Going Solar

Go Solar & Save

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular, prices for solar panels have dropped more than 7% since 2006. This price drop has sparked an exponential rise in the number of new solar installs across the US. Homeowners are looking to cut down on their electric bills with solar panels on their roofs, to soak up the clean solar energy. Homeowners in states with favorable incentives will also save roughly $130.00-$145.00 dollars per month on energy costs after installing rooftop solar panels.

If you’re interested in saving money and reducing your carbon footprint, then it may be time to get started on your own residential solar installation. Before you get started, keep in mind the questions below, they will help you decide if solar is right for you and provide you with tips on how to install your own solar panels.

Do I need a Permit? What Will it Cost?

Start with a little research on the permitting process in your city or state. Some states with large solar stall bases, like California do require permits for rooftop solar installations. The permits may vary in cost, but to get a general idea the state of California charges $500 for home solar systems that generate kW of less. Heavier systems that generate more than 15 kW cost an additional $15.00 for each kW after the first 15. These costs are important to keep in mind, as they can quickly add up, especially if you plan to purchase your systems rather than leasing one.

What is Your Solar Potential?

Not every home is located in a good spot to get the full benefits of solar energy, this doesn’t just mean areas that have a lot of clouds daily and sunshine rarely, but rather states where their government incentives are lacking. This could increase upfront costs and reduce the potential savings of switching over to solar power. You should consider your utility rates, and how much electric you currently use, the more you use and spend the better the chances are that solar power will save you money monthly.

Can Your Home Support Rooftop Solar?

One of the biggest potential obstacles you may face when installing your solar panels is the condition of your roof. If you see your roof will need to be replaced within the next five years, then you’ll probably want to hold off. Or you could rent a dumpster and start replacing your roof early to get started on your solar system.

How Will You Pay for Residential Solar?

Once you’ve figured out the roofing and get a few rough numbers in your head for potential savings, it’s time to shop around and figure out the right type of payment option you should go with for your solar install.

Solar Lease:

One of the most popular options is to lease a solar array from a developer. This option is good because it eliminates the cost of installation and there’s no need to number crunch the myriad tax credits and grants available. Instead, all you will pays is a fixed monthly rate to “rent” the system based on the calculated amount of electricity it will produce.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):

The difference between leasing and signing a PPA is that you are not paying to rent the system, but paying for the electricity it produces based on a set per-kWh rate. This can be advantageous in areas with high or increasing electricity costs, as the PPA essentially replaces the household’s electric bill. Everything else will remain the same, as installation and maintenance are covered by the solar company the same as they would with a lease.

Pay in Full:

Purchasing a solar system outright can be very advantageous, though it does require the biggest personal investment out of all the options available to homeowners. Buying and installing a solar array typically costs $30,000-$35,000, before incentives. But the savings start to add up once you consider the 30% federal tax credit, state solar grants and Solar Renewable Energy Credits which allow you to sell blocks of electricity to local utilities.

Don’t rush your decision on making the move to solar energy. Once you’ve taken the time to find the right system for you, you will quickly see the benefits. Your energy costs will drop drastically within just a few weeks of the install. The potential for any homeowner to reduce their carbon footprint and save money is right in front of you, you just have to put the time in to do it!

We hope you’ve found this post helpful in making a decision to go solar or not. Remember while evaluating your roof you may find yourself replacing it all together, if this happens call us at Waste Solutions 123! We service nationwide and can provide you with the perfect size dumpster for your roofing debris!