"Up, up, up." That's the trajectory of solar power according to Paul Helstrom, Customer Programs and Services Representative from Minnesota Power. Between falling costs, rising electric rates, and an urgency for climate solutions, solar has become more popular than ever.
For those considering solar for their home, Helstrom offers a few things to consider. If the personal financial investment is paramount, homeowners might want to be in a "forever home" as the investment will likely take about a decade to payoff. However, many are investing for more altruistic reasons. Although the current real estate market isn't primed for a solar install to add commensurate value when selling a house, it is an investment for the planet - and many buyers are considering energy costs when looking for the right house.
More important than its popularity is its functionality. The global buy in to this renewable resource is no longer for the fringe or for the super-rich; it's become a reasonable and reliable option for many. "It's working," adds Helstrom. "We're past that early-adopter stage."
For more information about solar power, there are several online resources, including Minnesota Power, Clean Energy Resource Teams, and the Department of Commerce.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
