You’ve been hearing about solar energy for years, and the idea of going off-grid, eliminating the cost of electricity, and reducing your carbon footprint has a certain appeal. But have you really explored your options?
Do you know who sells and installs solar panels? Are they reputable? How many do you need? Are you going entirely off-grid or just partially? And above all, how much is it going to cost?
You probably did not know that Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) has a specialist on staff who can answer your questions.
Tim Suddoth has served as MTE’s Energy Services Manager (officially: Distributed Energy Resources/Energy Services Supervisor) since 2017. Suddoth and his energy services team are responsible for home energy evaluations that can help MTE members make their homes more energy efficient.
“We look at anything that consumes energy, such as lighting, heat pumps and major appliances, and we look for air leakage through windows and doors,” says Suddoth. “We also inspect attic insulation and duct work as those are typically unseen but have a great influence on your energy costs.”
Suddoth is also an accredited solar energy expert by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Since licenses are not issued for solar installations (a licensed electrician has to make the connection to the electric grid), NABCEP certification is considered the gold standard for those in the solar energy industry.
While an inspection of your current systems and situation isn’t directly related to solar energy, Suddoth says it is a logical first step. Because as enticing as going off the grid may be, it’s not for everyone at this point.
“Going off the grid is an extreme measure,” he says. “It’s important to understand the concept of power and how much it takes to run the home so that you can enjoy creature comforts like air conditioning, heat and hot water. People who decide to go off-grid tend to be a bit more prepared to compromise on some of those lifestyle features.”
That’s why an assessment of your current situation is so important.
“Let’s say your utility bill averages $ 200 a month, but we can identify improvements that can reduce that cost to $125,” says Suddoth. “Now, you’re in a position where your solar energy requirements are a lot less, but you’re still saving a lot of money and conserving energy even if you decide that solar is not for you.”
Suddoth says numerous factors will determine whether your house is a good candidate for going off the grid. Chief among those is the fact that, on average, Middle Tennessee experiences only five hours of sunlight per day, and, in some cases, obstructions such as hills or trees could interfere with your solar panels’ ability to generate power.
“On an overcast day, solar just doesn’t produce much energy,” says Suddoth. “What happens if your battery is running out of juice and there’s no sunlight available to recharge it? Then there are costs associated with the physical square footage of the roof or ground space. Those are huge drivers in terms of answering important questions that every customer is going to ask.
“It can be done, but you have to consider the financial commitment and be ready mentally because you can’t go off the grid and forget about it. You have to manage your daily activities, keep your eyes on the weather and your battery status. Essentially, you’re becoming a powerplant manager.”
That said, systems are becoming better, and, according to Suddoth, it’s possible that going off the grid could become commonplace in many of our lifetimes.
Until then, a hybrid system might be a good option for those who want to venture into solar energy.
“You can design your system so we’re the backup,” says Suddoth. “First, you’ll have your solar panels and batteries, and what they can’t produce, MTE will provide.”
You must choose to do business with a reputable, experienced solar installer if you select this option, says Suddoth. It’s also worth noting that MTE is a consultant, not a service contractor or equipment provider. The names of those providers are available through MTE’s Quality Contractor Network.
“MTE is here to help our members. My role is to provide members with an unbiased opinion and get them to think about things in the long term because, even if you go solar, you’re still going to have maintenance and replacement expenses,” says Suddoth. “All of this should be considered before making your decision.”
ABOUT MTE
Founded in 1936, MTE is the largest electric cooperative in the Tennessee Valley Authority region and the second largest in the United States, serving more than 750,000 Tennesseans via 325,000+ accounts in 11 Middle Tennessee counties, including Rutherford and Wilson, and the municipalities of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Lebanon, and Mt. Juliet. MTE employs 520 people in seven local offices and its Murfreesboro corporate headquarters.
PULL QUOTE I
“Going off the grid is an extreme measure. It’s important to understand the concept of power and how much it takes to run the home so that you can enjoy creature comforts like air conditioning, heat and hot water.”
PULL QUOTE II
“My role is to provide members with an unbiased opinion and get them to think about things long-term because, even if you go solar, you’re still going to have maintenance and replacement expenses.”