You Plan To Move Or Sell Your Home
If you plan to leave your current residence in the next few years, you should pause and reconsider whether solar panels are the best option for you right now.
Thats because it can be difficult, if not downright impossible, to remove solar panels from your roof and reinstall them on a new one. Your new home may lack the appropriate space , or the local building codes in your destination could be more restrictive, preventing the relocation of your existing solar power system.
Even if moving the panels is possible, youll still have to pay a significant sum to a solar installer to remove the panels and reinstall them on a new roof.
All that said, I should point out that research by Zillow says that solar panels increase your homes value by 4.1%. This means that given the right circumstances, installing solar before you move could actually prove profitable for you.
How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels
Solar energy can save you money in two areas. First, it decreases the amount of energy you have to buy from the grid, thus lowering your energy bill. Second, you can earn money back through payments from the SEG.
Solar panel savings aren’t dependent on tariffs, though. In London, a could save you between £100 and £270 a year from lowering your energy bill. In areas like Manchester and Stirling, you could similarly save between £90 and £230.
Average Annual Savings by System Size| System Size | |
|---|---|
| 6 kW system | £430 |
*These figures are calculated using 250W panels and the average household energy consumption in the UK.
How much money you can save depends on how and when you use the solar-powered electricity. If you are home during the day and use your appliances then, you will get the most out of your investment, but if you only use appliances once the sun has gone down then you will need to draw from the national grid.
How Do I Maximise The Return On My Solar Panels
Your location has the greatest influence on how much electricity you produce and use. Systems located in London and further south receive more sunlight and produce more electricity than those in the north, which can result in up to 5% higher savings on energy bills.
As previously stated, the time you spend at home also impacts your returns. If youre home all day, your energy bills will reduce as youre not using the National Grid as much and using more of the energy produced by your solar panels. Furthermore, installing a battery system can store surplus energy generated during the day for use at night, increasing your self-sufficiency. So, when choosing your system, carefully examine which option best suits your savings.
Finally, use heavy appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during the day to maximise use of the free energy produced by the solar panels, and reduce your dependency on the National Grid. Most appliances include built-in timers, so make use of these to set energy-hungry appliances to run on the free daytime electricity.
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Solar Panels Are Difficult To Move Once Installed
Technically speaking, you could transfer your solar panels to your new home. But realistically, this almost never happens. Why? Because solar panels are custom-tailored to fit your roof, so moving them to a new location doesnt make sense.
In most cases of people moving to a new home, the value of solar panels they had installed is tacked onto the home price. One study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that an average solar array increases home value by $15,000.12 So, even though you would have to break up with your beloved solar panels, theyll practically pay for the next set you install on your new home.
The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
When it comes to solar energy pros and cons, we’ve heard it all: it’s for hippies, it’s too expensive or it doesn’t work. Yet more solar energy systems are being installed on homes than ever. Here, we explain some key facts about the pros and cons of solar energy and answer the main question for homeowners, are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels are more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly than theyve ever beenand the 26% federal tax credit makes solar an even more attractive investment for homeowners through the end 2022. However, like any investment, going solar wont make sense for every homeowner depending on their geographic location, roof orientation, and current electricity usage. A free consultation is the quickest way to see if solar is right for you.
In most situations and areas in the US, solar panels are worth the cost of installation and maintenance, providing a good return on investment and benefits to the environment.
Solar Pros
Solar Cons
Note: Many of these solar cons are applicable to older or less advanced home solar technologies and are no longer an issue.
Also Check: How Does A Grid Tied Solar System Work
Is Solar In Colorado Worth It
As consumers continue to learn more about the growing dangers of climate change and about the viability of renewable energy sources, the popularity of solar energy keeps rising. Although solar power produced only 3% of the nations overall energy in 2021, the number of people choosing to install solar panels around the country rose by 34% from the previous year. While there are many considerations homeowners must make as they contemplate installing solar panels, the key question asked by most is whether or not going solar in Colorado is really worth it these days.
