Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy that reduces a household’s electricity bills. Moreover, these systems combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the community’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Clients can also qualify for accelerated depreciation, tax credits, rebates, and performance-based incentives. They can also earn income by returning their excess energy to the grid.

Cost-Effectiveness

Installing a solar energy system is relatively inexpensive and offers significant savings on utility bills. Its upfront cost will depend on the electricity costs in your state and how much sunlight it receives. Tools can help you determine your home’s power consumption and what system size will meet its needs.

According to Zillow, solar panel installation also adds to a home’s resale value. A 3.1-kilowatt system, for example, can boost a property’s value by $18,000.

Whether you buy your panels in cash or take advantage of a $0-down loan will impact the price per watt. Aim for a south-facing roof since the more direct sun it gets, the more efficient your home’s electricity will be.

Energy Savings

Solar panel installation by experts can reduce a homeowner’s reliance on fossil fuels and help them save money. Using renewable energy also lowers their carbon footprint, as solar doesn’t release harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Many homeowners can also benefit from federal and state tax credits for the cost of a solar system. The investment tax credit increased to 30 percent for systems installed between 2022 and 2032, combined with other state rebates, can significantly decrease upfront costs.

It takes, on average, about eight to nine years for shoppers in the marketplace to break even on their solar investment based on savings from electricity bills alone. However, homeowners can increase their odds of a positive return on their investment by comparing prices from multiple installers, including Solar by Peak to Peak, considering their home setup and utility rates, and keeping their panels clean.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike coal- and gas-powered plants, solar energy doesn’t put a strain on our finite resources. Additionally, it doesn’t contaminate the environment with pollution that leads to smog days.

To understand how many solar panels are needed, homeowners should review their average yearly electricity usage. This information can be found on their utility bills and may be available online.

In addition, homeowners in Centennial, Colorado, should consider how much sunlight they receive daily. A good rule of thumb is calculating the power needed by multiplying hourly usage by 1,000. This will then be divided by the average number of peak sunshine hours in their area. The size and angle of the solar panels should also be considered, as well as how far away their home is from the nearest utility grid.

Longer Lifespan

With proper maintenance, solar panels will last decades and continue generating energy. The degradation rate for a solar panel lands around 0.5% each year, meaning that by the end of its lifespan, it will still be able to produce 85% of the energy it produced at the start.

The longevity of your solar panels depends on several factors. Some of these are beyond your control, like weather and climate. But you can take steps to help prevent degradation, such as installing your system a few inches above the roof for optimum airflow and using light-colored materials to limit heat absorption.

You also want to avoid physical damage, like large trees that could cast shade or drop branches onto your solar panels. Ensure your installer uses critter guards to keep birds and squirrels from damaging your panels.

Flexibility

Buying solar panels is an investment, and it often takes years for the return on your investment to pay off. However, a solar system has a lower maintenance burden than many other home energy systems, so that you can reduce your costs over time.

In addition to the upfront cost of a solar panel installation, financing options allow you to pay over time. Consider an artistry warranty, which can help protect your investment.

While the average residential solar PV system won’t give you complete energy independence (you’ll still have to buy electricity from the grid at night), adding a battery storage system will enable you to experience genuine self-sufficiency. You’ll also be able to sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering, further reducing utility bills and carbon emissions.