Frequently Asked Questions About Solar...
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about solar for your home.
1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility bill. Take your monthly charges and divide that by how many kWh you used for that month. This will tell you how much you're spending per kWh.
4. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart financial decision.
5. How does solar impact my property values?
Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
6. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility company. Hopefully, it's minimal covering the monthly connection fee. You can dramatically reduce your utility bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
If you are in California and are a PG&E, SCE or SDGE, you are subject to NEM 3. NEM 3 incorporates Net Billing every month. If your solar system generates less energy than your home demands, you will have a utility bill. If your home generates more than your home demands, your net credits (which are pennies per kWh) will be paid out to you on your yearly true up. Solar paired with the right amount of batteries is highly recommended in California under the new NEM 3.
7. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In some cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, the equipment manufacturers include warranties.
8. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?
Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant is the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which if you have enough tax liability, allows you to reduce your federal tax liability dollar for dollar that which is equivalent of 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives. If you get a backup battery, there may be rebates available from your utility company. Some states also have SRECs State Renewable Energy Credits available.
9. What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis over a 12 month period, as well as the weather conditions where you live. It is recommended that you offset your energy usage by at least 100%, if not 115-120% if your utility will allow you to so to compensate for Time Of Use (Peak vs Non Peak) Net Metering. The three major utility companies in California is now under the NEM 3 solar policy, which will require most homeowners to get solar and batteries together.
10. How do I choose a solar installer?
There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing a solar installer. Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. All of the installers should be licensed, insured and bonded. Make sure you work with a reputable solar installer before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.
I'm Ready To Schedule My Solar Consultation!
Now Is The Time To Act. Every Day You Wait Is Another Day You're Wasting Money... You’ll Receive Information On The Best Residential Solar Panel System For Your Needs As Well As The Cost Of Installing Solar In Your Home And All The Possible Tax Incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar...
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about solar for your home.
1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility bill. Take your monthly charges and divide that by how many kWh you used for that month. This will tell you how much you're spending per kWh.
4. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart financial decision.
5. How does solar impact my property values?
Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
6. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility company. Hopefully, it's minimal covering the monthly connection fee. You can dramatically reduce your utility bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
If you are in California and are a PG&E, SCE or SDGE, you are subject to NEM 3. NEM 3 incorporates Net Billing every month. If your solar system generates less energy than your home demands, you will have a utility bill. If your home generates more than your home demands, your net credits (which are pennies per kWh) will be paid out to you on your yearly true up. Solar paired with the right amount of batteries is highly recommended in California under the new NEM 3.
7. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In some cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, the equipment manufacturers include warranties.
8. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?
Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant is the 30 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which if you have enough tax liability, allows you to claim 30 percent of the total cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives. If you get a backup battery, there may be rebates available from your utility company. Some states also have SRECs State Renewable Energy Credits available.
9. What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis over a 12 month period, as well as the weather conditions where you live. It is recommended that you offset your energy usage by at least 100%, if not 115-120% if your utility will allow you to so to compensate for Time Of Use (Peak vs Non Peak) Net Metering.
10. How do I choose a solar installer?
There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing a solar installer. Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. All of the installers should be licensed, insured and bonded. Make sure you work with a reputable solar installer before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.
I'm Ready To request My free
Solar Consultation...
Now Is The Time To Act. Every Day You Wait Is Another Day You're Wasting Money... You’ll Receive Information On The Best Residential Solar Panel System For Your Needs As Well As The Cost Of Installing Solar In Your Home And All The Possible Rebates And Tax Incentives.
Copyright 2024. Jaime Greene Solar Queen. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2024. Jaime Greene Solar Queen. All rights reserved.