It shouldn’t come as a surprise that solar energy is becoming more popular with each passing year. In fact, at least 46% of US homeowners are thinking about switching to solar energy. However, when it comes to going solar, people are having a hard time figuring out when to do it. And while summer seems like the way to go, winter and fall are also great candidates for installing solar panels.
So, with four seasons to choose from, when is the best time to buy solar panels? Let’s find out!
Why Winter is Perfect for Solar Installations?
At first glance, you might think that winter is the worst time to go solar. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of misconceptions about winter and how it affects solar panels. Yet, winter provides a lot of advantages for both homeowners and solar installation companies.
Here are a couple of reasons that make winter the best time for setting up your home’s solar system:
Winter is Cheaper
Generally speaking, summer is the busiest time of the year for solar installers. As a result, during the slower winter months, installers may offer special deals to attract potential customers. Please note that the price ultimately depends on the specifics of your home, from its location to the size of its roof. Nevertheless, you will certainly get better quotes from more installers if you choose winter, simply because there are fewer homeowners switching to solar during that period.
You Avoid Heat
Solar panel installation takes time, especially since there is a lot of government paperwork involved. Additionally, you’ll have to get permission from local utility companies before your solar system starts producing electricity.
Why is that important? Because when summer comes around, so does the heat, which increases your electricity bills. More specifically, households tend to use a lot more A/C in the summer months. Therefore, it’s essential that you get prepared earlier in the year to cut down on costs. In fact, if you wait until you get your first air conditioning bill, it is already too late. So, you should start your solar project as soon as possible, preferably during winter.
The Installation is Faster
As previously mentioned, fewer people opt for solar panels over the winter, meaning that you won’t have to wait long to get them installed. In contrast, during the summer, you could find yourself at the end of a long list of homeowners, waiting weeks or even months for an installer to come to your home. For this reason, winter is perfect if you want to get things done before the summer heat rolls around.
Companies Prefer to Work During Winter
Let’s be honest — nobody wants to be up on a hot roof in the middle of the summer. While a lot of sunshine is perfect for generating solar power, it can be really uncomfortable for the installers that are working on your rooftop. So, as long as there is no ice or snow on your roof, you can have your panels installed during the winter. That way, you make things easier for workers while also getting the full benefits of solar power the rest of the year. Just make sure to get a roof rake and remove any snow from the panels once they are attached.
Solar Panels Are Effective Even in the Winter
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar panels is that they don’t work during the winter months. Actually, that’s why so many homeowners prefer to install them during summer or fall. However, some solar panels are even more effective when it’s cold outside, allowing them to generate more power for your home. Therefore, you will get all the advantages of solar energy regardless of the season.
The Bottom Line
All in all, winter is one of the best times to buy solar panels. Not only do you save money on installation, but you are also able to prepare your home for the summer heat. And best of all, you don’t have to wait months for solar companies to come to your home. So, it’s time to act now if you want to get the most out of your solar energy system!
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