FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF GOING SOLAR?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

HOW DOES SOLAR IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

WHAT IS NET METERING?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state – from Massachusetts to California – so make sure to do your homework ahead of time.

HOW WILL SOLAR IMPACT MY HOMES VALUE?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

HOW DO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANELS WORK?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

DO MY SOLAR PANELS PRODUCE POWER WHEN THE SUN ISN’T SHINING?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

CAN I GO OFF GRID WITH MY OWN SOLAR SYSTEM?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the power that you need and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.

WILL I STILL HAVE A MONTHLY UTILITY BILL NOW THAT I HAVE MY OWN SOLAR SYSTEM?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

WILL MY SOLAR SYSTEM WORK DURING A BLACKOUT?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.

HOW MUCH WILL SOLAR PANEL MAINTENANCE COST?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

WHAT SOLAR ENERGY REBATES AND INCENTIVES ARE AVAILABLE?

rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant is the 26 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives.

WHAT ARE MY SOLAR FINANCING OPTIONS?

There are three solar financing options: you can purchase your system in cash, take out a solar loan to buy your system, or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA).

BUY OR LEASE MY SOLAR SYSTEM?

The decision to buy or lease your solar energy system depends on your reasons for going solar. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better decision for you. However, if you prioritize an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, you should consider a solar lease.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SECURED SOLAR LOANS AND UNSECURED SOLAR LOANS?

The primary difference between secured and unsecured solar loans is that secured solar loans require that you promise an asset, usually your home, as collateral for the money that you borrow. Unsecured solar loans do not, but their interest rates are generally higher to compensate for the increased risk taken on by the lender. To understand which financing option is best for you, evaluate offers for both secured and unsecured loans.

CAN I AFFORD TO GO SOLAR?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. $0-down solar financing options, including both solar loans and solar leases, make it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.

IS MY ROOF SUITABLE FOR SOLAR PANELS?

Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. Register your property on Bright Sol Energy to learn more about all your options; all installation offers are based on images of your actual roof.

WHAT SIZE SOLAR SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR MY HOME?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Look at your past electricity bills and compare offers from licensed, pre-screened solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs.

DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY ROOF BEFORE INSTALLING SOLAR?

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. One of Bright Sol Energy pre-screened solar installers will be able to tell you whether to replace your roof before going solar.

HOW LONG WILL MY SOLAR SYSTEM LAST?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I SELL MY HOUSE?

If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar increases property values. However, if you lease your system, that is not the case. You will need to either buy out your lease before you sell your home or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.

DO I NEED TO INSTALL SOLAR BATTERIES WITH MY SOLAR POWER SYSTEM?

Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage, are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. Luckily, batteries are not necessary for most solar homeowners. If you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery: excess power goes back into the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can generate.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SOLAR COMPANY TO TRUST?

One of the most difficult decisions when considering solar is which company to trust. If you’ve already considered solar and put in some research, you know that there are thousands of solar companies to choose from. Price shopping takes time and effort, and you never know whether you’re getting the best deal possible. Although price is important and should be a significant factor in determining who to go solar with, Blue Raven Solar believes that the partnership that the homeowner and solar company make is just as important. We prioritize our customers and make sure that they have a pain-free solar experience. So, before you go looking for every price available on the market, be sure to get a free savings estimate with Bright Sol Energy and become a part of our lifelong team as well as start saving thousands on your solar journey.