Looking to Go Solar?
Making the Switch.
Going solar can sometimes be a daunting task. Many people realize that they would like to have a system installed in their home but don't know what to do or where to go. However, this should not be the case. So, here, we will provide you with the steps that you should follow to ensure that you have the best solar-buying experience possible.
Determine If You Should Have a Roof-Top System or If You Should Join a Community System.
It is crucial before doing anything else to determine if your home is suitable for a home solar system. Solar panels are built to work in every climate, however, this does not mean they will be equally efficient everywhere. They won't be as effective if certain aspects of your home or area significantly impact how much sunlight will reach your panels. In some cases, your home might not be suitable at all. So, it is best to determine whether or not your home is able to support a roof-top solar system before you put a lot time and energy into seeing if you can purchase one.
- Check your roof's exposure to the sun. If objects such as trees or other buildings create excessive shade on your roof, your system won't be very effective. So, if this is the case with your roof, you may want to reconsider having panels on top of your house.
- Check your roof's orientation. Ideally, a perfect candidate for a root-top solar system is a roof that faces south and has a 15 to 40 degree slope.
- Check the condition of your roof. Your home may not be a good candidate for a roof-top solar system if the roof is old or in need of repairs. Installing a solar panel on top of such a roof could result in huge costs in the long run if, for example, they need to be remove to make repairs to your roof then put back on.
If your home does not seem to fit very well with these preferences, don't fret! There may still be a way for you to go solar: community solar! Many areas and companies provide the option for people to become a part of a community solar grid where people can take ownership of a certain number of panels in a large solar farm. Watch the video below to learn more about community solar:
Take Advantage of Incentives.
Make sure to take advantage of all the federal, state, and utility incentives being offered for those who go solar. Often times, these can significantly reduce the costs associated with going solar and make the financial aspect of the experience a lot better. When looking for incentives, there are three types that you should take note of: tax credits, rebates, and performance-based incentives. Solar tax credits can be offered at both the federal and state level. These credits essentially serve as discounts that reduce how much you have to pay for your system and vary based on the overall cost of your system. Currently, there is a major federal tax credit called the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). As of 2020, the ITC is a 26% tax credit. Unfortunately, however, it is on a downward slope. In 2021, it will be 22%, and in 2022, it will be gone completely for homeowners. So, take advantage of this as soon as possible! Rebates are typically lump sums of money which help decrease the initial cost of the system. They can either be a fixed amount or vary based on the size of your system. Performance-based incentives are based on, as the name suggests, the performance of your system. So, the more electricity you generate, the more money you'll earn. They can be paid out as a fixed rate (e.g. 30 cents per kWh) or as SRECs. There are many opportunities to save, so make sure to take advantage of these opportunities and go solar! For your convenience, Click Here for a site that lists the incentives you could receive in your state.