Solar power is becoming an increasingly popular resource for powering homes. Unfortunately, homeowners are sometimes turned away from making the switch due to wide-spread misinformation.
Debunk the myths by recognizing the inaccuracies to make an informed decision for your household.
Here are 4 common misconceptions about solar-powered homes:
1. Solar Panels are Too Expensive
An unfortunate misconception about solar power is that solar panels are too expensive.
Installation costs vary depending on location, electricity needs, and solar power system size. On average, a complete solar power system costs anywhere between $15-40,000.
Purchase an adequate system by calculating the kilowatt-hours of power required to cover your home’s energy consumption.
The upfront costs of solar panels may seem expensive; however, numerous factors effectively impact and lower the initial price.
Two primary options are available for installing your system: Choosing a self-installed system or hiring a specialty contractor. The price of labor for a contractor is incredibly high.
In fact, if you elect to install the system yourself, installation costs can range between $5,500 and $12,250. Utilize basic construction and electrical knowledge to save a substantial amount of money.
Additionally, tax incentives and credits are available to further deplete the upfront expenses.
In the majority of states, solar power system owners can receive approximately 26% of the installation costs back on federal taxes.
Research local tax incentives before purchasing a solar power system to receive valuable money back.
Understand the installation costs to discover the affordable nature of solar panels for your home.
2. No Money-Saving Benefits Exist
Solar power offers money-saving benefits to every customer.
The billing process for solar-powered homes connected to the power grid involves a practice known as net metering. Net metering credits owners of solar power systems for the electricity they contribute to the grid.
For example, during the daylight, your solar panels may overproduce the amount of energy needed for your home, resulting in the excess electricity being delivered to the local power grid (if you have solar-powered batteries for storage, this is great when trying to get your home ready for winter).
The utility company rewards you for the electricity added through credits that appear on your monthly electric bill.
Credits earned are subtracted from your utility bill, effectively reducing your electric expenses every single month.
Additionally, a solar power system boosts your property value. On average, every $1,000 a home saves on energy, the property value increases by $20,000, substantially affecting your home’s worth.
Receive amazing money-saving benefits by installing a solar power system at home.
3. You Won’t Produce Enough Energy
A major fear associated with solar-powered homes is the inability to produce enough energy.
Solar panels only harness energy while the sun’s shining; however, it doesn’t mean your home will lose electricity at night or on cloudy days because the majority of systems produce a surplus of energy.
Solar power system owners are able to choose between going off grid or staying connected to the grid.
Off-grid systems utilize specialized batteries to store extra electricity created during the day to utilize at night.
Systems connected to the grid distribute their excess electricity back to the power grid and receive electricity when needed from the utility company, meaning they never lose power.
Solar power is an incredible option for completely powering homes without compromising electricity access.
4. You Need to Own a House for Solar
A common misrepresentation of solar power is needing to own a house.
Community solar is an excellent alternative to a personal solar power system.
Community solar, otherwise known as shared solar, energy sharing, or solar farms and gardens, refers to a group of people sharing electricity generated by converting solar energy.
Shared solar projects are funded and operated by third parties, typically utility companies or private businesses, who elect to install numerous solar panels in a certain area.
Electricity generated is delivered to the power grid and distributed by the utility company to homes.
Joining community solar is as simple as searching for solar farms in New York and subscribing to the service. Benefits of choosing community solar include:
- Receiving guaranteed savings of 10% on your monthly electric bill
- Bypassing the installation costs and concerns
- Increased availability for renters and homes with inadequate conditions
- Promoting environmentally-friendly energy to reduce harmful pollutants and combat global warming
Consider switching to solar power even if you don’t own your home.
Learn the truth about solar-powered homes by dismissing these 4 common misconceptions.
Promoting environmentally-friendly energy to reduce harmful pollutants and combat global warming – learn more at EcoWatch.
Understand the installation costs, numerous benefits, and apparent reliability to discover if solar power is the perfect option for your home.