There's never been a better time to go solar. Switching to solar protects you against rising costs, hidden fees, and surprise rate hikes. More people than ever before are switching to solar—the cleaner, more affordable way to power your home. When deciding if solar is right for you, we think there are a few important questions to consider.
Solar can protect you against rising utility rates, hidden fees, and surprise hikes in your electric bill. Whether you save depends on how high electric rates are in your area, how much sunshine you receive, and financial incentives like federal, state, and local tax credits. Request a free solar quote and find out how much you might save!
It's important to find an experienced professional who can customize a system to your home's requirements. Every installer is trained to optimize your system, and will evaluate the following:
How much power do you need? Check your electric bills to determine how many kilowatts you use on an average day. Multiply that by .25 to find out how big your system should be. A typical system generates 5 kW per day, but your home may need less or more.
What's your climate? The number of panels you need depends on insolation, or how much solar radiation reaches the ground at your location in a given period of time.
How much direct sun does your home get? In general, you'll need 100 square feet of south facing roof (or yard) space for every kilowatt of power your system generates, avoiding shadows from trees, chimneys, or taller buildings.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a solar professional:
Experience: Be sure to find out how long the installer has been in business. An installer recommended by a national solar company will typically be around for the long haul, while smaller installers may come and go.
Reference: Consider getting recent customer references. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that no complaints have been filed, and look at customer reviews on websites like Angie's List and Yelp.
Credentials: The installer should be licensed, bonded, and insured. You can also ask about certification through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or completion of training programs accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Partnerships: Look for installers who partner with brands you know, like national home improvement chains or warehouse clubs. That's usually a good sign that the company is a safe bet.
Warranty: Look for an installer that offers warranties for your roof, and other critical parts of your system, like the inverter. Ask if they guarantee system production.
There are many factors to consider when figuring out how much solar would cost your home specifically because every home is unique and has different electricity needs.
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Jesse and Lauren
Homeowners, Family of 6
We believe, given the choice, that if clean energy costs the same or less than dirty energy, consumers will choose clean energy. We're demystifying the process of solar and partnering with the best solar companies in the world.
20-year savings comparing total solar cost vs. utility cost for the same amount of electricity, including all costs, incentives, and inflation. Savings estimates do not account for utility net billing rates.