Maybe you're not quite set on switching to renewable energy, and perhaps you're still deciding if local solar installers should do the job for you.
You're not alone. A lot of other homeowners are thinking the same thing, and that's why we've laid out some benefits that can justify the solar panel installation cost. Here are some reasons that make hiring home solar installers worth it:
Reason #1: Different types of savings
Government incentives
You could save on the cost of solar installations with government incentives, including:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. For each 1,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) or megawatt-hour (MWh) that your solar panels produce, you earn an SREC. Thanks to certain state rules called renewable portfolio standards (RPS), utility companies would typically buy these electricity certificates to meet green energy quotas.
- Investment Tax Credit. If you've just installed a solar energy system, there's some good news for your taxes. You might qualify for an ITC, which you can apply against your taxes either in an annual or quarter-year payment. This credit deduction percentage will usually be based on when you installed your system, so keep that in mind.
Carbon footprint reduction
There are also more savings than solar installation incentives from the government. When it comes to saving the environment or upholding sustainability, setting up a solar energy system can help lower our carbon emissions.
Sunlight is renewable, and using panels to turn the sun's energy into electricity doesn't create air pollution or emit greenhouse gasses, making a transition to solar a clean way to power up.
On the other hand, conventional energy like fossil fuels can raise environmental concerns. This non-renewable resource needs to be ignited to produce electricity, which emits carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Not only that, but fossil fuels take millions of years to form, so they're not sustainable in the long haul.
Reason #2: Ease from professional installation
Expert insight through a property visit
You don't have to figure out the process all on your own; solar company installers generally send a skilled electrician or engineer to inspect your place.
They'll take a good look at your internal electricity setup, roof health and any issues with shading. To make sure everything's a good fit, they might also snap some photos for reference, record some energy data and take measurements while they're there.
Support in processing permits
Next, there's some paperwork to sort out, but solar installers can usually help you with that too. Aside from the physical heavy lifting, they can typically do the hard work in terms of handling permits and documents that are required by the government.
At the end of the day, this documentation just verifies that your home is ready for solar energy, and it shows that it's a suitable setting where the necessary gear can be set up properly.
Actual installation and activation
Lastly, solar installers can be worth it since you won't have to spend hours on that rooftop. They'll get to work fitting the system, which tends to take anywhere from one to three days, but that depends on how big your project is and the overall weather.
After the solar setup is complete, a local government and utility representative will come to inspect everything. If it all checks out and meets their standards, they'll give the green light to connect your new system to the power grid, and you're all set!
Reason #3: Assurance from installer warranties
Warranty on the product
Should you decide on going DIY and sourcing all the components yourself, you generally won't get warranties from solar panel installers.
For instance, they could give you a product warranty that applies to the components in your system. This is so everything can be better positioned to last throughout the years, as factory defects or issues with the mechanics or structure can be sorted out.
This type of warranty usually stays active for around ten years, but some solar installers might even double that.
Warranty on the power
In addition to the product warranty, rooftop solar installers also usually provide a power warranty.
Like most tech gadgets, solar panels can lose a bit of their zap as they age. That's why a warranty on power helps ensure that there's normal degradation, which is around a 2 to 3 percent drop in the first year and then about 0.5 percent each year after that.
This warranty typically lasts 25 to 30 years, so at the end of that duration, your panels should still be running at up to 85 percent efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I choose the right solar panels for installation?
Not all solar panels are created equal. Polycrystalline panels are usually bigger, but they bring a balance between cost and performance if you're watching your budget. Meanwhile, monocrystalline panels are usually pricer, but they pack more punch in efficiency. They're a great choice if you have a small roof or your home needs a lot of power.
It also helps to see what your solar installer recommends for your specific situation.
Can I install solar panels on a sloped roof?
A tilted angle can actually be beneficial for your solar energy system, but a slope that is too steep generally won't bring optimal efficiency. What's great is that a lot of sloped roofs are around 15 to 40 degrees, which is suitable for south-facing panel installation.
In line with this, if your roof's angle doesn't fall within the range, solar installers may recommend a ground mount in places like your backyard or additional racking for an ideal tilt.
How does solar installation affect my utility bill?
A solar energy system can cut down on your electricity utility bill. But on top of that, a big enough solar setup with a battery can do away with the bill entirely if you're disconnected from the local grid. You'll be able to supply electricity to your home with what your solar setup generates and stores.
Plus, there are also net metering programs that allow you to sell the generated electricity you don't use.
Find solar installers conveniently
At Solar Energy Host, we hope to be more than just a handy service. Driven to be your partner in sustainability and savings, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about solar energy installers, which is why we have an easy three-step process:
- Get introduced to reliable providers. There's no need to settle for a tedious search for "certified solar installers near me" online. Just share with us some basic information, such as your address and electricity bill, and we'll connect you with solar installers.
- View a compilation of quotes. Once we receive these details, we'll get back to you with a list of competitive estimates, all from home solar installers we think could suit your needs.
- Secure savings in no time. If you're happy with a certain provider and price, you can reach out to them and apply. All that's left is to have them set up your solar energy system, and then you can start saving while living sustainably.
Here, we believe in a future where solar energy is the norm, not the exception. Whether you're thinking about off-grid solar installation in home settings or maybe considering grid-tied solar installation companies, we're here to help you find the right offers.
See how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home!