Have you been thinking about installing a solar energy system in your home? If so, that’s a good thing. There has never been a better time to go solar. However, solar energy isn’t always right for everybody, and the process can be extremely complicated. So, is solar worth it? If you’re serious about finding out, the very first thing you need to do is get a free estimate and consultation from the experts at Understand Solar.
The State of Solar Energy
For a long time people have been saying solar panels would revolutionize the energy industry. But it wasn’t until recently that this prediction finally started to come true. Thanks to a number of interrelated factors—including solar-friendly industry regulations, government tax incentives, lower equipment costs, and improved technology, just to name a few—the cost of installing solar energy systems has dropped about 70 percent over the last decade. As a result, not only are solar panels more affordable than ever, but when you factor in the money you’ll save on energy and the value they add to your home, going solar could be the best financial decision you will ever make.
Or it might not.
Is solar worth it in your area? That's a tough question to answer on your own. Though we’ve come a long way, investing in solar panels is still not the best option for everyone. The cost-benefit ratio and ROI depends on a number of complicated factors, including the architectural features and geographical location of your home, the prevalence of solar contractors and suppliers in your area, and the laws and regulations in your state or municipality.
That’s where Understand Solar comes in.
Is Solar Worth It? Ask Understand Solar.
Understand Solar is a third-party solar energy advocate entirely dedicated to helping consumers navigate the process of researching, financing, and installing solar energy systems. If you are completely new to solar energy, Understand Solar will teach you everything you need to know, from how solar energy systems work, to how they connect to the public grid, to how much solar panels cost, and how long they last. Understand Solar can also explain all your financing and leasing options, as well as any government tax incentives that may be available to you.
Once you understand the basics of solar energy, Understand Solar provides a free, personalized, commitment-free solar energy assessment. All you have to do is fill out a simple online form that asks for a few basic details about your home. After that, a solar energy expert will contact you via phone to discuss your assessment and answer any questions you may have.
At this point, you may learn that, for one reason or another, solar energy is not right for you. However, you might discover that solar panels can make you a lot of money.
The Long Term Value of Investing in Solar Panels
Over the last few years we’ve started to get a better idea of how solar energy systems affect the value of homes. And the news is good.
“There is increased demand for green living,” according to Zillow senior economist Sarah Mikhitarian. “More than 80% of buyers now say energy-efficient features are important in selecting their home. We are increasingly finding that these attributes are important to prospective home buyers. This is part of the reason that there is a premium associated with it. The other piece is that there is true value provided by solar panels — namely, future energy savings.”
One recent study found that solar energy systems add about 4.1-percent to the value of the average home, with higher rates occurring in major urban areas. Another study found that buyers are generally willing to pay $15,000 more for a home with solar energy. And yet another study concluded that, assuming your house gets enough light, you gain about $5,911 in value for each kilowatt of solar installed.
Of course, those are all just estimates. The exact value of your investment will depend on where you live, the size of your home, how many solar panels you install, the projected long term electricity rates, and how you choose to finance. However, experts say that, in some cases, an investment in solar panels can outperform traditional investment portfolios over the course of 20 years.
If all that sounds complicated, that’s because it is complicated. So if you’re thinking about going solar, start with a free solar assessment from Understand Solar. Your representative will crunch all the numbers and lay out all your options in a manner that’s easy to understand. Then, only when you are ready, Understand Solar will arrange in-home estimates with experienced installers in your area.
So, is solar worth it? If you’re ready to find out, why wait another day? Click here right now to get started with a free solar energy assessment from Understand Solar.
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