Home solar may be the energy solution of the future, offering clean, reliable energy without having to depend on power companies. With new financing options in the works from some companies, getting into solar could soon be easier than ever before.
Here are a few things for you to know about solar energy.

Solar Is Expensive

If you want a full solar array capable of powering your home, there could be a significant expense involved. Depending on the size of your home and the extent of your energy needs. You may be able to finance the panels and installation. Tax credits or other incentive programs may help to offset the cost, but the availability of these programs and what’s required to qualify can vary from year to year or State.

Recouping Your Investment

The money you save on your electric bill should eventually be more than what you pay to have solar panels installed, but it may take a while for you to save more than you spent. Depending on the size of your solar panels, where your property is located and how much of an effect the panels have on your electric bill, it could take 10 years or longer for you to recoup your initial solar investment.

Solar Mounting

Not all homes are ideal for solar. If your property has a lot of tall trees surrounding it or you otherwise experience a lot of shade on your house, this can have a negative effect on how well your solar panels function. Also, if you’ve had issues with your roof in the past you may have a hard time installing a roof-mounted panel given the weight of the equipment. If you opt for an off-the-roof array to take advantage of the best lighting on your property, there will be added expense involved since you’ll have to put in a concrete slab and use different mounting equipment as well.

Do You Have a Battery?

Many people think of solar as being a way to keep power no matter what’s going on with the grid, but that isn’t always the case. Many of them are designed to back-feed power into the grid itself, (selling the power that you generate to the electric company and reducing your bill that way.) If there’s a blackout or other problems with the grid, though, you’ll still be affected because that power isn’t being stored locally. If you want local power storage, you’ll need batteries… depending on your energy usage and whether you want the batteries to supply some or all of your power needs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One thing that’s left out of some solar conversations is the ongoing cleaning and maintenance requirements. The panels can be affected by dust and dirt buildup. Damage and dead cells can also affect them and will require an installer to come out and fix them. If you have batteries as part of your unit, these may have to be replaced after several years as well as they can start holding less of a charge over time, just like your cell phone.

Home Valuation Effects

Having solar installation can have a positive effect on your home’s value, especially as energy costs continue to rise. But it could reduce the number of interested parties a bit while solar is still relatively new. While some buyers will be excited about the idea of buying a home with solar, others may wonder how trustworthy it is or worry about future maintenance costs. While you’ll be able to get more for your property if you decide to sell, it could take you longer to find a buyer.

Have Solar Questions?

Solar can still be a great investment as long as you go into it with a good understanding. Lucido Real Estate can help you find installers and experts who can answer any questions you might have and provide you with a great deal if you’re ready to move forward. Just give us a call at 508-888-3727.