Like everything, there are pros and cons of solar panel installation. Though many people talk about what solar panels offer, every property owner also has to have some idea of what the drawbacks could be. This is a significant change in the way your home operates. The good news is that most people will see significant benefits from making that move. As you take into consideration the wide range of options available in solar panels, take a closer look at the full picture.
Solar panels have many components to them. They are a very different way of powering your home. That’s why it is so important for you to fully understand how they operate and what to expect from them.
Pros of Solar Panels for Homes
Reduction in electric bills
This is the main reason many people make the switch. Most often, your electric bill will be significantly reduced or, in some cases, eliminated completely. That’s because your solar panel system will generate more of the power your home needs from the sun’s energy, reducing the amount of power you need to pull from the utility grid that powers a home traditionally.
This billing process is called net metering. If you live in an area with net metering, any extra energy you produce for your home could lead to credit for your electric bill. Be sure you understand what the impact will be on your home’s energy bills
Improve the environment
Most people want to do their part in protecting the environment. Making the switch to solar panels lets you do that by reducing your carbon footprint. Solar energy does not create carbon like other types of energy sources do. That carbon is what pollutes the environment from the air to the waterways. Solar panels have about 20 times less carbon footprint throughout their lifetime than the use of coal-generated electricity. After the first three years of your use, your carbon footprint is eliminated.
Reduce dependence on utility power
Some people want to make the switch because it enables them to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and the utility grid itself. If you have suffered a power outage that has lasted a long time, you may want to consider the value of an off-grid system that helps you to be less reliant on the electricity that’s generated by the electrical utilities in your area.
It could improve your home’s value
Solar panel systems are typically a plus when it comes to adding value to your home. It’s a good idea to consider your home’s ability to generate enough power to eliminate electric bills, though. If you live in an area where there is less of an impact, the value of a solar panel system may be less than what you expect in terms of value added to your home.
It can be an affordable investment
There is a wide range of solar incentives available. There’s financing available, too. In many ways, your state or federal government rebates can help you to save money on your taxes by switching to solar energy. That makes it a more affordable investment than many realize.
Cons of Solar Panels for Homes
There are some drawbacks to using solar panels, especially in some areas. That’s why it helps to learn as much as you can about the use of solar panels in your community.
It takes a long time to pay for itself
It’s true that many solar panel systems will eventually pay for themselves by helping to eliminate your electric bill. However, it can take some time for that to happen. Solar panel systems cost around $15,000 for the average home, some more and some less. That is a sizable amount of investment into your home. It could take 10 or more years to recoup that investment.
Not all roofs can support them
Though many homeowners today can invest in solar panels, some homes may not be suitable for them. For example, if the condition of your roof is not good or you will need to replace your existing roofing material with a different type, that’s going to make the process more expensive.
Not all roofs get enough sunlight, either. One way to see how well solar can do on your home is to use Google’s Project Sunroof. It’s a simple tool that will tell you how much sunlight hits your roof. If available, it will give you an idea of how viable solar can be for you.
Installation isn’t always do-it-yourself
It is often best to work with a professional solar panel installer for your roof. That will provide you with better overall access to a properly installed system that is less likely to have any challenges. Still, there are many working components of these systems that you will need to learn about before having them installed. It’s a good idea to work closely with the installation team to learn as much as you can.
Making the Right Decision About Solar Power
What is the best decision for your needs? Understanding the pros and cons of solar panels for your home is the first step, but it is best to go one step further. If the investment in them interests you, start with a bit of research. Set up a consultation to speak to an installer about what solar looks like for your home’s needs. Learn about the solar panel system options, the number of panels you’ll need, and the overall cost. You can get solar panel pricing information in a quote. With this information, you can make a better decision about how well solar can work for your needs.
Get a Consultation to Learn More
Contact our team if you would like to learn more about the use of solar panels for your home. Many people will find that these systems are an ideal investment for their home’s needs and their budget as well.
