A recent survey revealed that 84% of residents polled stated living in a sustainable or green home was important to them. Many people are looking for ways to go green and make better choices for the environment. If you’re one of them, going solar is one of the best ways to do so.
Here are three things you should know about solar power to make the most of your investment.
1. Take Advantage of Federal and State Incentives
There are a lot of incentives out there for homeowners on both the federal and state level. You can claim the federal residential solar energy credit on your income taxes. This allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your PV system.
To qualify, you need to have the solar panel system placed in service (completed installation) during the stated tax year.
You could save 26% on systems installed during 2020-2022 and 22% on systems installed in 2023. The sooner you install, the more you save!
There are also additional state incentives you can take advantage of to save even more. These vary by state and area, so check to see which ones you might qualify for to spot additional savings.
2. Evaluate Your Roof
Solar panels can work in all climates, but some roofs are more suitable for solar power energy than others. For instance, having too much tree cover can make it more difficult for your solar panels to soak up enough light.
You should also consider the size, slope, and shape of your roof. You might want to look up your sun number, which calculates the pitch, direction, and size of your roof to show you solar potential. Numbers higher than 70 are the best places to invest in solar.
You’ll also want to consider the material of your roof. Solar panels work best when installed on sturdy roofs made of asphalt shingle, concrete, or metal. If you have a wood, slate, or clay roof you may want to look for an installer experienced in working with that material.
Talk to your solar providers to learn more about your options and to get started on an installation.
3. Look Into Net Metering
Solar net metering allows homeowners to store up energy. You can send any excess energy to the electric grid and obtain a credit in exchange for future energy bills.
If your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, you can save big on your bills. This is especially useful if you’re not home and you don’t want that stored energy to go to waste. Instead, it can help power other homes.
Check your utility company to see if they offer solar net metering and if there are any advantages for you.
Are You Going Solar Soon?
Before going solar, make sure to consider these three tips that can save you money on your system. Talk to your solar installation company to learn more about whether installing solar panels is a good idea for you.
Take a look at some of the other sections on our website to learn more ways to go green, improve your home, and much more.