The average yearly cost of electricity in the United States is 13.20 cents per kilowatt-hour.
If you are thinking about getting solar panels for your house, you might be wondering if it is worth the money. You also need to think about whether your roof is a good fit for solar panels and how much savings you will have. These are just some of the things to think about when you are considering installing solar panels.
If you are still on the fence about whether your home is suitable for solar power, here’s some more information to help you decide.
The Cost of Your Electrical Bill
One factor in deciding if you should consider going solar is how much energy you pay for. Calculating your yearly bill will help you to evaluate the cost benefits of installing solar panels.
A thorough calculation of what you now pay and what you can expect to pay after going solar will help you make the right choice.
The Type of Roof You Have
The best roofing materials for solar panels are composite, asphalt shingle, concrete tile, and standing seam metal. You can go solar with a roof made of wood shake or slate tile, but you will want to work with a specialist who has experience installing solar panels on those types of roofs.
Consider too that installing solar panels on a roof that needs to be replaced due to age is not worth it. It is best to install solar panels on a roof that only needs minor work and is not in need of immediate replacement.
The orientation of your roof is something you should also think about. Sunlight is important for energy production. North and south-facing roofs are not great for solar panel installation, but east or west-facing roofs are preferable because they offer more sunlight.
There should not be any obstructions to the panels. Vents, chimneys, or even wooded areas near a ground-mounted installation will cause obstructions and prevent the panels from performing properly.
The Climate
Solar panels are able to generate electricity in many different environments. They absorb light from both direct and indirect sources making for a very efficient product regardless of climate.
Solar panels for home rely on external factors for energy, but rain and extreme temperatures can cause the output to diminish. If you live in a windy area or an area that receives several feet of snow per year, make sure to consider weather-resistant panels.
Is Your Roof or the installation Site Shaded
Is the area where you want to install a solar system shaded? This can seriously affect the performance of your system so taking note of this during your site audit is vital.
You may be able to resolve any shading concerns by trimming trees or looking into ground-mounting.
How Will You Finance the Solar Panels?
There are three ways that you can purchase solar panels. They are by paying cash, getting a loan, or securing a lease. Paying money upfront will most likely be the cheapest in the long run. Credit loans require interest and monthly repayments serve to increase any expenses you had from installing.
A federal solar tax credit can be used by homeowners who want to install solar panels in their homes. In 2020 the government offered a 26 percent rebate for the cost of installation, but this will gradually reduce over time until it’s phased out completely.
The Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
There are several benefits to going solar many of which you may not have considered. Here is a look at some of them.
Low Maintenance and Long Life
Solar energy systems seldom require much or any maintenance, a quick cleaning once every few months will keep them running efficiently.
Solar panels last for a long time. The most reliable ones have a warranty that lasts 20 to 25 years.
Protect Your Roof
Versatility is one of the many benefits associated with installing solar panels. Not only do they generate power and provide shade, but they also extend roof life because it protects it from harsh weather conditions like snowfall, rain, or debris.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels can increase the value of any property. Surveys show that houses with solar panels sell faster and for more money than those without them.
Help the Environment
Unlike fossil fuels and natural gas, the sun is an energy source that is renewable. Going solar in Florida not only benefits your environment but reduces your dependence on pollutants.
Save Money
Solar power utilization is on the rise because it offers stable energy costs. Utility companies are notorious for rising and falling prices due to uncontrollable factors like weather and the materials they need to keep the power supply up and running.
Solar panel cost puts energy usage into perspective, making it easy to calculate how much electricity will be generated at any given time and what the cost of that generation would be over a 20-year period.
Go Solar
With all the benefits that you can get from going solar, it is easy to see why so many people are now installing solar panels in their homes. If you are considering it then you are making a wise choice.
The reliability and savings you will get from getting energy this way make it well worth it. You will be able to use your solar panels for decades. If you would like more information about installing solar panels, please contact us.
