Solar power is popular, but it’s not as widely accepted as some folks might think. Even today, you will run into people who refuse to install a solar system because they feel like it’s a waste of effort and money. And while there are definitely a lot of benefits to having a decent green energy system, you should never rush to get one. If you’re curious about how to decide whether to install solar panels for your home, you’ve come to the right place. This article will cover five easy steps to help you figure out the answer to your dilemma. In addition, you’ll learn what some of the benefits are of owning a solar power system.
Making a Decision in 5 Easy Steps
Step #1: Roof Measurement
When deciding on a solar system, you have to determine if your roof can handle what you intend to install. To put it simply, you will need to answer the following questions:
- How old and stable is your roof?
- What direction is it facing?
- What’s the pitch of your roof?
- Are there any obstructions that cast a shadow onto the roof?
- Is it big enough to house the system of your choice?
Very broadly speaking, an ideal roof will face south- or westward, with a pitch of 30 degrees, and there will be no shadow cast on it.
Step #2: Climate Factors
To oversimplify this issue, you don’t need to live in a hot, sunny environment for your panels to always generate electricity. In fact, you can just as easily install solar systems if you live in a cold climate with a decent number of cloudy days per year. What’s more, you can also generate energy during snow days. Yes, snow will initially affect the energy output by obstructing the panels, but with the shape and color of each panel, it won’t take long to melt away.
Step #3: Regulations
Most cities, counties, or even neighborhoods have specific rules and regulations for installing solar power systems. In other words, before you can even consider solar energy, you might have to obtain a permit.
The process of obtaining such a permit will vary from state to state. In order to find out the best way to approach this process, feel free to contact solar energy experts for advice, including the ones here at Atlantic Key Energy.
Step #4: Electricity Rates
When deciding on whether or not to install a solar system, your best course of action is to compare the electricity rates. It’s a fairly straightforward process. Simply take a look at how much you’re paying your current electric bills and compare it with the bills of your friends and neighbors who switched to solar power.
Step #5: Incentives
A typical homeowner is likely to switch to solar panels due to all of the incentives they can get. More often than not, these incentives amount to rebates provided on a local, state, and/or federal level. For example, the so-called federal solar tax credit will give each new system owner a dollar-for-dollar reduction against their federal income tax. The reduction is roughly equal to 26% of the final price of the installed solar system.
Benefits of Solar Power Systems
Low Maintenance
It’s actually somewhat ridiculous how little maintenance a solar power system really needs. Generally, it amounts to the following:
- Replace the inverter once every 20 years, at the cost of $1,000+
- Keep any shadows or obstructions away from the panels
- Wipe the panels clean roughly twice a year
- Have a professional do a maintenance check once a year.
Making Money
By installing a solar system, you increase your home’s overall property value. If you decide to sell your house later, you can expect to get more money simply for having a set of solar panels on your roof. In addition, a mortgage provider will be more likely to lend you money if you use solar energy.
Saving Money
On average, you can save between $600 and $800 a year on electric bills by switching to solar power. That’s around half of the current sum the average American pays for electricity.
Green Energy Solution
Out of all the energy resources, solar power is one of the cleanest. It doesn’t produce harmful pollutants, greenhouse gas, or carbon dioxide. By switching to solar energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help save the planet.
Read These Useful Educational Solar Articles
What do Solar Panels Do?
How Big is a Solar Panel?
Finding the Best Solar Installation Company in Texas
