Climate change. Carbon footprint. Exhaustible resources. These are all terms that have become part of our everyday vernacular, as the realities of our impact on the environment have come into sharper focus. And while there is no one easy solution to the problem of climate change, renewable energy sources like solar power offer a promising way to help offset our reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable resources on Earth, and it has the potential to provide clean, emissions-free power for homes, businesses, and even entire communities. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power homes and appliances. Solar energy is also increasingly being used to generate heat for water and space heating. There are many benefits to using solar energy and you can see them all at Solarchat. But before you decide to go solar, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are 10 things to know before you go solar:
1. Your electricity bill will be impacted
Assuming you have a standard home solar panel system, you can expect to see a reduction in your electricity bill of about $30-$50 per month. This means that over the course of a year, you could save up to $600 on your electricity costs. In addition, if you live in a state with net metering laws, you may be able to sell excess electricity back to the utility company at the end of each month, further offsetting your costs. Finally, many states offer solar rebates and tax incentives that can further reduce the cost of installing a solar panel system. When all of these factors are taken into account, it is not uncommon for homeowners to see a return on their investment in as little as 5-7 years.
2. You don’t need a new roof
If your roof is in good condition, you can simply have solar panels installed on top of it. There is no need to tear off your existing roof and start from scratch. In fact, most solar panel installers will warranty their work for up to 25 years, so you can be confident that your investment is well protected.
3. Solar panels are low maintenance
Once your solar panel system is up and running, there is very little maintenance required. In most cases, all you will need to do is keep the panels clean and free of debris. Many homeowners opt to have their panels professionally cleaned once or twice a year, but in many cases, simply hosing them down with a garden hose will suffice.
4. You can go solar even if you rent
If you don’t own your home, you may think that going solar is not an option. But there are actually a few different ways to go solar even if you rent. One option is to enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar company. Under this type of agreement, the solar company owns and maintains the solar panels, and you agree to pay them for the electricity they generate. Another option is to lease solar panels from a solar company. With this option, you make monthly payments to the solar company, but at the end of the lease term, you have the option to purchase the panels outright or have them removed.
5. Solar energy can be used to heat water and space
In addition to generating electricity, solar energy can also be used to heat water and space. Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water, which can then be used for showers, laundry, dishwashing, and other household tasks. Solar space heating systems work in a similar way, using the sun’s energy to heat air, which is then circulated through the home. These types of systems are often used in combination with a traditional heating system, such as a forced-air furnace.
6. Your home value will increase
Installing a solar panel system will increase the value of your home. In fact, statistics show that homes with solar panel systems sold 20% faster and for 17% more money than homes without solar panel systems.
7. Professional installation is crucial
While solar panel systems are relatively simple to install, it is still important to have them installed by a professional. This will ensure that they are installed correctly and that your warranty remains valid. Solar panel installers are required to be licensed and insured, so be sure to ask for proof of these things before allowing them to begin work on your home.
8. You can monitor your system’s performance
Most solar panel systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track how much electricity your system is producing. This can be a great way to see how well your investment is performing and make sure that your panels are operating at peak efficiency.