How to Incorporate Solar Energy In Your Retirement Plan

It’s no secret that alternative energy resources are important to the future of our world as we know it. But did you know that committing to “going green” with sustainable energy can also save you money? Solar energy and retirement don’t often come up in conversation together, but today we are going to explain the benefits of solar energy and how it can impact your retirement years. Whether you’re interested in protecting the environment or simply saving your hard-earned retirement dollars, Cumberland Crossing by OceanView has a solar energy solution!

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a clean, renewable power source generated from the sun that can be harnessed for thermal or electric energy. Because it comes from the sun, the amount of power that can be generated is truly limitless. The most common way to harness this power is by using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity or heat indoor spaces. Any point where sun hits is a potential source of generating solar power, so there’s really no better place than a rooftop to place these panels!

What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy?

There are so many advantages of utilizing solar energy. Some examples include but are not limited to:

Lessening Dependence on Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are not only bad for the environment – they are limited. Eventually, they will run out. That’s why leaning towards a renewable source of energy like solar is so important for our world and the people in it. The sooner we can reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy, the better off we’ll all be for it!

Reducing Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by fossil fuels, which contaminate the air and can be detrimental to our health. Because solar panels don’t contribute to air pollution, using them actively supports the effort to cut down on smog!

Decreasing Water Usage

The alternative clean resource is hydropower, which certainly has both its advantages and disadvantages. While it’s a “greener” option than burning fossil fuels, it requires a lot of water to power electricity and heat. Water control is typically done using dams, which can do major damage to ecosystems. Solar panels have no negative impact environmentally and can actually help decrease water consumption!

Solar Energy at Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

At Cumberland Crossing by OceanView, solar energy is standard for every cottage! We offer two customizable, energy-efficient cottage floor plans that are built complete with 16 photovoltaic panels, which generate over 5 KW of power. They can also include the option to add cutting-edge sustainability options, such as additional panels for solar hot water or the Tesla Powerwall which reduces your reliance on the grid by storing your solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining.

Photovoltaic solar panels are included in the price of each cottage, so all maintenance and repairs of the energy system are taken care of by Cumberland Crossing and the team at ReVision Energy. Solar energy feeds into the electric grid at Central Maine Power (CMP), which credits residents’ accounts and then is redeemed when they use their electric or heat. This solar power system can also be monitored by residents via an Internet portal at no cost.

Cumberland Crossing chose to incorporate solar energy as part of owners John and Chris Wasileski’s commitment to sustainable energy and lowering our company’s carbon footprint. There are also solar panels on all the main buildings of our sister property, OceanView at Falmouth, supplying hot water. They are also on every Schoolhouse Cottage at OceanView, on which the Cumberland Crossing cottages are modeled.

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

At Cumberland Crossing by OceanView, we are taking steps to make the world a greener place – one beautiful cottage at a time! If you would like to learn more about our independent retirement community and our commitment to sustainability, please contact us today to schedule a tour!