Do you have a spot in the garden for some solar panels? What about the roof? For this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with Illinois Extension educator Erin Garrett about solar power for the home. If you are considering solar power for your home, we dive into some important considerations and a few extra questions on other renewable energy sources.

5:11 What is renewable energy and what options do those in Illinois have?

6:35 Is solar power the best option for Illinois homes?

9:14 What is a Smart Grid and how do you know if you have a Smart Meter?

15:06 What are some questions you should ask yourself as a homeowner if you are considering getting solar panels? How do you size a solar system?

26:10 Should I cut down large trees that shade my house in order to install solar?

29:20 Can you make money by supplying power to the grid?

34:40 What financial help is available to people considering solar?

39:38 What are some maintenance considerations when dealing with solar panels?

43:00 Why do solar panels need to be switched out every 25 years?

43:52 What options do you have if your home/property is not suitable for solar panels but you still want to support solar energy?

48:32 Do wind turbines kill birds?

50:28 Is there any opportunity for habitat creation in combination with renewable energy?

National Renewable Energy Laboratory website - https://www.nrel.gov/

PVWatts Calculator – https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/

Illinois Shines (information about SRECs and community solar) – https://illinoisshines.com/

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - https://www.dsireusa.org/

Erin Garrett, Energy & Environment Stewardship Educator [email protected]

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/TrTSPiqgxeo

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Any products mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion of these products.