Solar panels have been around for several years now, and while we may have seen them dotted around on the roofs of our neighbors in the past, they have started to become more mainstream amongst homes and on the media.
While many people want to upgrade and update to the latest technology, there are others who will have their reservations, and want to know if this upgrade will be worth the effort and the money.
This piece will talk you through the benefits of investing in solar panels, so you can decide for yourself if they are worth it for you and your home.
Evaluate Your Electricity Bills
One of the main reasons that people start thinking about using solar panels is to save money on their electricity bills. The prices seem to hike every year, but this will only actually affect those who are using large amounts of electricity in their day-to-day lives.
An example of this could be if you have a large family, if there is an avid gamer in the house, or if a few people work from home every day.
If you find that you are using a lot of electricity, then having some solar panels installed by a solar installer could absolutely be worth the investment.
Do Your Neighbors Have Solar Panels?
Another good gauge is if your neighbors have invested in solar panels. If you are friendly with them, go over and ask them for their firsthand experience, how fast they saw a return on their bills, and any other questions you might have.
It is also worth asking how much they paid for their solar panels, as you will want to compare quotes and make sure you are getting the best deal.
Also, if your neighbors have solar panels, it is a good indicator that you have adequate sun exposure to make the purchase worth it.
How Much Sunlight Do You Get?
How much access your house gets to sunlight will have a direct impact on the quality of the benefits you will reap. Solar panels will work as long as the sun is up, but if it is strong, and frequent, like it is in areas such as Phoenix or Tucson you will be more than likely to enjoy more savings. Check out panels from Custom Solar and Leisure in your area.
If you want a more accurate prediction, then try this solar calculator to see how much you could save.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Deals and Incentives
You might be surprised to learn that there are many incentives available for those who are looking at investing in solar power as suggested here.
The federal government will offer a tax credit for those who install solar panels in certain states, along with cash rebates and performance-based incentives, too.
Also, it is worth asking if your preferred solar panel provider can match any quotes you are given so you can find the best deal from the right company, before you pay out a large amount of money.