How Does Solar Panel Energy Work In Bc
The third most common question we get from potential clients is dont you need batteries to go with the solar energy system? The answer to that is no, batteries are not required when installing solar panels. The vast majority of solar power systems in BC are tied to the grid. This means that the system feeds directly into the existing power grid infrastructure and does not require batteries. Any excess power generation is stored as a credit on your BC Hydro bill and is then automatically used when there is a demand for power coming from your home. This process is called net-metering and its how most people operate their solar energy systems. Having said that, a fair number of people still want battery backup power for their home, and we can certainly help with that as well. We are a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer as well, and we can help you with your backup power needs as well. See more info on Powerwall here: Tesla Powerwall.
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Solar Is Versatile And Can Be Placed In Many Locations
Homeowners are not limited to how they place solar panels on their roofs
Some common places to install rooftop solar include the roof, as well as over driveways or parking lots
One of the most popular ways to lower your carbon footprint is by placing a solar system on your roof because you can produce 100% of your energy needs and reduce your dependence on the grid!
Tax Incentives Can Help A Lot
Homeowners can receive a one-time tax credit of 26% off the purchase price of a solar system. If the initial solar panel investment typically costs around $20,000 in your area, the tax credit would net you $5,200 when you next file taxes.
What’s more, some utilities offer incentives and rebates for installing solar power. Check with your local energy supplier to see if they offer any incentives.
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How Much Will You Save With Solar Estimating Your Costs And Savings
The first question youre probably wondering if youre considering going solar is: how much money will you save? And for good reason! After all, solar is an investment, so youll want to understand your payback period before making any decisions. The average home can save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of your solar panel system. Most property owners will break even on their solar investment in eight to nine years but as you start exploring your solar options, there are a few key questions you should ask to approximate your personal return on investment:
Some Solar Panels Use Rare Earth Metals
The name rare earth metals is a bit misleading these elements are actually in ample supply. However, its the extracting of these elements for use in wind turbines and solar cells that has negative impacts on the environment and the humans that mine them.12
Additionally, these rare earth elements carry a political weight to them. From 2014 to 2017, China supplied the U.S. with 80% of its rare earths imports.14 These materials, which are critical to the creation of most modern technology, have the potential to play a giant role in shaping economies around the world.
Luckily, leading technology companies, such as Apple, are exploring methods to recycle these rare earth elements to maintain a steady supply, which keeps costs from inflating because of ever-increasing demand.15
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If You Decide Solar Panels Are Right For You Find A Registered Installer And Get Three Quotes
As we’re MoneySavers, not electricians, picking installers isn’t our speciality. You can see the firms shortlisted for the British Renewable Energy Awards 2020, run by the Renewable Energy Association, or ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
The system and the installer should meet the standards of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme . And make sure the installer is a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.
As always, get at least three quotes, and get ’em in writing. When comparing quotes, check the following are included: scaffolding, removal of the existing roof and other roofing works, internal wiring works, sorting out a connection agreement with the energy supplier, electrical connection work, and a generation meter. Fitting the panels themselves is a one or two-day job.
Once they’re fitted, registering your panels is a must you’ll need an MCS certificate, which you’ll use to register for smart export guarantee payments with a licensed energy supplier.
Never borrow from solar companies to pay for the panels
Some installers let you buy solar panels on credit. If you don’t have the cash upfront, panels aren’t for you. The loan’s interest could dwarf the savings.
Solar panels are generally low maintenance
The Energy Saving Trust says little maintenance is required on a properly installed, well-designed solar PV system, though you’ll likely need to replace the inverter a gadget that is a key part of the mechanism within about 25 years .
Do You Have The Space To Go Solar
The size of your roof can play a big role in the effectiveness of your solar array. If you don’t have room on your roof for enough solar panels to generate the amount of electricity your household uses, you’ll never be free from your local utility companys electrical grid, and that can dramatically decrease the benefits of installation.
If youre going to want solar battery storage or backup, having space in your home for that will also be a consideration.
