WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is beginning a series of informational meetings this week about the benefits of converting a home or business to solar energy.
Solar Program Specialist Ryan Negro says the meetings will cover the basics of solar panel installation such as the requirements and purchasing options for the panels. “Not everybody’s property is going to be an ideal fit. If you have a lot of trees that shade your house and you aren’t willing to cut those trees down then you won’t be a good candidate.”
As for the financing, he says most people look at it as an investment which allows them to pay for about 10 years worth of power up front, then get another 20 years worth for free. “You have the system for a lot longer than it takes to pay off.”
Negro says the events are free and there’s no obligation. There is also a 30% federal tax credit available for those who go through with the conversion however he says those incentives will begin to decline after 2019. That credit is also only available to for-profit businesses and individuals, as non-profit groups have a separate incentive to switch.
Residents will also have the opportunity to go in together as part of a group buy, which can also lower the cost of the panels.
The “Power Hour” meetings begin Wednesday evening at the MREA office in Custer. A handful of events will be held in the Wausau area with other stops in Wisconsin Rapids, Plover, Stevens Point, and Waupaca held from August 2nd through October 10th. The complete list of dates and times can be found here.
