A clear picture of your potential solar savings starts with calculating how much energy you consume each year. This can be done by reviewing your recent electric bills and local electricity rates.
Thanks to net metering, any power your solar panels produce that you don’t use will return to the grid and roll over to your next bill. Adding battery storage can help you maximize your solar energy production and savings.
Increased Home Comfort
A solar energy system is one of the smartest investments for your home. It will help you reduce your dependence on the electric utility company and save money with solar panels on electricity for decades. Solar power systems are a great way to increase the comfort of your home, especially during hot and cold weather conditions. Pair your solar panels with a cold-climate heat pump, and you can use renewable electricity to save on heating and cooling bills while increasing your home’s comfort and reducing your carbon footprint.
The long-term savings on energy bills and increased property value make going solar an intelligent investment for homeowners.
Reduced Utility Bills
Solar panels can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you live and your home’s energy usage. You can save even more if you choose your best electricity provider that offers net metering, which allows you to offset the electricity your house uses with the amount of solar energy it produces.
The bulk of the cost of a solar panel system comes upfront when purchasing the equipment and having it installed. However, most plans require little maintenance and last for 20 years or more with minimal long-term costs.
With local electricity rates increasing, homeowners can save a lot by switching to solar power. Solar panels will produce more electricity than your home needs, and any excess is either stored in a battery or sent back to the grid through net metering. You can reduce your electricity bill by implementing a time-of-use plan and running devices like air conditioners during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates. The sooner you can lower your electricity expenses, the sooner you can save money with solar.
Increased Home Value
Regarding real estate, the old saying “location, location, location” is usually right on. But solar panels are also becoming a critical feature home buyers look for in a new house. According to one study, homes with solar power sell for a premium compared to similar places without solar.
That’s especially true in areas with high electricity usage. But even in more moderate markets, homes with solar are selling faster and for higher prices.
Adding solar can help a home stand out in a competitive market, and it’s easy for homeowners to maintain. Solar systems are very durable and have a long lifespan, so they can easily last well into the next ownership generation.
It’s important to note that if a homeowner doesn’t own their solar system through a lease or PPA, their property value will stay the same. That’s because the third-party-owned system does not become part of the home; they can remove it anytime. For this reason, it’s best for homeowners to install their solar system or at least take advantage of available incentives and net metering programs to offset the initial cost of installation.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Solar panels contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing a clean, sustainable alternative to existing power sources. While mining and manufacturing solar panels emit some pollution, it is significantly less than traditional power plants produce.
Solar panel systems are an excellent approach to help future generations safeguard the environment. Besides lowering carbon emissions from energy generation, solar panel systems are an excellent method to conserve water and improve land quality.
You can typically cover your energy needs with a well-sized solar panel system. Even if your system produces more electricity than you need during the day, any excess is stored in your solar battery storage system or sent back to the grid through net metering credits.
However, if you cannot fully offset your electricity costs with your solar panel system, it is important to consider implementing other renewable technologies like heat pumps or solar thermal. You may also explore community solar options to see if you are eligible for discounted rates.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Solar panels are long-term investments that reduce electricity costs and add aesthetic value to your property. They can increase the value of your home and can be a great selling point when you choose to sell.
Solar systems require very little maintenance. However, it is essential to keep them clean and inspected every year. This will help ensure that they are performing as expected. If you notice a decrease in energy output, this may be due to shade from overhanging trees or debris.
In addition, you can save money on your energy bills by using an intelligent thermostat and scheduling your appliances to run during off-peak hours. This will prevent the use of more expensive electricity during high-demand times. It would help if you also considered signing up for a time-of-use electricity plan with your local utility to get even more savings.