They say with real estate, it’s all ‘location, location, location.’ B. With solar, you’re no longer as susceptible to the unexpected bumps in energy prices, and your stored energy will carry you right on through those pesky neighborhood blackouts.
Cheaper monthly bills? Yep – close to free electricity is just one of the perks that a solar energy system will bring to your new home. You’ll also benefit from:
Energy independence – Energy rates go up by an average of 5.5% a year. With solar, you’re no longer as susceptible to unexpected bumps in energy prices, and your stored energy will carry you right on through those pesky neighborhood blackouts.
An eco-contribution – With solar, you significantly reduce your eco-footprint by reducing your reliance on traditional power sources that produce harmful greenhouse gases that degrade our planet’s ozone layer and pollute the atmosphere.
Improved home value – As the trend towards a green planet continues to grow, so does the value in your home if you’re already on board the solar train. Plus, studies show that your home will sell 20 percent faster if it’s using solar energy!
Due diligence when buying a solar home
So you’re convinced that buying a solar powered home is the way to go, but how do you know what you’re buying? As with any major investment, diligence is a must – and the same goes for your solar power system. To play it safe, ensure that either you or your realtor ask the homeowner:
1) Is the solar energy system owned?
The ideal situation when buying a solar powered home is that the system was purchased outright. Buying a home with leased solar panels, while still beneficial to you, can sometimes be complex. With the average solar lease ranging from 10-20 years, you’ll want to do your diligence and carefully review the contract to ensure you are clear on what financing you’re taking over.
2) Where was the solar system manufactured?
If the solar panels are produced in the United States, you’ll know that any warranty information on the system is solid and not misleading under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
3) Who installed it?
Speaking of warranty, you’ll want to follow up on a detailed contract and any warranty restrictions that come with your solar energy system. Many solar companies provide a 5 to 10-year workmanship warranty. At Integrate Sun, we offer only the best-in-class—a 25-year workmanship warranty so that you can rest assured you’re in good hands.
Research, and then more research
While going solar is an exciting venture, be sure to do your research to ensure the system is right for you and your family. To start, you can look into the maintenance guidelines, how the panels could be affected by harsh weather in your state, or read some common questions that consumers often have when going solar.
Good luck with your new home purchase. We are here to help with whatever we can to make your solar experience as pleasant as possible 😊