Are you looking for an easy way to save money on utility bills and a way to be more “green?” Solar panels might be the solution you are looking for. But are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels have become very popular in recent years – and for good reason. Installing these panels on your roof will lead to substantial savings on home energy costs and will significantly lowers your home’s carbon footprint. If that’s not enough to win you over, let’s look at some other aspects of solar panels:
Location
Because solar panels take in energy from the sun and convert it into energy to power your home, you obviously need to install solar panels in a sunny area. Since we are located in Southern California, this is a perfect place to take advantage of solar power. Chances are, your home is soaking up the sun every day. Why not make your home work for you?
Even people who live in areas that don’t have as much sun can still greatly benefit from having solar panels installed on their roof. Even people in states like Massachusetts and New Jersey can take advantage of solar roofing.
Energy Habits
When asking if solar panels are worth it for yourself, take a moment to take into consideration your energy habits. Like we mentioned before, your energy bill will significantly decrease after installing a solar panel roofing system. If your utility bill is costing you hundreds of dollars a month, then this may be a great option for you because the savings will greatly outweigh the initial investment of installing the solar panels system. This will especially save you during the hot summer months when the air conditioner is continuously running. In a recent study, the average consumer using solar power saved $20,080 over a 20 year period.
Help with the Investment
If the cost of the initial investment is turning you off from installing solar panels, know that there are state tax breaks and other government rebates to help offset the cost. These financial incentives can make a huge difference.
Your home’s value will also increase after installing solar panels, so you could see a nice profit if you sell your home after adding solar panels. A study found that homes with solar roofing sold for a higher price and had a better rate of sale when compared to a non-solar home.
Increasing your “Green” Status
Did you know that the greatest contributors to carbon emissions are residential homes? If you already live an environmentally conscious lifestyle, or are just starting out, installing solar panels may be the next natural step. You can greatly reduce your home’s carbon footprint with solar power.
A study from UC Berkeley found that about 110,000 homes that used solar power avoided putting out almost 700,000 metric tons of C02 emissions. As you can see, installing solar roofing makes a huge difference.
Type of Roof
To get the most out of a solar roofing system, the existing roof on your house should already have a few specifications in place. First, a lot of contractors will not install solar panels on a roof that will need to be updated in less than 15 years. Also, roofs that are too steep, flat or don’t have enough direct access to the sun (i.e. no shade from trees) will not be the best for solar panels.
Roofs with areas that face south and made of composite shingles or concrete tile should will be the best candidates for solar roofing. If your roof does meet these conditions, then just a few updates will make it eligible.
So, are solar panels worth it? In short, yes! Installing solar panels on your roof is becoming increasingly more affordable and available to more areas. Be sure to talk to your local roofing expert about all the possibilities and benefits solar power can bring to your home.
Preman Roofing is a licensed roof and solar contractor. We have over 18 years of experience and have installed over 20,000 roof and solar systems. With American made products and the best warranty in the industry, we offer their customers unparalleled service.
