If you're considering solar panels for your home, chances are you've heard some conflicting opinions. Some people say solar is a great investment, while others argue that solar is too expensive to be worth the cost.
The truth is that solar can be an excellent choice for many homeowners - but it isn't right for every single person or situation.
In this blog post, we'll help you identify four essential considerations when deciding whether solar power could be a good fit in your home and offer tips on how to maximize the benefits of going solar if you decide it's right for you!
Is Your Roof Right for Solar Panels?
The first essential consideration before going solar is solar access. The solar panels on your home will only be able to power the house if they have enough sunlight to use it to create electricity, so it's important not just to look at how much sun shines in your area but also to consider where you live and what time of day the sun is strongest (solar panel efficiency (output) in solar systems can vary depending on location).
It's smart to evaluate your home's solar potential. This is usually done by analyzing solar insolation (the amount of sun shining in an area) or solar radiation (sunlight that hits a given surface). It can be tricky to measure these numbers on your own, but it might help if you know how much electricity the solar panels could generate for your house!
What Will The Solar System and Each Solar Panel Cost Me?
The second essential consideration when deciding whether solar is right for you is cost - solar installations are expensive upfront, which might make them a tougher option with less disposable income.
That being said, there are many different ways to finance solar projects that could help make going solar more affordable.
Solar financing options include solar leasing and solar power purchase agreements, which are often a better option for people who don't have the upfront capital but want to invest in solar.
Power Storage + Solar Energy (Batteries)
Thirdly, before making any decision about solar panels for your home, it's important to consider solar power storage. Solar panels are designed for use during the day when solar insolation is strongest (and most of us don't need as much electricity), but what about at night or on cloudy days?
For homeowners who have a home solar system with battery backup, storing solar energy in batteries means they'll be able to use solar power even when their solar panels can't generate enough electricity.
We'll cover more about solar storage and battery backup later in another post, but for now, it's important to note that solar energy is only as valuable as you have a way of storing or using the sun's power!
Do You Qualify For Solar Incentives & Solar Tax Credits When You Install Your Solar Cells?
And lastly, an essential consideration before going solar is the availability of solar incentives. Solar panels on your home will be eligible for a number of different tax credits and rebates, as well as local solar programs that may offer additional benefits like discounted installation or cash-back incentives! Some states also provide solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) in order to help their utilities meet state mandates for solar power.
You need to do a little research before making any solar panel decision - but it's worth the effort. With solar panels on your home, you can save money and help reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
Contact our team today to get a free estimate and solar consultation to determine if solar is the right move for you