FAQs

Embracing solar energy is not just a step towards sustainability; it's a smart financial strategy with tangible benefits. The most immediate and compelling advantage is the significant reduction, or even elimination, of your electricity bills. Solar panels are a powerhouse of savings, especially considering their durability and lifespan – often exceeding 25 years. This longevity means your investment continues to pay dividends far into the future.

But the financial gains of solar energy extend beyond just monthly bill savings. Consider the ever-rising utility rates, which historically increase by about 3% annually. By switching to solar, you effectively lock in your energy costs, shielding yourself from these unpredictable hikes. As utility rates climb, your decision to go solar becomes increasingly advantageous, amplifying your savings year after year.

Moreover, owning a solar energy system elevates your property's value. This is a crucial consideration for homeowners who may contemplate moving before their solar system reaches the end of its life expectancy. Owning, as opposed to leasing, means that the value added to your property directly contributes to the recoupment of the initial installation costs. This enhancement in property value is not just a financial perk; it’s a testament to the growing market recognition of sustainable living solutions.

There's also the aspect of solar energy as an investment in future-proofing. With advancements in solar technology and the shift towards renewable energy sources, solar panels are more than just energy generators; they're a hedge against future energy market volatility. This foresight in energy planning positions homeowners and businesses alike to reap the rewards of early adoption.

In addition to these direct financial benefits, solar energy systems often qualify for various tax incentives, rebates, and grants. These financial incentives can significantly offset the initial cost of installation, making solar an even more attractive investment. The combination of tax breaks and rebates, alongside the long-term savings on utility bills and the increase in property value, makes solar energy a financially sound choice.

Lastly, solar energy contributes to a broader economic benefit by fostering local job creation in the renewable energy sector. By choosing solar, you're not just enhancing your financial standing; you're also supporting the growth of a sustainable and future-focused industry.

Solar energy systems are more than just an alternative energy source; they are a cornerstone in the global effort to create a more sustainable and healthier environment. One of the most profound benefits of solar energy is its ability to generate power while producing zero greenhouse gas emissions. This clean energy production is pivotal in the fight against climate change, offering a path to drastically reduce our carbon footprint.

The environmental advantages of solar energy are especially significant in urban settings. Cities, often plagued with high levels of pollution, can experience a notable improvement in air quality as more solar energy systems are adopted. By replacing traditional fossil fuels with solar power, we can significantly decrease the amount of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. This shift not only combats global warming but also protects public health by reducing the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular issues associated with poor air quality.

Moreover, solar energy plays a crucial role in promoting energy independence. By harnessing the power of the sun, a renewable and virtually inexhaustible resource, we reduce our dependence on finite fossil fuels. This transition not only secures a more stable energy future but also diminishes the geopolitical tensions often associated with oil and gas dependence.

Another often overlooked but vital environmental benefit of solar energy is water conservation. Traditional power generation methods, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power, require significant amounts of water for cooling. Solar photovoltaic cells, on the other hand, need no water to generate electricity. This conservation is particularly crucial in areas facing water scarcity, making solar energy a key player in sustainable water management.

Additionally, solar energy minimizes the logistics and environmental impact associated with the extraction, transportation, and usage of fossil fuels. The entire lifecycle of solar power, from manufacturing to operation and decommissioning, presents a substantially lower environmental impact compared to conventional energy sources. By reducing the need for extensive logistics, solar energy lessens the environmental degradation and pollution typically associated with fuel transport and usage.

In summary, the adoption of solar energy systems heralds a multitude of environmental benefits. From combating climate change and improving air quality to promoting energy independence and water conservation, solar power stands as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Nearly all utility companies now have easily accessed online portals to pay your utility bills. Many also have additional tools to monitor and compare your energy usage, along with historical usage data spanning back multiple years.

Net metering is a mechanism that allows a business or homeowner to sell excess power generated by their renewable energy systems back to the grid. Oftentimes, these are done through credits, which offset the energy used from the grid during times when you aren’t producing energy, such as nighttime or during the winter months when solar panels produce less. Many states enforce a 1-to-1 ratio, meaning each excess kWh sold is equal to purchasing one kWh back from the grid.

This system enables a solar system to be built to overproduce a bit during the day in order to have excess “net credits” to purchase power at night. Without net metering, the only way to achieve similar results is with a battery storage system.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, home value goes up by 20x the total dollar savings of your annual energy bill. This means that most typical home solar installations can recoup a lot of value should you choose to sell your home. For a system that saves an average of $2000/yr, this equates to an increased home value of nearly $40,000.

Commercial properties can see similar impacts on property values, as solar solutions decrease operational costs, improving bottom line financial performance.

The main incentive available for both residential and commercial solar and energy storage systems is solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The base credit is for 30%, however if a system contains at least 50% of its equipment produced domestically in the US, the ITC credit goes up to 40%.

Commercial solar installations also have additional incentives available, such as MACRS depreciation, and the USDA REAP grant program for businesses located in rural areas. These can amount to additional savings that, when combined with the ITC, can reduce system costs by as much as 90%.

At The Solar Roofers, we believe in ownership of your energy solution. While there are some benefits associated with leasing a solar system, such as decreased initial costs, we’ve found that it can be a prohibitively limiting route to solar energy. Leasing a system does not increase your property value, limits your customization options, has long commitments, and can make selling your property more difficult.

Ownership allows you to capitalize on financial incentive programs, increases property value, provide true energy independence, and reduces risks of complications from things like the solar leasing company raising your rates or going out of business.

Secured loans require collateral, often backed using your home as collateral. An unsecured solar loan only utilizes the solar system itself as collateral. Secured loans come with better interest rates and terms.