It is anticipated that 300 gigawatts of new solar capacity will be installed in the United States over the next 10 years. Given that the total current capacity in the country is just over 126 gigawatts, it is clear that solar panels are going to become more and more mainstream in the coming years.
One of the main reasons why solar has become so popular in recent years is the falling costs, with installation prices down 50% over the past decade.
If you are interested in making the switch to solar energy, then it’s important to consider a number of factors beforehand. In this blog post, we will share the essential factors to consider before installing a solar system on your property. Let’s go!
- Is My Home a Good Candidate?
For most households, the roof will be the best place to install a solar panel system. In some cases, ground- or wall-mounted systems may be recommended. The most important thing is that your solar panels are not placed somewhere where there are going to be obstructions (i.e. shade).
A roof’s orientation is an important factor. Installing solar panels in a south-facing direction is going to result in maximum output. North-facing solar panels, on the other hand, can be up to 30% less effective.
- How Much Will Solar Panels Cost?
Within this question, there are a number of factors to consider, namely the number of solar panels and the specific equipment that is purchased. Currently, the average cost of a solar panel installation is between $18,000 and $20,000.
Note that this is before any federal or state incentives are factored in, which can reduce the upfront cost by several thousand. Currently, the federal tax credit stands at 26%. To learn more, click here for solar installation near you.
- What Solar Warranty Should I Get?
The good news is that solar panels are long-lasting and highly durable, requiring very little maintenance. Still, we recommend that homeowners pay attention to the type of warranty that they get.
When choosing a solar provider, look for a 10-year workmanship warranty and a product warranty of 25 years.
- What if I Move?
If you are moving home, you may be able to bring the solar panels with you. For people who are moving a short distance away, it’s generally possible to have the solar installer remove the solar panels and reinstall them on their new property.
This may not be convenient if you are to a house that is a considerable distance away. There is good news here, though, as solar panels can help home sellers to fetch a higher price on their properties. In fact, homes with solar panels sell for around 4% more than comparable homes without solar panels.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
When you are ready to make the switch to green energy, we advise that you speak to a reputable solar installer for more information on the factors that require consideration.
Like this blog post on installing solar panels? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
