Solar power is becoming more popular among homeowners who want to upgrade their traditional home energy systems. Homeowners have been offered more incentives to switch to clean energy by the federal and state governments. More than 3 million homes have converted to solar energy, with a million installations taking place in the last two years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Many homeowners are still unsure as to whether or not it is worthwhile for them to invest in solar panels for their homes. It isn’t uncommon for people to hesitate to move to solar power because of many reasons, including unfamiliarity with solar technology, the high cost of a solar system, or how to pick the right solar company for the job.
In spite of the fact that the world of solar panels may seem too complicated at first glance, we are here to help make the process a lot clearer. In this post, we will cover the basics of solar panel systems, the benefits of converting, and how to decide if a solar investment is a good investment for your home.
Solar System can help you save money!
Which Homes Benefit the Most from Solar Panels?
The following factors are necessary for successful integration of solar panels. If you are still unsure whether solar panels would be a worthwhile investment, consider the following factors:
Homes That Receive Plenty Of Sunlight
In order to get the most out of your solar panels, your home should receive adequate sunlight. Ideally, the house should be in an area that is free from obstructions, for example trees or tall buildings. As well as that, the roof is also required to be south-facing and to have a steep slope so that a solar panel can be mounted at an angle of 15 to 40 degrees on the roof. Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, solar panels will still be able to produce energy. This does not mean that a system will be beneficial to homes that receive little light or that have a limited amount of roof space.
High Utility Bills
The cost of your utility bills is constantly increasing throughout the year, and a solar system could help you meet your energy needs if your utility bills are constantly high. The fact that you may need to install more solar panels in order to offset the costs may result in the system being more expensive. On the other hand, if you typically have a low monthly electric bill, a solar system may not be the most appropriate investment for you. A solar panel installer will assess your current electricity bill and make the best recommendation based on your needs after reviewing your electric bill.
State Solar Tax Incentives For Residents
There are many states that offer solar incentive programs in order to encourage their residents to switch to solar panels. These incentives help reduce the system’s overall cost, making the transition to solar much more affordable. In addition, you may be able to get additional incentives and credits from your local utility company.
Homeowners In Net Metering States
A solar battery can store excess energy that is generated by the installation of solar panels or it can be used to power your home. A number of states offer net metering, where solar customers are credited for the excess electricity produced by their solar arrays. Upon accumulating enough credits, you may be able to receive a monetary return at the end of the year if you accumulate enough credits.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Depending on your location and the solar panel providers in your area, the cost of solar panels will vary. The average cost of solar panels in the United States is between $15,000 and $25,000. There are several factors that can affect this price, such as the size of your home and the number of panels you need to run it efficiently. Potential solar customers may receive additional rebates or tax credits that are not included in these estimates. Credits and rebates can help you reduce your monthly utility costs as well as installation costs.
Solar panel systems can be paid for in a variety of ways by homeowners. The following financing options are usually available from most providers:
Total Payout
Ownership of the system can be retained by paying off the new system immediately.
Loans
Loans are taken out through solar companies or third parties. A solar loan can last five to ten years, with the homeowner owning the system at the end.
Lease
The company rents out solar panels to homeowners for a fixed monthly fee. Depending on the company’s terms, solar leases can last for 10 to 25 years. In the end, you can either pay for the panels or return them to the solar panel installer.
Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Similar to a monthly utility bill, a PPA charges a customer per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power used. These bills fluctuate each month based on the amount of electricity generated by your solar system, unlike fixed solar loans or lease payments. Equipment would remain the property of the solar company.
State incentives and the ITC program will reduce the cost of the system. These solar incentives are only available to solar customers who own their systems. These savings would not be available to participants in a solar lease program or PPA.
