trivia quiz. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone, "spin the wheel" to choose a nickname, and play the game.

Waste Wise Lane County, a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division, seeks to empower residents, businesses, and schools with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably. Sign up for the Waste Wise newsletter and discover more resources at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise