We have tripled our solar output by installing two new ground-mounted panels behind Oak Grove Plantation Bed & Breakfast. Now solar power will provide three-quarters of the electricity to our inn, the rest coming from Virginia Power.
Not only are we saving money, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint. Last year, we were listed as one of the country’s 14 greenest inns by bedandbreakfast.com.
Our 32 new panels were installed by Convert Solar and purchased as part of a group called Halifax County Solar Co-op. We were able to get discounted prices for our photo voltaic system by joining with other members of the community to purchase solar power. If your community would like to do the same, connect with VA SUN, A non-profit that helps communities in Virginia go solar.
Prices of solar panels are coming down, but it might be a good idea to act soon. The federal tax credit for solar installations expires at the end of 2016. And if you live in Virginia, it would be a good idea to press your local lawmakers to create a state tax credit, as well. Virginia has none, but North Carolina (eight miles from our inn) does.