Many homeowners consider installing a solar system on their home at some point. Investing in a solar system for your home is a big decision that will positively impact your home and financial situation for decades to come! Here are some considerations to keep in mind when exploring whether solar is right for your home:
Electricity Costs
Utility company rates for kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity vary depending on location, and some places have higher rates than others. Some parts of the U.S. charge customers as little as 8 cents per kWh, while other places charge 20 cents or more!
If your home has a high electricity rate, then you will save a lot when you switch to a home solar system.
Amount of Sunlight
Even if you do not live in the Southwestern U.S., a solar system can still be a great investment for your family. In fact, the Northeastern states have the most installed solar systems in the United States. This is because many homeowners in that region have high electricity costs, and those states offer great incentives for installing solar—thus the increased number of homeowners taking advantage of solar.
If you are worried about snowfall blocking your solar panels and reducing solar electricity output, rest assured. Solar panels can be installed with more tilt, wind exposure and clearance at the bottom so snow will slide off faster, or can easily be cleared from the ground with a long-handled squeegee.
However, the weather in your region, the angle of your roof, the roof’s ordinal orientation and its access to enough adequate ultraviolet rays are what ultimately determines how much electricity your solar system can produce. A solar installation provider can analyze your home’s location and help you decide if solar is a good investment for you.
Financial Incentives
Each state varies with the number of financial incentives, if any, available to homeowners who make the switch to solar. These financial incentives are designed to jump-start adoption, so many have limited funding and are available on a first-come, first served basis.
Is Solar Right For Me
Solar is a great choice for the majority of homeowners. If you have an electric bill over $80/mo, it's a good time to start looking into local companies to find a good fit!
Sources:
https://news.energysage.com/are-solar-panels-worth-it/
http://time.com/3933638/solar-panels-house/
