The rising cost of electricity has become an issue for many people. This problem leads to the growth in popularity of other energy sources. People turn to wind and solar energy more often than a few decades ago.
An excellent example of this is solar energy. With an environment-oriented mindset and some determination, people are starting to make great use of solar panels.
However, you can have some questions boggling your mind. Is this trend cost-efficient as well? Is a solar power system worth it in the long run? Is it wise to go for solar panels if you earn an average wage? Will you have to pay for an installation?
Naturally, you may have some concerns about the solar installation process. After all, this is something that you have never done before. It’s understandable if you want to fully understand what it is before you put some money into it. That is a reasonable thing to do.
In this article, you will find some advice concerning installing solar panels on the roof of your home. If you are thinking about going solar, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Take Your Location Into Account
If you live somewhere in the southern part of our globe, consider yourself lucky. Your solar system in these parts of the world can produce a surprising amount of solar power.
All you need to do is to find a suitable contractor. Take into credit how much electricity you use. When you compare it with the amount of energy produced by solar panels, you might be surprised.
The size of your home can also play an important role. A bigger home means a larger roof and more place for solar panels. Flat roofs are especially useful in this regard.
Pick the Best Solar Company
Take a look around for the best solar company in your area. Search for an offer with a warranty of at least 25 years. The warranty is an important aspect, because, after around 20 years, solar panels tend to not produce as many Watts as before.
Ask about maintenance costs and if you can get some discounts. Do not forget to check the installation cost. This way, you can assure yourself that you’ll put your savings into the right place.
You can even ask the company for an estimate of the utility time of the solar system they offer. Maybe it is an investment worth your time and money after all?
Review Your Electric Bill
The next thing you should do is to take a look at your electricity bill. Estimate your average electricity usage per month. Do not forget to note how much your local utility charges you for it. This way you will be able to check if you can save some money.
If you plan to install solar panels on your roof, make sure that they can cover your energy usage. However, remember that in most cases, solar panels will be only capable of producing a part of the power needed for your home. You will probably still need to be connected to the utility grid.
If you live in a place with full retail net metering and high electricity rates, you should consult some solar companies. Solar panel installation can seem costly at first, but it can save you a fortune in the long term. Also, a return on investment can come faster than you might think.
Check for Discounts
Making some savings is always nice. If you do not want to cover all the costs of going solar yourself, you can explore many solar incentives. The government may have an offer that you may like. For example, in some cases, they can install solar panels on your roof for free.
If you are a taxpayer, a residential federal tax credit can allow you to claim even 26% of solar panel systems’ installation costs. You can get some great deals. Remember to also account for tax credits.
The Bottom Line
We all need electricity. What is more, we would like to pay for it less than what we are paying now. Solar panels can be a reasonable solution to both of these problems.
The cost of solar panels may seem high at first, but it can be reduced in multiple ways. However, much of it depends on you.
Which solar company will you choose? How much electricity do you use per month? How big is your home? How long is the warranty for your chosen solar panel system? All of these questions you have to answer yourself.
Now you should know whether solar power is for you. If you are a fan of renewable energy, you should have a great time living in a solar-powered house. Consider all of the presented points and remember — make the best choice for yourself.
