Almost any major purchasing decision has its pros and cons, but there are many financial and environmental benefits in choosing solar to power your home. You can get a system installed on your home for zero down and immediately benefit from a greatly reduced electric bill. And if you’re concerned about both the environment and your budget, solar power is also one of the greenest sources of electricity.

Do you own your home? Does your roof get direct sunlight for most of the day? If you answer “yes” to both of these, you’re probably a good candidate for solar. Such factors as your home’s location, the amount of shade your roof receives, your roof type and its total square footage all need to be considered in your decision of whether or not to go solar, because all these factors will affect the amount of electricity your solar system is able to produce. Ideally, you will want to install a solar electrical system in a location free of shade due to overhanging trees or other structures that are taller than your roof.

Even if your home does not completely meet these conditions, you may still see huge benefits from going solar. For more information about how this applies to your home or business contact us.

Going solar can be done on almost any budget. A Solar Pro will custom design your system with your financial goals in mind. When you decide to make the switch and go solar we offer 2 purchasing options:

Option 1: Cash purchase

A cash purchase is the simplest option and allows for the largest financial returns. A solar installation purchased with cash can pay for itself in 10 years or less, well within the system’s 25-year warrantied lifetime. In fact, during its lifetime your system may produce tens of thousands of dollars in savings even after it is paid for. A 26 percent federal tax credit and rising electricity rates can both help to save you even more money by going solar

Option 2: Using a loan to pay for solar

Financing your solar system is a great option if you are looking to go solar for zero down. You’ll receive a 26 percent federal tax credit and your electric bill savings will start right away. In the beginning your loan payments could be slightly more than your electricity bill, but as the electricity provider raises their rates and electricity bills rise your loan payment will stay the same, saving you money in the long run.

Your first contact with a Solar Pro will be over the phone. The  Solar Pro will analyze your roof and verify details about you and your home. Often, the Solar Pro will be able to provide you a complete estimate without coming to your house. Your quote will contain the information about the following details:

System size – System size isn’t just about the square footage the panels will occupy on your roof. In the context of solar systems, size refers to the number of watts your system can produce in full sunlight. The average solar panel puts out 300 watts at a time, so your installer would call a system of 20 panels a “6kW system.” (300 watts times 20 = 6000 watts = 6 kilowatts.)

Energy production –Solar panel’s energy production is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), exactly as electricity usage is measured by utility companies. 

Cost and incentives – Our solar system prices are quoted as “total installed cost.” Through the end of 2022 a 26% federal tax credit is available toward your solar system purchase. After 2022 the tax credit is set to step down and gradually be phased out over the next few years. To receive the most financial savings from the tax credit make the switch, and go solar by the end of 2022. 

Equipment – Not all solar panels are created equal and some will produce more solar power than others, but all of our panels come with manufacturer warranties, most up to 25 years. At any given time, we will have a number of different panels and equipment options available for your installation and can provide quotes based on your personal preferences. Panels made in the USA, advanced battery storage, and advanced system monitoring options may all be available.

Solar panels require very little maintenance. They are designed to handle rain, wind, snow, hail and other extreme weather for 25 years or more. All the maintenance a solar panel system needs is a yearly rinse and squeegee to take off extra dust and grime; you may need to do this twice or three times yearly if you live in a very dusty place.

In most cases, we will include monitoring software as part of your installation, either on a screen attached to your system or digitally through a website or app on your smart phone. The monitoring software will tell you if the system is functioning properly and show you the overall energy production.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is claimed by you or your accountant by filling out a special schedule, Form 5695, to be included with your tax return. See your accounting professional for further information.