4 Reasons To Consider Solar
Janet Lovelace | 8 MINUTE READ
Photo Credit: Kindle Media via Pexels
Even if youāve been a homeowner for a short period of time, there is a high likelihood that solar panels have been promoted to you in some way. Conversations with sales reps, compelling direct mail, and online ads might be making you wonder if the investment is right for your situation. With over two million panels installed (as of 2019), and many more added since that time, this home upgrade is compelling for many.
Image of Batman slapping Robin Hood for not going solar yet.
The experienced team at Credible Solar shares four massive benefits of having solar panels that every homeowner should know about.
Youāll save money on your monthly electric bill (even after solar loan payments)
Arguably, the biggest objection that individuals have when deciding to install solar panels is cost. With the average system price sitting between $11,144 and $14,696, it is critical to determine if the project will genuinely save you money.
Real before and after of a Credible Solar customer who went solar.
When looking to have panels installed, you are more than likely to save money on electricity in the short and long term. This is even the case if you have financing payments for your solar system. Why? In many instances, the energy your system produces will offset costs enough for you to come out ahead on your monthly bill. Depending on individual variables, this savings can be more than your solar loan payments. Over the long run, the cost of energy will continue to increase nationwide. Once youāve paid off your panels, you will enjoy almost free energy ā even after prices have gone up significantly from where they are today.
Some customers end up OVER producing and end up generating a solar energy credit- lowering their total cost to go solar. Check out this customer out of Glenn Heights, Texas who went from $2,688 a year for electricity to $927 a year with solar.
Youāll make a positive impact on the environment
Solar panels are classified as a clean source of energy. This is because they do not produce greenhouse gasses or any other air pollutants. Home systems simply take in the sun and convert it to energy to power your home. Nothing harmful is ever released into the air, making this a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint. Over the coming years, experts agree that it will become even more critical for individuals to do what they can to preserve the planet. See this emissions calculator to see exactly how much your solar panel installation can reduce CO2 emissions to our Earth's atmosphere.
This system saved 17 tons of CO2 emissions if the electricity was otherwise produced with fossil fuels. Installation location: San Angelo, Texas.
Your panels will work in all weather conditions
An incredibly common misconception about solar panels is whether or not they work in various weather conditions. Rest assured, high-quality solar panels can operate in all kinds of weather ā including rain, thunderstorms, and cold temperatures. Hot and sunny weather is ideal, but not a necessity because with most installations they're still tied into the utility grid with net metering.
The fundamentals of Net Metering.
To the surprise of many, you can use solar panels in nearly every part of the country. While there are some states that are better than others for solar (e.g., California, North Carolina), you do not need to live in a southern latitude to get the full value of your system. Also, those who live in hurricane-prone states will be glad to know that solar systems are often rated for category 5 storms. If anything happens to you solar system during a storm then your homeowner's insurance will cover that if you let them know when you go solar.
You will increase the value of your home
Looking to sell your home sometime in the future? If so, solar panels are a great investment. Some estimates have revealed that homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than those without them. This is yet another area in which solar can provide monetary benefits.
Solar homes sell faster on the market.
Adding solar panels can be beneficial whether itās a buyerās or sellerās market. In a buyerās market, there are many properties available and fewer buyers, so improvements like solar panels can make your home stand out. In a sellerās market, more buyers will likely compete for the best homes. This may be a time to get money back on your solar investment because many people are looking for ways to get off the grid and take eco-friendly options.
What to do before installing solar panels
If youāve decided to have solar panels installed on your roof, there are several steps you will want to take for the best experience possible. First, have all other exterior home improvement projects completed. For example, if you are looking to have your gutters cleaned, you can find top local companies by searching āhouse gutter cleaning near me.ā After wrapping up all projects, stay in close communication with your solar installation team. Ask any and all questions that you have, and begin to budget for your system.
Having solar panels installed is a great way to boost your homeās value, save money on a monthly basis, and protect the environment. In no time, you can enjoy these benefits by having your own system expertly installed.