So, you’re considering switching to solar power? You aren’t alone! Over 90% of Americans surveyed stated that they wanted more businesses and homes to be run on solar power. And why wouldn’t they?
Solar power for home environments equates to lower energy bills, better house value, and of course, help you do your bit for the environment with a renewable source of power.
But when you are making the switch to solar power, what is the process involved? Is it like switching from one electric company to another?
This article provides a simplified step-by-step guide to the process, so you know how to get started. Great stuff!
Solar Power for Home Environments
As mentioned before, there are many advantages of switching to solar power for your home; lower energy costs and lower maintenance costs too.
But to answer the previous question about switching to solar power, there is a bit more involved than simply calling a company and changing your power provider from electric to solar.
So, what do you do when making the switch, and what does it typically involve?
Request a Consultation
Firstly, search for a company that specializes in home solar power options. Once you have found one with good reviews, request a consultation. Many offer this for free.
A standard consultation will involve a home visit and an overview of your energy bills at present. As you own your home, you may also need to provide evidence from your last home inspection so the company knows that your roof is in good condition. After all, it needs to support the solar panels!
Solar Energy Assessment
The solar energy assessment will usually occur within a week of you requesting the consultation and, to be frank, it can be a bit technical.
The engineers will need to assess your roof’s array position, angle and of course, look for any obstructions that can block the solar panels. This may be trees, buildings, or bridges, especially in urban areas.
Should you pass all of these areas, the number of solar panels needed to power your home will be estimated and you will receive a quote for setting up the solar panels.
Lease or Buy?
A common concern that many homeowners have when switching to solar is the cost linked to either buying the solar panels or renting them.
When you purchase solar panels, you need to pay the upfront cost once they are installed and, as you can imagine, this can be pricey! So, many homeowners prefer to rent. Alternatively, you can look online for a loan aimed at the purpose of purchasing solar panels.
Contracts for renting solar panels can be lengthy, with many companies offering leases that cover 20 years or more with monthly payments. So be sure to check on the interest rates of each company before signing a leasing agreement for solar panels.
Brightening Your Home With Solar Panels
Switching to solar energy is a great way to reduce your bills and to help the environment. But, as you can see, it is a bit more complicated than simply having solar panels fitted to your roof!
For more in-depth information about your home’s suitability for solar panels and the switching process, feel free to visit the ‘Real Estate and Home’ section of our blog.
Lower Electricity Costs
The cost of going solar is slowly decreasing and is likely to be even lower. Adopting solar energy means lower electricity costs. For some, net metering ensures that homeowners pay only the monthly electricity bill. The extra power then goes to the grid and is then made available to other users. Net metering can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bill each year by giving you a good ROI. Again, switching to solar energy gives you a solar tax credit that gives you a 30% reduction in your tax bill. The second money saver avoids utility bill costs. The cost factor in the associated operational costs that utility companies eventually reach the consumer.
Financing Your Solar Solutions
Today, financiers offer homeowners the opportunity to apply for a home solar loan. This can help you cover the cost of installation. Solar loan security (mostly through your home) or unsecured, depends on a variety of factors, including your credit rating. If this is the best option for you, shop around and talk to multiple financiers. Find out about the return period, interest rate, and so on.
Environmental Benefits of Solar Power
Fossil fuels, which are compatible with electricity generation, generate a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This has had far-reaching effects on the environment, forcing many countries to look for clean alternatives. Solar energy tops the list. It is renewable, reliable, and unbearable, unlike fossil fuels. There you can, in the long run, turn to solar energy for you, your finances, and the environment. The economy is not far behind. Solar energy is creating jobs and helping our economy grow.
