Solar panels on my roof?

Q. What can you tell me about solar on my house? Do I need a permit and will it really make sense for me? I am near retirement and if I downsize in about 10 years, I don't know if it's really worth it.

A. It's definitely worth it. On your energy bill, you may notice the line "Efficiency & Renewable Charge." This raises funds through your LIPA payments to reimburse customers generating more energy than they use. In other words, you're already paying for solar energy -- you just aren't benefiting, directly. You're also paying with your tax dollars, which provide rebates to others who add solar to their homes and businesses.

In addition, LIPA set rebates at over $3.50 per kilowatt last year, and as people signed up, they evaluated the program to see how much they could pay out. This year they had enough customers that they reduced the starting rebate from $2.50 per kilowatt to $2, and within a few weeks it will be reduced again. Not getting solar is costing you money, believe it or not.

Besides, LIPA's "Energy Bank" keeps track of solar customers' usage. If you use less than you generate, the inverter added to your electric panel records the difference. At year's end, LIPA adds up the kilowatts that you didn't use and sends you a rebate. You now pay around 20 cents per kilowatt, and LIPA will reimburse you about 6 cents per kilowatt, but between the reimbursement and the substantially lower energy bills, you're still ahead.

Also, the savings on energy bills is probably more attractive to buyers who may never see taxes lowered but can at least save money on power. Your house could be worth $20,000 to $35,000 more.

Yes, you need a permit to put solar on your home. An architect or engineer can check the capability of loading on your roof, prepare drawings and advise you on how to best take advantage of the systems, working with the companies that sell, install and warrantee their product. And keep in mind that you use more energy to heat water for showers, dishes and warming your home than the electrical component.

You should include solar water heating in your investment, since the rate of return is more and in less time. For an average home, we calculated a return on investment in approximately five years. After that, the investment is paid off and the cost savings go directly into your pocket. If you can manage to invest now, you will reap benefits before you sell and have a more valuable home to sell.

Those who are already using solar have saved us all in air quality, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Solar also saves the equivalent of 515 gallons of gas a year or the equivalent of recycling 94,600 soda cans. So cut down on soda and use solar instead. It's much healthier. Good luck!