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Is Solar Power The Right Choice For You
People in BC install solar panels for a wide array of reasons. Some are financially motivated, some want backup power sources, some want to have more control of the energy production, others are environmentally focused, and some people just think its a really cool technology. Whatever your reason for installing solar panels in BC, we at Shift are here to help you make the right decision for yourself. Our solar sales staff are more consultants than anything else. Were not here to sell you something you dont want, we are just here to consult with you, answer questions, and help you make the right decision for you and your family. If you think solar energy is the right thing for you, or you are unsure if it, please feel free to give us a shout and well walk you through the pros and cons, system production, and options for your specific property, whether that be a residential property or a commercial property. We install solar panels throughout BC.
How Much Is It To Go Solar In Oklahoma
The price of solar panels in Oklahoma varies wildly based on the solar energy system size you need, but the average per-watt price consistently averages around $2.62, just under the national average of $2.66. Most residents need an 11-kW system, bringing the average total to $20,174 after the federal tax incentive is considered. Your money will go a bit further in Oklahoma than in most other states when it comes to solar, thanks to the below-average price of solar equipment in the area.
Solar panels are more valuable in areas where electricity rates or usage is high. The price of electricity in OK is below average, but the above-average energy consumption means solar will both be more affordable than in most states and will end up saving you more than in the rest of the country.
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But I Live In An Apartment:
I get it, I live in an apartment too. While I cant put solar panels directly on my roof, I can still get involved in the clean energy transition!
Thats why Im so excited to share the work of Vote Solar with you. They advocate for state-level policies to build a strong, just, and inclusive100% clean-powered future!
Theyre working to advance clean energy progress in state legislatures where most decisions about electricity are made. And, they work mostly in these five areas.
Ever since I got involved in local government in 2016, Ive been passionate about making it easier for others to get involved. If we want to see a long lasting environmental movement grassroots organization at the local government level is VITAL.
RELATED: How to Get Involved in Local Government
Vote Solar partners with local communities to expand solar access, lower solar costs, and build political power for a just and inclusive clean energy system that benefits EVERYONE and not just the interest of our monopolized utility companies.
The best news is, that you dont have to own your home to be a solar energy advocate!
How Much Is A Solar System For A 2500 Sq Ft House
The cost of installing a solar system for a 2500 sq ft house depends on several factors, including the size of the solar array, the cost of solar panels and other equipment, the local climate, the specific needs of the house, and the installation company chosen.
For example, installing a 5 kW solar system in a favorable climate with average electricity bills may cost $15,000 to $25,000. Higher electricity bills, more challenging climates, and larger systems typically cost more.
On the other hand, a smaller solar array, cheaper solar panels, and a more favorable climate may bring the project cost down significantly. Additionally, various rebates and tax credits can help reduce the upfront cost of the project.
Therefore, it is best to get quotes from various solar installers to determine the total cost of a solar system for your particular home.
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The Benefits Of Choosing Solar
After addressing the overall cost of a solar panel system for the home and the solutions to homeowners most commonly stated concerns, some individuals may still have more questions about how solar panels could benefit them. After all, it is obvious that investing in solar energy is an environmentally friendly choice that can help offset greenhouse gas emissions and reduce climate change in at least a small way. However, some homeowners may not be as concerned about the environment as others are or may not feel that positively impacting the environment is worth such a big investment on their part. These individuals will appreciate knowing that there are many other benefits to choosing solar panels for Colorado homes besides the most obvious and oft-stated one.
First, the savings on electrical utility bills is astounding following the switch to solar energy. Those who have their own solar power do not have to depend on their utility company to such a high extent and can expect to save over $1,000 per year on average. After the initial payback period, homeowners can still expect to save an additional $15,000 or more based on how long their solar panels last.
Solar Panels Use Up A Lot Of Space
For those of you who have large energy needs, this can pose a challenge. The more energy you need, the more space your solar panels will require.
Even the best solar PV panels need a lot of space. In some cases, the roofs are not big enough. If you have a small roof that cannot fit the number of solar panels that you need, it can become problematic quickly.
What is the point of installing solar panels if they cannot fulfill your energy needs? In the end, it may end in more loss than profit.
An alternative way to this problem is that you can install some of the panels in your yard. That option has its own challenges.
If your yard does not get sufficient sunlight, you are out of options. If your energy needs are not much, a smaller roof will not be a problem.
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