Guest story by Jill McLaughlin, Digital Content Manager at ReVision Energy
Did you know enough sunlight falls on Earth’s surface each minute to meet world energy demand for an entire year? That’s a lot of sunshine! You might not think of Maine as particularly sunny compared to more southern states, but a solar panel in Maine actually produces the same amount of energy annually as one in Texas, because solar panels are more efficient in colder temperatures. We also get 33% more sunlight than Germany, the world leader in solar installations. Yet, Maine spends roughly five billion dollars annually importing gas and oil. There’s a clear solution.
With grid-tied solar, you can reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and save money at the same time. The solar array on your roof or in your yard is directly connected to the utility grid, and the panels produce energy that is used by your home in real time to power your lights, refrigerator, television, and more. Any excess energy is then sent to the grid, where it benefits your neighbors. You are credited for that energy production on your electric bill and you can use those credits at night or on less sunny days. Most people with solar panels in Maine over-produce energy in the summer and use those credits in the winter when there’s less daylight.
ReVision Energy is a 100% employee-owned, mission-driven solar company. We handle the entire process, from our initial free site evaluation to system design, permitting, installation, and future service. Our systems are warrantied for 25 years but expected to last for over 35. The average payback period on a system is 5-7 years, so after that you have 20+ years of free electricity, a much higher Return on Investment than the stock market. The costs of the climate crisis are real and daunting. But with a 100% renewable-powered household, we can all reduce carbon emissions and our utility bills simultaneously.