Solar panels are a hot topic these days. Their installation can be costly and complex, but the benefits they reap are often worth it. Of course, in most parts of Oregon where the sun does not shine for several months at a time, some people are not sure about whether or not solar panels actually function properly in this state.

Here is a look at whether or not solar panels are going to benefit your property.

Do solar panels function properly in overcast conditions?

The short answer is yes. The long answer involves where you position your solar panels, how much energy you draw from the use of your panels and more.

Can I install solar panels on my own?

While it is possible to manage installation of your own panels, professional installation is usually the way to go. Paying an expert to position your panels properly so that they get maximum efficiency can immediately curb your utility bills.

Are solar panels fragile or likely to get damaged by heavy rain or wind?

Most panels are constructed to be very sturdy. Regardless of Central Oregon whether during the winter, it is likely that solar panels you purchase will be able to survive the conditions. Again, professional installation is helpful since these experts will help you understand the best ways to protect your panels during the wet, windy winter months.

Are there tax incentives for using panels at home or the office?

It is possible to recoup as much as 80 percent of what you pay through cash incentives, as well as through federal and state energy credits. Oregon is a leading state for the use of solar energy, and Central Oregon in particular is helping to lead the charge with one of the highest conversion rates to solar energy use for any part of the state.

Going green is a popular choice these days. More people than ever before are aware of the finite amount of resources this planet has available. Carbon foot printing, which is a metric for gauging how effective you are in your use of natural resources, is also on the rise. The choice to be as responsible as you can with your use of natural resources starts at home.

Composting, solar energy panels and recycled water use are all excellent strategies for improving your carbon foot print. However, setting up a composting system or solar panels, let alone updating your water utility system to recycle your use of water, can be prohibitively expensive or impossible if you live in an apartment building. Here are three tips that can be applied to help you promote green living, no matter where you live or what your budget looks like.

Electricity use and green living

For most people, the highest monthly utility bill that they pay is for electricity. Premium cable or satellite TV options aside, the cost to power your electronics can rack up very quickly. However, there are some basic steps you can take to cut down on your electricity use including the following:

• Unplug your cell phone charger or laptop battery when it is not needed
• Use power strips and shut them off for all kitchen appliances
• Fully power down video game consoles and computers before bed
• Shut down and unplug all appliances before extended trips/vacations

Check your property for leaks

Air leaks cost property owners hundreds of dollars every year in wasted utilities. A leak in your home, whether it is a hole in the wall, a poorly installed window, an air duct with a broken seal or any other area that allows for the escape of your heated or cooled air can be hard to spot. However, taking time every few months to check for leaks will help you save a lot of money.

Plumbing leaks will both increase your water utility bill unnecessarily and pose the threat of damaged pipes. A plumbing line, water main or other water utility that is leaking presents the opportunity for that utility to freeze over during winter. A frozen pipe is more likely to burst, leading to very expensive repairs, in addition to the unnecessary use of water.

Early green living lessons for kids

If you are a parent, then you know children are not usually mindful about their energy use. Since kids do not yet pay bills, they do not worry about how much energy they use. Trying to teach a child the fiscal value of low carbon foot prints is a challenge, but telling them that they can help the planet is a great way to develop green habits in a child.

Start by teaching them the three Rs of green living:

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle

Those tips ought to look familiar from your own childhood. Make sure that your little ones cut down on their energy use, try to reuse materials as often as possible and recycle cardboard, plastics, glass and other materials as often as possible. In addition to these types of tips, Inline Builders provides custom green home building Bend residents can count on, so get in touch to learn even more ways to save on your energy costs!

With the rapid advances in technology over the past few years and the increased focus on energy efficiency, prior ways of home building and designing appliances have become quickly out of date. As a general rule, if your appliances are over 12 years old or your home has not been renovated in over 12 years, you’ll probably need to make some changes. A comprehensive renovation to this end is called a deep energy retrofit.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is most likely the greatest energy user in your home, and an old system will most likely be your biggest and least efficient energy user, especially if it’s over 12 years old. A new system will save energy costs, as will replacing window air conditioners with a central system. Your domestic water heater will probably also be out of date if it’s over 12 years old.

Buy Energy Star Appliances

For appliances, a new Energy Star refrigerator can use up to 15 percent less energy than an older model. Energy Star appliances eliminate phantom electrical loads by providing an easy way to shut off equipment. Replacing old light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) will also lower your energy usage.

Replace Old Windows and Exterior Doors

Since old, leaky windows and doors are essentially big holes in your walls, they often leak both air and water into the house. If you install Energy Star windows and doors, you’ll seal these holes in the walls and keep unwanted water and air from coming in.

Insulate and Seal the Attic

A poorly insulated attic floor or roof wastes energy in both winter and summer. Air-sealing and then insulating will greatly reduce this waste.
Energy Efficient Renovations – The time is now!

These are the basics of a deep energy retrofit – and will modernize your home and help save you money in the long run!

Visit us at the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) Tour of Remodeled Homes. Inline Builders home is located in the Parks at Broken Top.

When: May 12, 2012 10am – 6pm
Where: 61567 Odell Lake Drive, Bend, OR 97702 (The Parks at Broken Top)

Click HERE for a ticket and brochure.

The 20th annual Spring Home & Garden Show is just around the corner; May 4th – 6th, 2012.  It will be held at the Deschutes County Fair Grounds.  There will be over 400 exhibitor spaces and dozens of ways to learn something new.

Inline Builders will have a booth at the show.  Get design ideas and see our current, past and future projects.  Our in house energy specialists and building experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about current or future new construction, remodel or energy auditing/home performance projects.  Come by our booth and enter to win a free Home Performance Assessment for your home!

Time: Wednesdays 3–7 pm

Dates: June 1 – October 12

and

Location: St. Charles Medical Center east parking lot

Time: Fridays 2–6pm

Dates: June 3 – September 23

Location: Centennial Park (7-8th Streets and Evergreen)

Time: Tuesdays 11:30am – 5:30pm

Dates: June – September

Join the Earth Day Parade at 11:00am to connect with all the animals on the planet then stick around for the Fair from 11:30am – 3:00pm. Learn about local issues, green business, ways to lesson your impact at home, have some great food and check out art from recycled materials. We hope to see you!

For more information follow the link below to the Environmental Center of Central Oregon.