The time of new beginnings is upon us! Spring has finally come, and many of us are slowly emerging from the difficulties brought by COVID-19. This kind of renewal might mean it’s an ideal time to consider making the leap to solar energy.
There’s a lot of good news for the homeowner considering solar. Installing a system on your home has become much more affordable. The 26% federal tax credit takes a bite out of the installation cost as do utility rebates and the numerous state incentives like tax breaks and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). There are also a variety of great solar financing options available if you need them.
Additionally, solar panels and other related technology have become more efficient, durable and long-lasting. For example, Silfab’s solar panels, specifically designed for the North American market, are made with premium materials and strict quality control to offer homeowners exceptional quality with regards to efficiency, durability and performance. Panels for the home have also come a long way aesthetically. Once again, Silfab’s panels feature a beautiful design that complements any rooftop.
Financial Advantages of Going Solar
One of the most obvious benefits is that a solar system reduces or might even eliminate your electricity bill – and given that a typical system has a lifespan of 25+ years, you end up saving for quite a long time. On average, a homeowner in America saves $10,000 – $30,000 over the lifetime of their system. Also, by generating your own electricity you end up reducing your dependency on utilities and becoming less vulnerable to rate increases. In some areas, like California, you can even be compensated for surplus energy generation from your system through something called a net metering program.
Solar also increases the value of your home. According to a 2019 study, U.S. houses with solar sell for 4.1% more than comparable homes while the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory found that a typical PV system adds an average of $15,000 in value.
The Power of Sustainable Energy
Another benefit of solar is that using clean energy to power your home reduces your carbon emissions footprint. One study found that a residential power system has the potential to cut 80% of a home’s carbon emissions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration determined that switching to solar power means that the average home has the same emissions reduction impact as planting 150 trees each year in Connecticut and eliminating the burning of over 5,000 pounds of coal each year in New York.
Solar energy also supports the resiliency of our nation’s electricity grid by reducing demand on the system and stress on its infrastructure.
If you end up coupling your solar array with battery storage, the benefits of the system are augmented with better emergency backup power and access to stored energy during the evening or other times when the sun isn’t shining.
Getting Started with Going Solar
It is fairly simple to begin the process of pursuing solar. Initial steps usually involve finding local solar contractors in your area and talking with them about the feasibility of solar on your home. A good installer will be able to help determine if your home is a fit for solar by looking at factors like shading and roof age, orientation and type. They can also help you determine savings, ideal system size and even discuss financing options. Of course, it’s important to read reviews about these contractors as you go through the bidding process to ensure that you’re selecting companies that are the best fit for you and your home.
Since installing solar on your home is a long-term investment that should keep operating at its best for the entire projected lifetime of the array, you want to ensure that you and your contractor of choice are selecting panels that are good quality and have a strong warranty.
Going solar does indeed bring you a host of benefits. Aside from financial and environmental sustainability, it can mean greater resiliency in the face of increasing climate related events and can even help boost your local economy given that many of the renewable energy jobs in the country are through local solar companies. Ultimately, solar helps transform your energy bill, your community and our planet.
