Solar leads all energy sources in the first quarter

It isn’t just freaky Californians who are embracing solar energy. The United States installed more solar energy than any other source of power in the first quarter of this year.
It’s becoming increasingly popular here in Florida, where there’s no shortage of rays.
“This is the sunshine state,” says Carol Lopez-Bethel, a wine consultant who lives in Coconut Grove. Lopez-Bethel says, for her, going solar was an obvious solution. Three years after installing solar panels on the roof of her 1950’s era Grove home, the sun powers her refrigerator, her washer/dryer, her air conditioning and more.
“The lights that are on right now,” she says, “are free.  They’re coming from the sun.  And we’re not creating any pollution.  We’re not imposing ourselves (on the environment) in any negative way.”
Lopez-Bethel is a committed environmentalist, who looks for ways to reduce her personal carbon footprint.  But she also likes saving money on her monthly power bill.
“Prior to solar it would have been between $150-$200 dollars,” she says.
“And now you’re paying $28.72?” asks CBS4’s Rick Folbuam, looking at her bill.
“Yes,” she answers.

Solar will pay for itself within about seven years

With those savings, and the federal tax incentives currently in place, the average $30-thousand dollar solar system will pay for itself in about seven years.
But to some, the future of solar looks a bit cloudy.  President Trump has slapped tariffs on solar equipment imported from China – driving up costs. Fortunately, solar panel prices are dipping anyway. 
Lopez-Bethel says she did her research before choosing a contractor, ultimately calling it a leap of faith.  She went with Miami-based, Goldin Solar.
“I guarantee you-you're going to use energy,” says Goldin Solar’s owner and founder, Daren Goldin.  “The question is are you going to buy it from your local utility?  Or are you going to benefit from the sunshine hitting your rooftop?”
The utility companies, like FPL, see solar as a threat. They backed a 2016 amendment aimed at limiting rooftop solar expansion.  The measure failed.  Solar advocates cheered were pleased, but battles are not over yet. Goldin encourages his customers to shop around, using the price of dollars per watt as a comparison.

Homes and businesses investing heavily in solar

He says homeowners interested in solar should plan to stay in their house for at least 7-8 years. They should have a large flat roof surface with direct exposure to the sun. Goldin says, to make sure you’re working with a licensed contractor.  And finally, he says, get references.
Lopez-Bethel can sit in the comfort of her home and monitor her system online.  Easy to read charts display the production of each panel on her roof.   She says her panels often generate more power than she actually needs.
When that happens, Lopez-Bethel explains, “You are actually returning power to the grid and FPL has to rebate that back to you.”

If you are ready to install solar, contact HaHa Smart today!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.