Over the last few years, solar energy has become the new gold for energy-conscious consumers. The number of households depending on solar technology continues to grow yearly, and major contributing factors include efficiency and costs. Iea.org estimates that households relying on solar panels will grow from 25 million to more than 100 million users by 2030, with more than one-third representing the residential sector.
In the long run, switching to solar energy can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save significantly on monthly electricity bills. But this is not always the case. Savings can vary depending on usage, geographical location, or your country’s trade policy.
Are Solar Panels Really Worth It?
There’s no clear answer on how worthy solar panels can be, but in the event of a significant blackout, a solar panel on your roof saves you loads of trouble. Picture a person who answers surveys and shares their internet connection at Pawns.app to make passive income online. Power is their lifeline, and having solar energy gives them the confidence to work without worrying about power surges or cuts.
Solar is worth it to everyone who depends on electricity to run their daily activities. Power is like water in our systems; little or no amount automatically destabilizes us.
If you are thinking of switching to solar energy, here are some pointers to consider before installing panels in your home.
Review Your Electricity Bill
Before going the solar way, review your daily or monthly electricity bill. Solar energy supply may vary from time to time, and you might need to pay for regular electricity to supplement usage.
Reviewing your power consumption will give a proper guideline on how many solar panels you need to install, enough to match your need. You can easily estimate your electricity usage trend by observing rates for the last six months. Solar panels serve homes with high electricity bills the best, and assessing your energy consumption rates can be the most reasonable place to start your installation journey.
Evaluate Your Sunlight Exposure
After reviewing your regular electricity use, this is the most crucial step in the solar panel installation process. Does your roof receive enough sun exposure? If your roof is blocked by neighboring buildings, trees, or other human activities in the surrounding, you are likely to suffer system inefficiency, even if it’s just for a few hours of the day.
Your roof requires sufficient space for a full array to perform well. Additionally, experts recommend south- and west-facing roofs as the best spots for solar panels. In these positions, the arrays receive the most direct sunlight in the northern hemisphere. You will receive a reasonable amount of solar energy to power your house without obstruction.
Estimate and Compare the Cost of Solar Power Installation
Solar installation costs roughly $5,000 for a small system, while a more extensive plan can range around $40,000 or higher depending on your state and location. Find out and estimate all the upfront costs involved in installing the solar panels and system and labor charges before settling on the idea.
The closer your home is to the equator, the stronger the sun’s magnitude will be; hence, it can generate more energy. Houses in locations that receive minimal sunshine, such as Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York, may not be ideal for solar energy installations. You also want to avoid bearing the solar installation cost when electricity is cheap in your location. Homes in states where electricity is costly are the ideal beneficiaries of solar power.
Take Advantage of Government Incentives
Several states offer rebate programs for their citizens to offset hefty costs. For instance, the Federal Tax Credit 2022 offers up to a 26 percent rebate on the price of a new solar installation. If the initial installation costs range from $40,000, the tax credit would be $10,400 when you file the subsequent returns. When planning to buy solar for your home, check out for such incentives or similar utilities that offer rebates for solar installation.
Keep an Eye on Trade Policies
Every commodity has trade deals that govern it, and they play an unconventional role in pricing and even supply. While some of these policies are minor, they can have direct short- and long-term impacts on energy systems, the economy, and the environment.
Trade policies are vital for keeping product standards in check for safer and inclusive energy systems for all. The guidelines protect the consumers in light of any crisis.
FAQ
Can you save money by investing in solar panels?
A household that uses more than $125 on power or uses 500kWh per month saves more money if it switches to solar. If your system is robust enough to depend on solar energy alone, such a household can save roughly around $1,500 a year or even more.
Using solar panels can offer significantly reduced power bills for a lifetime. Solar installation prices vary widely, and you always find something ideal and comfortable without much stress. Solar panels also have low maintenance costs. You will need to clean the panels a few times a year, and the inverter requires maintenance every five to ten years.
Uninterrupted power is already saving in its own right, as you will spend less time worrying about the foods in the freezer going bad or the urgent project that has stalled due to an outage.
Is solar panel installation right for your home?
Absolutely, but there are numerous factors you will need to consider before opting for solar. Your location, for instance, can affect your expenses, while sun exposure or other determinants may limit you from benefiting from solar energy.
Using solar panels in your home may bring advantages like reducing your carbon footprint and helping slow the harmful effects of climate change and global warming that we are currently facing. If you’re not sure whether solar panel installation is suitable for your home, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional solar installer. They can assess your home and provide personalized advice based on your situation.
