7 Considerations for Homeowners Before Going Solar
Going solar is a great decision for your home. It’s a low-risk, high-return investment that has many benefits and helps you make a difference on a large scale. There is no doubt that solar power for your home will be advantageous, but there are steps you should take to make sure you’re able to really get the most out of it.
1. Reduce Energy Use BEFORE Installing a Solar System
If your home is consuming enormous amounts of energy, you should first take measures to reduce its energy usage before installing a solar system. There is a whole range of green energy solutions that can increase your home’s energy efficiency.
These energy efficiency upgrades may include an updated HVAC system, new windows, a pool pump, insulation and COOL roofing. By using less energy, you may be able to install a smaller solar system, saving you money on initial costs while still powering your home.
2. Investigate Whether You’re Eligible for Rebates
A federal tax credit of 30% is still available for homeowners who are purchasing their solar systems. While leasing is also an option, you may actually end up saving much more when you buy.
3. Consider PACE Financing
Paying fully out of pocket for a solar system, especially if you have a larger home with more intensive power needs, can get expensive. Consider financing your solar home improvement project with PACE. California residents can take advantage of CaliforniaFIRST options.
4. Choose the Right Products
When determining which solar products to use there are many considerations you should take under advisement. For example, what warranties do certain manufacturers have? How efficient do you want the product to be? Does it matter whether or not it was produced in America?
When deciding which panels, inverters, monitoring and battery back-ups you want, be sure to do your research or choose a trustworthy, knowledgeable installer like SolReliable to help you make the right decisions for your home.
5. Find the Best Price Per kWh
To gauge just how much you’ll be able to get out of your new solar system, you need to find the best price per kilowatt hour of energy. This means comparing the 20 year production versus the initial price and not simply looking at the price, degradation, shading and warranty.
6. Add CoolPV & Extend Your Pool’s Swimming Season
Despite being located in Southern California, if your home has a swimming pool, the actual pool days can be quite limited. Thankfully, solar energy with CoolPV can be used to efficiently heat your pool and extend its yearly usage, increasing enjoyment and reducing energy bills. You will also be able to get higher solar production and at least four months of hot pool water, without using natural gas heating.
7. Work with a Local Contractor
When going solar, you want to hire someone who has your best interests in mind. At SolReliable, we’re local to the Southern California region. We’re always available and treat our customers like family, not just a number.
Save by Going Solar with SolReliable this Year
There’s never been a better time to go solar than this year. With all the advances in technology allowing high-quality and high-performance products to be widely available, you can start getting the most out of the sun’s energy with solutions from SolReliable.
Take these seven considerations into account and act now while the 30% federal tax credit on solar is still in effect to make your transition more affordable than ever!
