If you do a quick search for home solar it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options and confusing estimates. So in this solar home guide, I explain what a solar home is, the answers to basic solar questions every single-family homeowner should know before shopping for solar panels, and how to fi Contact online >>
If you do a quick search for home solar it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options and confusing estimates. So in this solar home guide, I explain what a solar home is, the answers to basic solar questions every single-family homeowner should know before shopping for solar panels, and how to find a solar company you’ll love in the long run. I’ll also cover solar options for those of you who aren’t ready – or don’t want – to put solar panels on your roof.
A solar home gets most of its electricity from a solar PV installation. There are about two million solar PV installations in the United States according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The data on how many solar homes there are in the United States is a bit fuzzy, but Pew Research says 6% of U.S. homeowners say they have installed solar panels at home.
You may be wondering if solar panels are worth it. The truth is, there are pros and cons to going solar. Here are the top advantages and disadvantages of owning a single-family residence with solar panels.
A home solar system doesn’t work for every single-family home. Sometimes there''s too much shade on your roof, your roof is too old, or there''s a tree blocking the sun. If that''s the case, don''t get discouraged. There are options:
Renewable energy from your utilitymay also be available. Call your local power utility to ask if there’s a local renewable energy option available. Some utilities have a 100% renewable energy option that you can opt-in to.
DIY solar panels are another solar power option if you want to skip the solar installer and do it yourself instead. GoGreenSolar sells rooftop solar power kits and ground-mount solar power kits. If you’re super handy and love the DIY aspect, this could be a good option.
There are three leading types of solar panels on the market today. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels according to EnergySage . A good sales representative should walk you through the pros and cons of the different types of solar panels.
Solar panel installation –If your roof is already slanted and facing the sun it may be less expensive to install than if the home solar system needs to be built up. If the roof is flat or the panels can''t be placed to face the sun, the system will be built up for maximum sun exposure. These factors affect the price of installation.
The type of solar panels –Monocrystalline solar panels are usually more expensive and efficient than polycrystalline panels and may be necessary for a small roof. Polycrystalline panels are usually less expensive and efficient but may save money if you have a large roof with lots of space. Ask your sales representative if paying for the more efficient panels is necessary.
Connecting to the grid and permits –Your solar system will need to be connected to your local utility so you get electricity when the sun goes down. You’ll also probably need permits, so make sure to ask your potential solar company who will take care of the connections and permits.
Cash is the simple way to go if you have the cash and you’re willing to spend it on a solar system rather than another investment. If not, there are other ways to pay for your home solar system that doesn’t require putting a lot of cash down.
Solar financing – You own the home solar system but you borrow the money from a bank or credit union. Financing solar is similar to financing a home. You own it, but you make payments each month. Some people use a home equity line of credit for solar instead.
Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) – A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a contract between you and a company that owns and installs a home solar system on your roof or property. The company sells the power to the utility, and the property owner pays the company a monthly fee. The power purchase agreement is usually 10 – 25 years. The company owns the system and is responsible for maintenance. Some PPA contracts allow the homeowner to buy the home solar system after a period of time.
Lease solar panels – Some states allow the solar company to lease the solar system directly to customers. A solar lease is similar to a PPA, but the company does not sell the electricity back to the utility. It’s similar to a car lease in that you do not own the system at the end of the contract. You may be able to buy the system after a period of time if that’s included in your contract.
Investment tax credits – Qualifying homeowners that purchase a home roof solar system can deduct 26% of the cost of the system from their taxes in 2021 according to EnergySage .
State and local solar incentives – Each state and utility have their own incentive program. Go to DSIREUSA to find specific solar rebates by state and the local solar incentives available in your area.
State solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) – Some states require utilities to purchase SRECs that go toward their Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). In states with SRECs, homeowners with rooftop solar are paid cash by the SREC market for unused solar credits. Make sure any contract you sign lets you keep that cash rather than the solar company.
The difference between net metering and SRECs is how you get paid for unused solar energy. In states with net metering, you receive a credit from your utility. In states with SRECs, you receive cash from the SREC market in exchange for the utility taking credit for the clean energy you produce.
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