More and more Americans are embracing a home solar power system to save on their energy bills, increase the value of their homes, and reduce their carbon footprints. Northern California, where Vital Energy is located, is considered one of the top solar-friendly areas of the U.S. and is a fantastic place to take advantage of the sun’s awesome power.
While there are many benefits to going green with solar energy, there are some important factors to consider before converting to solar.
- Is your roof right for solar energy?
- How much does it cost to set up and maintain a home solar power system?
- How much can you save over time?
In this article, we’ll go over the big questions you should ask before you convert your house to solar power so you can make a confident, educated decision.
How much will solar panels cost?
Luckily, solar power installation and parts are not as expensive as they once were. Many financing options are available to help offset the initial costs of setting up a system. For example, many companies offer short-term and long-term financing options to work within most budgets.
Government incentives and rebates are another way to save when installing a solar power system. Depending on the location and size of your home, a solar power system can vary greatly. You must keep in mind that installing solar power is a long-term investment. The good news is that over a 10- to 20-year timeframe, your solar power system should pay for itself.
Most people don’t have thousands of dollars to pay for a solar power system right out of the gate, so it’s important to discuss financing options with the company you’re considering using.
Zeroing back on California, on average, a solar power system costs around $19,980 before the 30% tax credit is accounted for. Once you factor that in, you’re considering spending just shy of $14,000 for a solar power system.
With the high cost of electricity in California, installing solar panels is well worth the long-term investment, since you will recoup upfront costs through net metering programs, and since you’ll be less reliant on your power company by essentially locking in lower electricity rates for the 30+ years your system will perform.
How does a home solar power system work?
Before investing in solar power, it helps to know how the system actually functions! We covered this topic in full detail here, but here is a quick recap.
A solar company will visit your home to assess your roof and energy usage. Once they determine that your roof is suitable for solar, they’ll install solar panels made of silicon solar cells that capture sunlight and convert it to usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your home. Some people also get a solar battery, which we recommend, to help store excess power for a rainy day.
On days when you produce more energy than you use, the excess energy is sent back to the utility company; certain companies offer net metering policies that allow you to sell energy back for a credit on your electric bill. Alternatively, if you use a solar battery, excess power is stored in your solar battery to tap into when an electrical outage occurs.
We recommend working with a reputable local solar company, like Vital Energy Solutions , in your area to ensure your setup is optimized so your panels and batteries work together to cover your electricity consumption.
How does using a solar energy system help the environment?
Solar energy has many positive environmental impacts, including lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. Did you know that a solar panel can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 100 tons over its lifetime? Here are a few other ways installing a solar power system can help support the environment:
- By opting for solar energy, we’re saying goodbye to dirty fossil fuels and hello to clean, renewable power. This means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less air pollution, and a healthier planet for future generations. It’s like giving Earth a breath of fresh air!
- Solar power is virtually limitless, unlike traditional energy sources that rely on finite resources like coal and natural gas. By tapping into the sun’s boundless energy, we’re reducing our dependence on non-renewable resources and preserving them for future generations.
- Traditional power plants consume massive amounts of water for cooling purposes. Solar power plants, on the other hand, require minimal water, helping to conserve this precious resource. Embracing solar power plants safeguards our aquatic ecosystems and ensures access to clean water for communities worldwide.
Solar panels generate enough energy in two years to compensate for the energy required to create a panel. Speaking of their construction, the silicon components of a solar panel are sourced from silica sand, which is widely available on our planet.
Will installing a solar system help my home value?
Not everyone is settled into their forever homes. Homeowners interested in solar may have some reservations about the ability to sell their homes after installing a system on their roofs. But there’s great news here! According to recent real estate studies, a solar-powered home increases its value by an average of $17,000.
That is an impressive amount that outshines any other home improvement project, such as kitchen or bathroom remodels. Home buyers love the notion of lower energy bills, and solar panels are the ticket to incredible savings over time. It assures them they’ll save money on their electricity, which is a big deal to many potential buyers.
Sustainability sells these days. Homes with a solar system installed are viewed as environmentally friendly and socially responsible. As energy costs continue to rise and going green has become popular, buying a home with solar panels gives you a competitive edge in the real estate market.
An important note about buying vs. leasing solar panels: Leasing your panels could hurt your chances of selling your home since new owners may not want to be roped into that monthly payment. Sometimes, a leased system is made with less-than-stellar equipment. And if you lease, you won’t receive the tax credit available if you were to outright purchase the system.
What is maintenance like for solar power?
You’ll be happy to hear that maintaining a solar power system involves very little maintenance. Some systems installed more than 25 years ago are still going strong. Since solar panels don’t have any moving parts and are constructed with longevity in mind, you will typically only need to wash the modules before summer when solar energy production is at its peak. Solar panels are constructed to be 100% recyclable at the end of their life.
Do I need a solar battery?
Solar batteries supercharge your solar power system and are a must-have. They’re the missing link to your solar setup, and they bring it to the next level.
- Energy independence—On a sunny day, your solar panels soak up the sun’s rays, and excess energy can be stored in your solar battery for later use. By incorporating solar batteries into your system, you’re no longer at the mercy of the power grid. You’ll have the ability to store surplus energy generated during the day and use it when the sun goes down or during a power outage.
- Backup power—When the grid goes down, a solar power system without batteries ceases to produce electricity. With solar batteries, you won’t have to be left in the dark. Solar batteries ensure that your essential appliances keep running without interruption.
- Maximize solar energy—With solar batteries, the excess energy generated is stored for you to use instead of sending it back to the grid for a modest credit. Solar batteries help you maximize your solar energy by storing and using every drop of sunlight your system captures. When you store your excess energy with a solar battery, you can avoid paying the utility company for your electricity.
Do I have to live in a sunny area?
Solar power relies on the sun to generate energy, so living in a sunny area is definitely a plus. If your home is surrounded by trees or buildings that produce a lot of shade on your roof, it will impact the amount of energy you can generate.
Consider how much room you have on your roof for solar panels. The south-facing side is valuable real estate for solar panels since it can benefit from elongated periods of sun exposure. East and west-facing roofs are also great options for adding additional panels to take full advantage of the sun’s rays.
Recap
Before you convert your house to solar power, it’s important to ask the right questions. It’s equally important to find a reputable solar company that will maximize the efficiency of your system so you can maximize your energy production. Installing solar panels is a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint, save on energy bills, and pour value into your home.
Vital Energy – Your Energy Experts
Vital Energy Solutions is local, family owned, and passionate about providing solar and backup power solutions for our community.
If you live in North Bay, Mendocino, Lake, Sonora, Amador, or Tuolumne County and you’re ready to reduce your carbon footprint and see if your home is a good fit for a solar energy system, contact Vital Energy Solutions here or call us today.