WHATS GOING ON WITH SOLAR?
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT INSTALLING SOLAR
When it comes to using solar to generate power for your home, you want to be sure you have all the facts so you can understand why solar is being installed all across the globe. Ownership of your solar energy system means that you will own your power and enjoy never ending savings on your electricity costs.
WHY DOES SOLAR MAKE SENSE?
– In the last 12 months, the cost of power has risen nearly 30%.
– There is no extra benefit to paying your electric bill (Incentives, Discounts, Equity, Tax Benefits)
– Going solar costs you NOTHING to switch
– You can lock in a fixed rate up to 60% off your current bills
ESTIMATING YOUR SOLAR PANEL NEEDS
Your utility bill shows your yearly usage report.
We need to know how much power you use in order to create a design that fulfills your needs.
If we detect there is an inefficiency in the home based on your bill, we will customize the report to fix the problem.
AVERAGE COST OF GOING SOLAR?
Utility companies across the nation have to meet deadlines for solar power to feed the grid. To aid in the United States fight against the energy shortage, programs have been put in place to assist in helping homeowners become part of the solution!
When applying for Net Metering, you are able to go solar with No Money Out Of Pocket.
Roof Size and Type
Solar panel efficiency is measured by more than the number of panels — regardless of your roof size. Of course, the bigger your roof is the more potential sun your roof gets. This is also a factor in how many solar panels you will be able to get installed. If your roof is smaller, solar professional will also be able to tell you if the type of solar panel you’re having installed produces at a high enough level that can make up for a smaller number of panels.
Roof Orientation
The optimal direction for your roof to face is towards the south. Although your solar panels can capture sunlight from any angle, the southern direction is best for solar power generation. If most of the space on your roof is facing towards the south, that means you may need fewer solar panels to generate the amount of electricity that you would like to produce. If it doesn’t face south, there’s still options that could work for you and your home.
Shade Coverage
Although most people have a tree or two in their yard, when it comes to solar panels, less shade is best. Because solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity, too much shade can lower your solar panel’s efficiency. This will keep them from producing power from your home, and may potentially lower your savings.
Read more about the cost of solar panels.
HOW TO GO SOLAR:
Schedule a meeting with a project manager and see if solar will work for your home.
WILL SOLAR MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR HOME?
This is one of the first questions people ask about solar. The answer? It’s difficult to determine how many solar panels your home is going to need. The number of solar panels you will need depends on many different factors that are unique to your home and your situation. It’s important to understand all of these factors before you decide on your solar system investment.
Some of these factors include:
- Your home’s electricity usage
- The size of your roof
- The amount of sunlight exposure your home gets
- The types of solar panels you purchase (how efficient they are)
- Solar energy storage options
One of the biggest regrets homeowners have after their install is that they wish they would have installed more solar panels when they had the chance. They see the amount of power produced, and they want even more — especially if it means they can connect to a home battery like the Tesla Powerwall to store excess power or sell it by way of net metering.
Make sure to check with a professional to find the exact amount your home will need for maximum benefits and follow their recommended guideline.
You may also want to consider investing in a solar energy battery for your solar power systems, which will store any excess energy your panels will produce. This will allow your home to run on renewable energy even at night.
If you decide at some point after your install that you want more panels as part of your solar PV system, it will be complicated and expensive, while adding additional solar panels to the original quote can be surprisingly cheap.
Read more about how many solar panels you will need.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Switching to solar is a great investment for your home’s energy costs, but did you know there are even more reasons why solar is a great long-term investment? Let’s go over just a few of the reasons having solar panels installed to your home is a bright idea.
Solar Panels Increase Home Value
That’s right, buying your solar panels increases your home value should you ever decide to sell your house. In some states, your rooftop solar installation is exempt from property taxes, which means even further opportunity to realize more return on your investment.
Read more about how solar panels increase your home’s value.
Solar Rebates and Tax Incentives
The Federal Government recently increased the Income Tax Credit to 30% (We are not CPA’s)
Other Financial Incentives
Most states offer a “net metering” program where the utility company with purchase extra electricity from you are variable rates. In some states like Florida, there are no sales or property tax on solar.
Owning vs. Leasing Solar Panels
Should you lease or buy your solar panels? There are advantages to each and it’s a smart idea to consider the pros and cons for your particular situation. Here we’re going to break it down in simple terms.
There are three ways to purchase solar panels: cash, solar loans and solar leasing/PPA.
BUYING: The benefits of financing your solar panels include zero down in some cases, but a monthly payment (typically 40-60% cheaper). The best part is that your payments will end at some point, and your electric bill will be greatly reduced or eliminated. Homeowners could potentially save over $100,000 in electricity costs through 25 years.
LEASING: The benefits of solar leasing or solar purchase agreements (PPA) offer $0 down programs, you save money on electricity, and someone else will be responsible for maintaining your solar system.***** However, your monthly payment will be relatively high compared to other options and you will have no long-term benefits like the tax credits and home equity.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS:
SOLAR IS “EXPENSIVE” – Solar costs you NOTHING except your flat monthly payment that is safe from inflation and rate increases. Over time you can expect the compounding savings to reach over $100,000.
SOLAR “DOESN’T WORK” – Solar has been proven to be a more effective source of power and the numbers are there to support it. The fact is that you will be paying for solar regardless, you will either own it and receive its benefits or continue to rent it at uncontrollable prices forever.
SOLAR “MAKES MY HOME HARD TO SELL” – Solar is an asset and it produces cash flow on your utility bills. Reports have shown that on average Florida homes with solar were appraised at 4% higher values.
THE EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST
We are proud to offer some of the best warranties you can find in the solar industry and only use products that offer the same. Get behind the experts you can trust with:
- Solar Insure Extended Warranties
- 30 Year Labor Warranty
- 30 Year Production Guarantee
- 30 Year Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranty
- 30 Year Enphase Microinverter Warranty
- 20 Year Roof Penetration Warranty
- Thousands of happy homeowners
- Free Home Energy Audit
- Roof replacement experts
SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE!
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our expert brokers.