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As more Americans choose to use the sun's energy for their daily lives, thousands upon thousands of solar panels have been installed across the country since 2008. The cost of going solar is decreasing every year, thanks to investments by the Solar Energy Technologies Office. It may be worth considering adding a solar energy system on your roof or looking for another way to harness the sun’s energy. There is no single solution to solar energy. Here are some resources to help you decide what works best for you. These are the questions to ask before you decide to go solar.

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SOLAR: HOW DOES IT WORK?

Two primary technologies can harness the sun's energy and convert it to electricity. Photovoltaics (or PV) is the first and most well-known. These panels are what you see on rooftops and in fields. The sun's rays are absorbed by solar panels. This creates an electric field that allows electricity to flow. Find out more about PV.

Concentrated solar power (or CSP) is the second technology. Concentrating solar power, or CSP, is a technology that is best used in large power plants. It is not suitable for residential use. The technology uses mirrors to reflect sunlight onto receivers, which then convert the energy into heat. Find out more about CSP.

IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR SOLAR PANELS?

While solar panels can be used in any climate, some rooftops might not be suitable due to tree cover or age. Rooftop panels might not be the best option if there are trees nearby that shade your roof. It is important to take into account the size, shape, as well as slope, of your roof. Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs that have a slope between 15 and 40 degrees. However, other roofs might be suitable. It is important to consider the age and length of your roof before you decide on replacement.

You can still get solar energy if your roof isn't suitable or your home doesn't have solar panels. A shared, on- or offsite solar array can benefit multiple people. This is called community solar. The costs of purchasing and installing a solar power system are split among the participants. They can each buy into the system at the level that suits their budget. Find out more about community solar.

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WHAT POWER CAN SOLAR GIVE ME?

This tool was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. It calculates the energy production and energy cost of grid-connected PV energy system for any address around the globe. It can be used by homeowners, small-scale building owners, installers, manufacturers, and others to quickly estimate the performance of possible PV installations. You can also compare solar's cost with utility bills. These tools are great to get started. However, it is important to consult a solar contractor to receive a customized estimate of the power that your solar energy system will generate.

Will I SAVE MONEY ON SOLAR?

How much electricity you use, how big your solar system is, whether you buy or rent it, and how much power it can generate given your roof's direction and the amount of sunlight hitting it. The amount you can save on solar depends on how much money you have. The electricity rates you pay and the amount you get back from the utility are key factors in your savings. To view current electricity rates for your area, visit the National Utility Rate Database.

Solar is now cost-competitive with electricity from your local utility in certain cities across the country. Researchers expect that the cost of going to solar will continue to drop every year since 2009. The prices of solar panels are dropping but so are the installation costs, also known as "soft costs"

Energy efficiency upgrades can also be a cost-effective way to increase the value of solar energy. You'll use less solar energy to power your home if you have Energy Star appliances.

Ready to go Solar? Click here or Call 860-969-4006 to be Connected with an Expert Today!

WILL I SAVE MONEY GOING SOLAR?

When it comes to going solar, consumers have many financial options. A purchased solar system will generally cost less than a system that is installed through a loan, lease.

Solar loans are available to lower the initial costs of your solar energy system if you prefer to purchase it. Most loans have monthly payments that are lower than an energy bill. This will allow you to save money right from the beginning. The same principle applies to solar loans as home improvements loans. Some jurisdictions offer subsidized solar energy loans at lower interest rates. This makes solar even more affordable. With loans through the Federal Housing Administration or Fannie Mae, homeowners can include solar in their mortgage. This allows borrowers to finance home improvements as part of the home's purchase price. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (or ITC) is available to anyone who purchases a solar energy system. Congress extended the ITC in December 2020. This provides a 26% tax credit on systems installed between 2020-2022 and 22% for systems that were installed between 2023 and 2023. The tax credit will expire in 2024, unless Congress renews. Find out more about ITC.

Solar leases and solar power purchase agreements allow consumers to own solar energy systems owned by solar companies. They also have the option of purchasing back electricity. Customers enter into agreements which allow them to pay lower electricity bills and not have to make monthly loan payments. This means that you don't have to put down any money to go solar. Fixed monthly payments are required for solar leases. These payments are calculated based on the expected amount of electricity that the system will produce. A solar PPA allows consumers to agree to buy the electricity generated by the system for a fixed price per kilowatt-hour. You won't be eligible for tax benefits if you choose either of these options.

It can be challenging to navigate the complex world of solar financing. Clean Energy States Alliance has published a guide that helps homeowners understand their options and explains the benefits and drawbacks of each. Download this guide.

How can I find state incentives and TAX breaks that will help me go solar?

DSIRE provides the most complete source of information about incentives and policies that support the development of renewable energy in the United States. It is managed by N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, N.C State University. It was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. DSIRE gives you a complete list of financial incentives as well as regulatory policies that are applicable to your home by entering your zip code. Premier Improvements Solar should be able to assist you with claiming any state or local incentives as well as the ITC.

WHAT IMPACT WILL SOLAR HAVE ON MY HOME'S RESALE VALUE?

A solar energy system can increase the value of your home. A recent study showed that solar panels are seen as upgrades. Home buyers in the US were willing to pay about $15,000 more for homes with a standard-sized array. There is also evidence that solar panels are more popular than homes without them. California homes with PV and energy-efficient features were more popular than those that consume more energy in 2008. These studies were only applicable to homeowner-owned solar panels.

Data shows third-party owned systems (TPOs) that, while they can add complexity to real estate transactions, their overall impact in terms of sales prices, time on the market, agreement transfers and customer satisfaction is mostly neutral. TPO systems may even be of value in some cases.

Ready to go Solar? Click here or Call 860-969-4006 to be Connected with an Expert Today!

SOLAR PLUS STORAGE IS A COMMON THING. I'VE HEARD MANY THINGS

What is that and do I need it?

Storage is energy storage. Most often, it's in the form of batteries. Solar energy storage can be used to harness the power generated, no matter how sunny it is. You can store that energy later in the day to use for things like heating the house at night, running the dishwasher after dinner, or when there is no power. Ask your solar installer whether they offer battery storage and to learn more about how to store solar energy.

Is SOLAR SAFE?

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power is a better alternative to conventional energy sources. This reduces carbon emissions and other pollutants. Reduced carbon emissions in the atmosphere means cleaner air and water.

At Premier Improvements Solar, We can handle all of your needs from the Design, Permitting, Installation & Inspection of both Residential and Commercial properties. With Solar Tax Credits still available it's a perfect time to start moving forward to your financial freedom from the Utilities. Servicing All the Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island we are always here to help you and answer any Questions you may have. Give us a Call @ (860)901-7619 or visit our website @ PremierImprovementsOne.com for additional info.

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