10 Questions To Ask Before Going Solar
The solar energy market is alive and thriving in 2020. More and more people are abandoning the restraints of renting power and opting to own their own. Maybe your friends or neighbors have begun making the switch, but is it right for you? Here are ten questions you need to ask yourself to find out if going solar is right for you.
1. How Much Do You Pay For Utilities?
Aside from the other big benefits of solar (like federal tax credits and helping the environment–but more on those later!), there is one question that most homeowners find themselves asking right out of the gate: how much can I save? Most people decide to switch to solar to save money, and there’s no quicker way to see that money come back than in the form of reduced utility bills. When going solar you opt out of renting your energy from a utility company, and instead decide to own your own power. Even the most energy savvy person can see a reduction in their energy bills when they make the switch, as each panel is designed specifically to suit the individual homeowners needs. With utility companies continuously raising their rates, now is a good time to start looking into how owning your own power, with consistent rates, that can put money back into your pockets.
2. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
To some, solar has a rep of being unattainable and expensive. These notions couldn’t be further from the truth! Over the past few years the cost to switch to solar has decreased significantly. Making solar accessible to nearly everyone, and is much more wallet friendly than most have been led to believe. Solar panels are priced based on your specific needs and your utility usage, so with Green Collar Crew you won’t ever be paying more than what’s best for you. Scheduling a consultation is the quickest way to determine the cost for your individual home, but there are so many great options for financing. Many solar panel companies offer 100% financing with no money down and other repayment plans that make the switch easy and cost effective. Another benefit to making the switch? The United States government is offering a federal tax credit of 26% to anyone going solar in 2020. In other words, the government will pay 26% of the cost of your solar panels! (this tax credit will not last forever and is expected to decrease in 2021!)
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3. Should I Wait For Newer Technology?
Ah, the conundrum of always being on the brink of the next big thing. We live in a world of constantly evolving tech and solar is no different. So, is it worth it to switch now? The answer depends largely on your current energy usage and roof layout. As utility costs continue to rise 4-5% every year waiting for new technology will likely result in paying extra utility costs you could have avoided. On top of that with the government currently offering a 26% tax credit based on your total system cost, and that offer is likely going to decrease in 2021 and possibly disappear after 2022 if Congress doesn’t renew the bill, right now is a golden opportunity to make the switch and save big.
4. Is My Home Even Eligible For Solar?
For those of us not living under constant blue skies (we wish, right?), the question of being able to go solar arises. Luckily, this isn’t as big of a deal breaker as some would think. Solar companies have come a long way and now work extra hard to find dynamic solutions that work for each individual home. Trees, shading, and general gloomy weather are no longer major obstacles in solar installs. In fact, a solar unit only needs to have about 6 hours of sunlight per day to make it cost effective.
5. How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
So, you’ve gone through the consult, figured out costs and repayment, and are ready to have the panels installed. But there’s still one big, glaring question: how long do solar panels last? Solar panels now have an average longevity of 40 years. Yes, you read that right! Advancements in design, materials and installs have drastically increased the lifespans of solar panels, making them a great long term investment.
6. What Happens If A Panel Stops Working?
There wouldn’t be much worse than having your new panel all set up and installed, only for it to stop working after a few years when you were promised longer. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen often. Solar panels have no moving parts meaning that a defect is very rare and there are very few components that would break. Aside from that the advancements that make these panels strong and reliable, plus our panels offer one of the best warranties in the industry!
7. What Maintenance Do Solar Panels Need?
Solar panels have come a long way in a short time making maintenance a thing of the past. For most, rain or snow will provide a good enough natural cleaning of the panels that you won’t need to lift a finger. If you live in an area with a higher than average amount of smog or dust, a gentle spraying with the hose is all you’ll need to keep your panels nice and clean producing the highest amount of power for your home.
8. What Happens To My Solar Panels If I Move?
For many, staying in the same house for 40 years doesn’t usually happen. It might seem like selling after paying for solar would mean you lose money but this couldn’t be less true. By switching to solar you instantly add tens of thousands in value to your home.. Especially if the federal tax credit was taken advantage of. In addition to the added value, real estate market research has found that homes already equipped with solar sell 20% faster than their non-solar counterparts.
9. How Does Solar Help The Environment?
Told you we’d touch on this topic! Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy resource which means that it doesn’t require the use of fossil fuels to provide power. This means that greenhouse gas emissions, namely CO2, are drastically reduced. These benefits lead to a smaller carbon footprint for you, while doing wonders for the world around you by providing cleaner air and less pollutants. Meaning that you’re doing your part to provide a healthy planet for generations to come.
10. Am I Ready To Switch To Solar?
You’ve reached the end of the list, and have hopefully learned a little bit more about what going solar would look like for you. Switching to solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, while shaving off costs from your utility bill each month, and increasing the value of your home. There is no clear cut answer to this last question, the best way to find out if solar makes sense for you is to get a free no-obligation solar evaluation.