Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to go solar — a choice that will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lower your energy bills for years to come. Once you’ve signed a contract to install solar panels on your home, the journey is just beginning. One of the most important steps in the process [...] Read More... The post Navigating the Solar Permitting and Interconnection Process: What Homeowners Need to Know appeared first on Ecohouse Solar, LLC ..read more

As energy costs continue escalating and environmental concerns become more pressing, you may find yourself considering whether a solar panel system is a good solution for your energy needs. In this guide, we’re sharing the top practical considerations for installing solar panels in homes and businesses to help you make the best choice. 12 Considerations [...] Read More... The post Is a Solar Panel System Right for Your Home or Business? appeared first on Ecohouse Solar, LLC ..read more

In three weeks, our country will elect new leadership for our local, state and national governments. Many people have said this is the most important election of our lifetime, and I totally agree. Considering what is at stake in the election, I strongly, passionately, emphatically encourage everyone to vote and make your voice heard. It is one thing we can do that will make a difference in this important crossroads for our democracy and for all life on earth.  What is at stake is life on the planet as we know it. Because of the growing human population and because us humans have been bur ..read more

In July 2020, Ecohouse Solar installed a 65 KW solar electric system on the new Education Center at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Ecohouse is working with Moody Nolan Architects , Miles McClellan Construction and McNaughten-McKay Electric on this clean energy project.   The Columbus Zoo is standing behind its commitment to sustainability, and working to reduce its carbon footprint.  This new building is a demonstration of that commitment.   The Education Center will operate on solar power, produced by 164 solar panels on the roof of the building.  Ecohouse Solar is p ..read more

Although the sun powers solar panels all year, there are a few reasons why spring is a good time to consider making the switch. Why Install Solar in Spring? Summer months generate the highest production due to longer days and warmer temps, allowing you to store excess power for future use or sell it back to the grid Households can avoid increased energy costs from A/C use Spring tax refunds can generate additional savings in 2025 with the Federal Solar Tax Credit In Ohio, it can be easy to forget about the sun in the winter – but spring will be here before we know it! Contrary to popular bel ..read more

Stranded Solar Systems, sometimes called Solar Orphans, refer to abandoned or neglected solar energy projects or installations that are left incomplete or non-functional by the original contractor or installer. Not only is this frustrating for the property owner, who is left with an inoperable or underperforming system, but it results in wasted resources and lost potential for renewable energy generation. There are several reasons why PV systems may be abandoned. One common cause is the bankruptcy or financial instability of the project developer or installer. In some cases, the project may b ..read more

YouTube: https://youtu.be/G6F40C0LMCE St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Delaware has taken a big step toward a renewable energy future! Last month we completed their installation of 112 solar panels, thanks in part to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In addition to extending the solar tax credit, the bill expanded the credit to give municipalities and non-profit organizations more incentives to go green. When Dr. Louis Iverson, the Solar Project Chair for St. Mark’s and a retired ecologist for the US Forest Service, heard about this, he knew it was time. “In the past couple of decades there ha ..read more

This month, electric utility customers who receive their generation supply through AEP Ohio’s Standard Service Offer will see an increase in their bill. To help customers understand the reasons behind the rate change, as well as the implications for homes powered by solar, we asked our experts to explain. AEP Rate Increase at a Glance In the two most recent auctions, the lowest bids submitted by those who supply energy to AEP were significantly higher than prior cycles. These suppliers attribute the higher cost of generation to increased consumer demand, supply chain issues, and the war in U ..read more

As we close out 2022, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this year has brought: The extended solar tax credit: Instead of waving goodbye to the tax credit after 2023, the tax credit has been increased back up to 30% and extended through 2032. Along with it comes rebates for efficient appliances and home insulation. A big step forward for renewables: The stress of global events and worrisome news about the Earth’s climate is undeniable, but the silver lining is that the demand for renewable energy has increased beyond any projections from a decade ago. Demand for solar increased 40% this y ..read more

We’ve talked a lot about the Inflation Reduction Act’s increase and extension of the solar tax credit, but what other benefits are there? HEERA: High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act In addition to receiving 30% back on solar installations, HEERA offers up to $14,000 per year in discounts for low- to mid-income households for purchases of electric appliances. You can receive rebates for heat pumps for heating and cooling (up to $8000), electric stoves (up to $840), and insulation (up to $1600). Medium-income is defined as up to 150% of the local median income, and low-income includes house ..read more