Solar power has always been a great idea on paper. After all, sunlight is free and using it to power your home is good for the environment. The only problem was that, for a long time, the cost of installing solar equipment was so high that it didn’t make financial sense for the average homeowner to bother. But luckily that’s all starting to change. Today, depending on where you live, it is actually possible to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. However, going solar still isn’t right for everybody. And the process can be extremely complicated. So if you want to find out if solar is right for you, the very first thing you need to do is get a free consultation from the experts at Understand Solar.
Solar Energy Is The Future...For Real This Time
People have been saying that solar energy is the future for a long time. But now, finally, it’s actually true.
Over the past 10 years, the cost of going solar has dropped by roughly 70 percent. During this same period, solar employment has more than doubled, pumping an estimated $17 billion into the American economy. And with states like California now mandating that all new homes be equipped with solar energy systems, the industry as a whole continues to experience an average annual growth rate of 50 percent. So making the switch to solar has never been more affordable. In fact, depending on where you live, the money you’ll save on energy could offset or even exceed the costs of installation. But affordability is only half the story.
Over the last few years, we have started to get a much better idea of the value solar energy systems can add to a home. Though everything depends on where you live and how much sunlight your property gets, generally speaking, homes with solar energy systems sell faster and for higher prices than homes without solar energy systems. One recent study found that solar energy systems add about 4.1% to the value of the average home. Another found buyers are typically willing to pay $15,000 more for a home with solar energy. And yet another concluded that you gain about $5,911 in value for each kilowatt of solar energy installed.
When you factor in increases in electricity rates and all the money you’ll save on traditional energy, plus the value a solar energy system can add to your home, solar panels can be a very good long term investment. In fact, it’s entirely possible that an investment in solar energy could outperform traditional investment portfolios over the course of 15 to 20 years.
That being said, going solar isn’t a financial slam dunk 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.
So how do you know if solar energy is right for you? Your first step should be to contact Understand Solar.
Understand Solar - A Free Solar Power Cost Calculator
Understand Solar is a third-party solar power advocate. As such they neither sell nor install solar energy systems themselves. Instead, they promote the solar industry by educating consumers and simplifying the process of going solar. They will teach you everything you need to know and walk you through the entire process. For free. No commitment required.
Understand Solar provides consumers with free personalized solar power assessments. They’ll provide you with ballpark estimates for rates and installations in your area, all the financing and leasing options available to you, as well as any government tax incentives, including the Federal solar tax credit. All you have to do is fill out their simple online form and provide a few details about your home. A solar energy expert will then contact you via phone to go over your assessment and answer any questions you may have. After that, if you’re ready to take the next step, Understand Solar will help you arrange in-home estimates with experienced installers in your area.
Of course, in the end, you may learn that going solar power is not right for you. But you may learn that you actually stand to lose money in the long run if you don’t go solar.
Want to find out where you stand? It takes just a few minutes to get started, so there’s no reason to wait. Click here to get your free solar power assessment today from Understand Solar today.
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