Other drawbacks that are frequently mentioned include the space needed for panels and that they depend on sunlight to power your home. Factors such as available incentives, the climate, home size, how much shade there is, and the amount of sun that a region gets all affect whether or not solar power is a good option for you. Take a closer look at your options in our article on benefits of solar. The short answer is that it depends. There are many factors to take into consideration when investing in solar energy.
Every house and every household has different energy needs, so it really depends on the home, climate, and how much energy you need. We have a few tips to help you get the most out of your solar system:. As with any big ticket purchase, shopping for solar requires a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of companies in your area.
By comparing multiple solar quotes , you will get increased competition for your business and transparency, which will ultimately mean a higher quality installation at the right price.
A report by the U. The same NREL report referenced above found that quotes from large installers were typically 10 percent higher than those from mid- and small-sized installers.
Getting multiple solar quotes will also allow you to compare the equipment offered by each of those installers. There are many variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels on the market. The only way to find the best system for your property is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers. This article was adapted from a post that originally appeared on Mother Earth News. Right now, my energy usage is low.
About kWh a month. Now I am using kWh monthly. According to a solar company, I can throw a 24, kWh system on my roof since my electric bills prove such. Then I tell all those car owners to beat it and our usage goes back down to kWh. Will I be penalized for producing too much energy? I am now banking an extra kWh monthly. Be sure you understand how billing and net metering will work, as well as any additional utility fees you will need to pay.
A federal tax credit is available for solar energy systems. It expires December 31, Learn more and find state and local incentives. Investigate your home's energy efficiency Assess your solar potential and any limitations Assess your options for going solar Estimate your solar electricity needs Obtain bids and site assessments from contractors Understand available financing and incentives Work with your installer and utility to install the system and set up agreements.
Investigate Your Home's Energy Efficiency. Explore the following resources to reduce your electricity use:. Home energy audits : A home energy audit can help you understand where your home is losing energy and what steps to take to improve the efficiency of your home.
Appliances and electronics : Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently, or consider investing in highly efficient products. Lighting : Switch to energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs. Heating and cooling : If you use electricity to heat and cool your home, your heating and cooling needs will significantly affect the amount of solar energy you need. Weatherizing your home and heating and cooling efficiently will reduce the amount of electricity you need to produce with solar.
Assess Your Solar Potential. Consider the following:. Nearby shade trees. Contractors will also help evaluate shading, but also consider your own or your neighbor's trees that are still growing and could shade your system in the future.
The age of your roof and how long until it will need to be replaced. If you expect to need a new roof within the next few years, you may want to consider making that improvement before installing solar. Neighborhood or homeowner association HOA restrictions or approval requirements. Some states now have "solar rights provisions" limiting the ability of HOAs to restrict solar installations or limit solar access. These provisions vary state to state, and by municipality; check into your own HOA covenants and state laws.
Assess Your Options for Using Solar. Purchasing a Solar Energy System. Community or Shared Solar. Consider community solar if one or more of the following apply to you: You are unable or do not want to install solar at your home or property You are unable to claim state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs Learn more about community and shared solar. Solar Leases. Solar leases are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: You want to install solar at your home, but you are unable or do not want to purchase a solar energy system You are ineligible for state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs You want to reduce your electricity costs You want to sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement.
PPAs are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: You want to install solar at your home, but you are unable or do not want to purchase a solar energy system You are ineligible for state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs You want to reduce your electricity costs You want to sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement You are interested in procuring solar at a limited up-front cost.
Solarize Programs. Solarize programs are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: A Solarize program is available in your area You want to purchase a solar energy system to install at your home You are eligible for state or federal investment tax credits You are willing to be responsible for maintenance or repairs note that most solar energy systems offer warranties, and many installers offer operations and maintenance plans You want to reduce your electricity costs and sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement You want to increase the value of your home.
Estimate Your Solar Electricity Needs. Review electricity bills to determine annual electricity needs. Your usage will be shown in kilowatt-hours kWh.
Review each month of the year; you may use more electricity in some months than others e. Some utilities offer tools that can help with this review. Consider any planned changes. If you will be purchasing an electric vehicle or are planning a home addition, your electricity needs may increase. If you are continuing to make significant changes to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may need less electricity than you used in the past. When interviewing installers, consider asking the following questions: Is your company familiar with local permitting and interconnection processes?
Often obtaining building permits and receiving permission to interconnect can be long and tedious processes. Ensure that the installer is familiar with these local processes will ensure that your system is installed and connected in a prompt manner. Instead, you can reduce — and possibly eliminate — the amount you owe on your taxes. Additional credits vary by location. Depending on your state, you may receive extra incentives like cash back, property tax exemption, waived fees and expedited permits.
In some states, homeowners with solar panels can sell excess power to their local utility companies. Look up credits available in your state by reviewing the database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency. But benefits aren't guaranteed to last. Changes in government trade policy also impact prices. But don't expect to eliminate your power bill overnight. If you decide to purchase solar panels, shop around and search for incentives.
Review your electric bill. Evaluate your sunlight exposure. Estimate residential solar panel cost. Look for incentives. Keep an eye on trade policy. Make the call. Spot your saving opportunities.
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