Installing a solar energy system on your property not only lowers your electricity bills but also safeguards you against future rate increases. While your savings depend on local utility rates and solar policies, going solar is a wise investment no matter where you are.
Like other renewable energy sources, solar power offers numerous environmental and health benefits. By going solar, you can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, while also decreasing air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can lead to serious health issues.
Discover your monthly electricity costs and usage by reviewing your utility bill. Check out Fastrac’s guide to reading your electricity bill for tips on what to look for.
Utilities utilize net metering to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity generated by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity you consume beyond what your solar panels produce. Keep in mind that net metering policies vary by state so it’s essential to research the rules in your area before making a decision.
Research shows that homes with solar energy systems sell for higher prices than those without. However, your property value will only increase if you own your solar panel system rather than lease it. In fact, in many areas, going solar can boost your property value even more than a kitchen renovation.
Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
Snow on your solar panels can temporarily reduce their efficiency by blocking sunlight, but this effect is usually short-lived. The extent of the reduction depends on the snow’s thickness and duration. As the snow melts or slides off, it can help clean the panels, potentially improving their performance.
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.
We recognize that when it comes to solar finance, it is certainly not one size fits all. Every homeowner’s credit journey is unique, and Fastrac provides our sales teams with a variety of industry leading options so you can find the right fit for your customer.
PVIP Installation Professional
Justin Duncan
Certification#: 052523-013871
Texas License #34938
Arkansas License #0432850223
Mississippi License #22041
Louisiana License #75744
