Caveat Emptor When It Comes to Buying Solar

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There are many advantages of going solar that make it very appealing to homeowners. Although it’s true that most can benefit from the installation of solar panels, there are considerations. As you start to make your determination if solar is right for you, we thought we’d present five factors that can help guide your decision.

Location

Obviously, your solar panels require sunshine. That one fact makes solar a wise decision here in the Southwest where we get plenty of sun. Along with geographic location, you’ll also want to think about your home’s orientation. South, southeast and southwest facing roofs produce the most energy. Also, you need to consider objects that may cast shade, such as trees, satellite dishes or surrounding buildings.

Roof Condition

Solar panels are durable. Yes, very durable. In fact, most will last thirty years or more. Yet, most asphalt and shingle roofs will last around 20 years. So, it’s important to consider the condition of your roof prior to installing panels. It’s challenging to remove and reinstall panels during a roof repair, so if your roof is in need of repairs, you may want to tackle that before any solar installation.

Panel Options

Roof-mounted panels are a solid choice as they won’t take up space in your yard. However, if you have a north-facing roof or not enough roof space, there are ground-mounted arrays that can work.
Along with the location of your panels, you’ll want to consider panel types. When considering any system, you’ll want to ask about panel efficiency or even solar shingles which aren’t as efficient as solar panels, but more aesthetically appealing.

Rebates and Credits

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit provides a 30% credit on qualified expenses for a system until December 31st, 2019. There are also other incentives and rebates worth exploring with your installer.

Financing

The installation cost of a solar system depends on the type of panels, the size of the system and the installer you choose. Paying upfront is one option, but solar loans are another choice to spread out the cost over time. Remember that you will begin to save big on your utility bill as soon as your system is installed.

If you’re researching your solar options, don’t hesitate to call the expert team at Cool Blew Solar. We’re here to help you get the most from solar.