Solar panels are an expensive investment, but they have the potential to save homeowners money in the long run as well as being an environmentally conscious choice to serve your energy needs.
Going solar is a big decision – it’s a major construction project and a significant financial investment. Is all that effort and expense worth it? In many cases, that’s a resounding “yes” – financial savings alone can be massive for many homeowners. When you consider the peace of mind that comes with energy independence and the environmental benefits of switching to a more sustainable power source, the value becomes even more clear.
So how do you decide if you’re one of those homeowners who stand to benefit from installing solar panels? The decision-making process is pretty straightforward, and at Zenernet, it’s our specialty to help homeowners navigate this process.
How to Tell if Solar Panels Are Worth it For You
Whether solar panels are worth it or not largely depends on the amount of sunlight your roof gets, the price of the energy you buy from your utility today, and how much you value renewable energy and independence from energy companies.
Adding solar panels to your home is more than a purchase – it’s an investment. Like any good investment, its value increases over time. It does that by increasing property value -like any other home improvement– while also providing an immediate and long-term return on investment by lowering energy bills.
The more energy you are able to generate on your own, the less you have to buy from your utility and therefore the cheaper your bill each month. Over time, that can really add up!
Some states also offer net metering policies to further help homeowners take control of their energy usage. Net metering allows homeowners to build credits for excess energy they generate that they can then spend to buy energy when they are using more than they generate.
As utility rates climb, the amount you pay for the portion of your consumption generated by your system remains the same, protecting your pocketbook from the inevitable increases in utility costs.
Solar can also pay you back in non-tangible ways as well. From ownership of your own means of energy production to a decreased dependence on fossil fuels, solar can help you live more comfortably and independently.
How Much Should I Pay for Solar Panels?
How much you should pay for solar panels depends on the specifics of your property, your home’s energy usage and the equipment you want to purchase. That’s why we offer a one-of-a-kind solar price calculator.
Our calculator offers an accurate quote with nothing more than an address and an average monthly energy bill amount. We’ll evaluate your energy usage and physical location to estimate an ideal system size, and present a quote to you in seconds.
We do that by first evaluating your energy usage to determine the output you need, then we evaluate your area to see how much sunlight it gets and finally we help you choose the best panels for you based on that information.
What to Look for in a Solar Panel
When shopping for solar panels, there are four major things to look for: wattage, warranty, degradation rates and aesthetics.
Wattage helps identify the amount of electricity that your panels can generate and is impacted by size and material.
Solar panel warranties are also an important consideration. Most panels come with a manufacturer’s warranty against material defects. Zenernet also offers a workmanship warranty to protect against any damage to the panels or your home as a result of installation. Between the two warranties, with Zenernet, your investment is tightly protected.
Degradation rate is the rate at which the panel begins to be less effective due to normal wear and tear. Look for panels that degrade less than one percent per year.
Finally, you need to consider what the panels look like on your roof. Different designs offer different aesthetics. Remember, it will be on your roof for over a decade, so make sure you like the way it looks.
How to Install Solar Panels
Once you’ve selected the panels and other components that best suit your needs, the installation process can begin. You can learn more about solar panel installation in this article. At the end of that process, you’ll enjoy the benefits of lower utility bills, added home value, energy independence, and the satisfaction of making a positive difference for the planet.
Zenernet is here to guide you through the process of deciding if solar panels are worth it for your home. Sign up now for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our solar experts.
