Did you know that solar power is more affordable and accessible in the United States than ever before? If you’ve heard of this statistic, you might be more interested in going solar.
However, installing a residential solar system involves more than costs. Is going green right for your home?
There are some questions to ask yourself to figure this out. Keep reading to learn them.
How Much Are Your Electricity Bills?
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To decide if going green is right for you, calculate how much you spend on electricity. The more electricity you use, the more you pay, and the more that you can save if you choose to go solar.
If you live in a state with high electricity rates, using renewable energy could bring down your bills.
There is no one size fits all answer for how much you’ll save. The outcome depends on location, the utility company, and your energy usage.
Do You Own Your Home?
It’s much easier to implement items that can help save the environment when you own the home you are living in. You’ll also need to consider the type of home you own.
If your owned property is in a condo or apartment building, it can be difficult to take advantage of going solar. You could own a unit somewhere but not the actual building where the solar panels would need to be installed.
Can Your Roof Handle Solar Panels?
Your roof might not be suitable for the weight of solar panels. The aspects that affect this answer are material, age, space, tilt, and shading.
Almost any type of roof material can handle solar panels, but there are some materials that make the process of installation easier than others. Slate and wood are brittle and can make the installation difficult.
If your roof is near the end of its life, replace it before installing a solar panel system. A solar installation company can help you decide if your roof is stable enough.
Even if your roof is big enough to withstand solar panels, a system won’t work if the roof is too shaded. The angle of your roof also matters but the standard tilt is typical for most homes.
Do You Qualify for Solar Incentives?
Becoming more environmentally friendly comes at a cost, but there are solar incentives out there that can cut installation prices.
Many states, cities, and utilities offer financial incentives. Research these incentives to find out if there are any in your area.
Qualifying for incentives not only helps you decrease the cost of a solar panel system but can also quicken your return on investment.
The federal investment tax credit (ITC) returns more than 20% of what you pay for solar as a tax credit. This is mostly accessible to people with enough tax liability.
Answer These Questions About Going Green
To decide if solar panels are right for your home, you need to answer the above questions about going green.
If you have high electricity bills, you could be saving big with solar. You’ll save even more if you qualify for solar incentives. Owning your own home and having the right type of roof is necessary as well.
Take what you’ve learned from this guide to decide if solar panels are a good move and don’t forget to come back to this blog for more tips.
