There is a lot of talk these days about renewable energy sources such as solar power and whether or not installation is worth it for the average homeowner.
As a solar company, we understand that though solar panels are worth it for many homeowners, they may not be the right fit for everyone. So how do you know if solar is worth it for you? There are many factors to consider.
Most people go solar to experience the following benefits that are provided by energy independence:
- Cost savings
- Grid resiliency
- Sustainability
Factors to consider when determining if your home is a good fit for solar panels include:
- Current electricity usage
- Panel placement
- Access to sunlight
- Cost
- Incentives
- Homeowner vs. renter
There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in!
Why Solar Panels Are Worth It for Many Homeowners
Going solar ultimately provides homeowners with energy independence. Solar panels are worth it for many homeowners because of the benefits that the energy independence of a solar system provides.
Benefits of Solar Panels and Energy Storage
Cost Savings
Utility companies have been increasing their electricity costs at rates much higher than the average annual increase. Though a solar payment may be more than your current utility payment, you will experience returns over time. Solar may be worth it because you can take control of your power and break free from rising utility costs.
Grid Resiliency
You can eliminate reliance on the grid by including energy storage in your solar panel installation. With home batteries you can store the excess energy produced by your panels, so when the grid goes down your lights stay on. Pairing your system with EV charger installation or a generator installation gives you even greater energy independence and resilience.
Sustainability
Solar power provides an infinitely renewable energy source. By taking your own home solar, you are accelerating the societal transition to emissions-free clean energy.
What Determines if Solar Panels Are Worth It?
Though installing solar panels is worth it for many homeowners, it may not make sense for everyone. There are many factors to consider. For help in seeing if solar makes sense for your home, fill out our contact form and one of our project developers will design a system for your property and provide a free estimate of cost and energy offset.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Whether Solar Is Worth It
Current Electricity Usage
How much electricity you use and the rate you currently pay for power both play a big role in determining what size solar system makes sense for your home and what the overall value looks like. In general, the more electricity you use, the greater the opportunity for savings with solar. That said, solar systems come in all sizes, and a well-designed system can still make sense even if your usage is more modest.
Panel Placement
Is Your Home a Good Fit for Solar Panels? Here Are a Few Things to Consider
If you’ve been thinking about going solar, one of the first questions is whether your home is a good fit. The good news is that solar can work on more homes than people think. While every property is different, here are a few of the main things to consider when deciding what type of solar solution may work best for you.
How much usable roof space do you have?
Wide open roof planes are ideal for solar because they give you plenty of room for panels. But even if your roof is a bit more chopped up or has limited space, that does not automatically rule solar out. At RevoluSun, we offer high-efficiency panels with more wattage per square foot, which means we can often produce more power while using less roof space.
What direction does your roof face?
South-facing roof planes are typically ideal for solar in Idaho and Washington, but east- and west-facing roofs can also perform very well. In many cases, placing panels on multiple roof planes can actually help spread energy production throughout the day and across different seasons, creating a more balanced system for your home.
What condition is your roof in?
Solar is a long-term investment, so it is important to make sure your roof is in good shape before installing a system. Most roofing products have a lifespan of around 25 years, though that can vary by material and condition. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, it may make more sense to replace it before going solar rather than removing and reinstalling the system later.
Do you have other structures that could work for solar?
Your main home is not the only option. If you have a shop, garage, barn, or ADU, those structures may also be a great place for solar panels depending on their roof space, condition, and sun exposure.
Would a ground mount or pole mount make more sense?
Not every solar system has to go on the roof. If you have the available land and good sun exposure, a ground mount or pole mount system may be a great alternative. These options can work especially well if your roof is shaded, too small, or simply not the best fit for solar.
Could a Tesla Solar Roof be the right solution?
If you need a new roof and want something that combines roofing and solar into one sleek system, Tesla Solar Roof may be worth considering. It is a premium option that can be a great fit for homeowners who care deeply about aesthetics and want a roof that generates power while protecting the home.
At the end of the day, the best way to know what will work for your home is to have an expert take a look at your property, roof layout, and energy goals. Every home is different, and the right solution is not always one-size-fits-all.
Fill out a contact form or book an appointment to have one of our project developers create a free system design tailored to you and help determine if shade is a problem for your solar potential.
Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance
Ongoing solar panel cleaning and maintenance is an important factor in protecting your investment. Clean panels perform at their best, and our team can help you understand what regular upkeep looks like in Idaho’s climate so your system continues delivering value year after year.
Cost
What is your budget? Will you be paying cash or would you prefer to take advantage of one of our solar savings programs where you can replace your current utility bill with a solar payment?
Incentives
Depending on your location and the purpose of your system you may qualify for federal incentives. Take advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit. If you are installing for agricultural purposes or on rural land or if you live in an Energy Community, you may qualify for further incentives. Contact us today to find out what you may qualify for.
How to Find Out if Solar Would Be Worth It for You
We understand there are a lot of factors to consider and it may be overwhelming to try and determine if solar panels would be worth it for you.
For further information about RevoluSun services and determining if solar is worth it, fill out our contact form or book an appointment to meet with one of our project developers who will design a system tailored to your needs and provide a free estimate of system costs.
