Summer temperatures in North Carolina can get exceptionally hot. As outside temperatures increase so does your home electric bill. To save on your monthly electric bill you might want to consider solar power.
Many people are hesitant to invest in solar power. It could be that they believe solar power is too “high tech” for their needs. Solar power does have a large upfront investment. However, when you run the numbers solar power can help you save money in the long run.
Read below to learn more about what to consider when investing in solar power and find out some options available to make the upfront investment in solar power more affordable.
Solar Power Considerations & Solutions
Do Your Homework
It is important that you do your due diligence. Determine your goal. Your aim is to find out if solar power is the best way to meet that goal.
Become familiar with the basics of solar power technology at https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-technology-basics. You will learn about Solar Photovoltaic Technology (PV) materials and devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Get Advice
Call your power company and talk to an energy expert or service advisor. Check with NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) at https://pvwatts.nrel.gov. This website for the NREL’s PVWatts® Calculator states:
Estimates the energy production of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations.
NREL’s PVWatts® Calculator
Take a Look at Your Roof
Is your roof exposed to adequate sunlight? What is the age of your roof? Is it suitable for solar power installation now, or would you need to install new roofing first? The last thing you would want to face is the need for a roof repair after you have installed solar panels. Talk to reliable sources for this determination.
Get Price Quotes
There are many solar companies. Your power company may have recommendations for your area. When you get your quotes and make comparisons, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Be sure that all quotes include the same items on the list and that nothing is left out that would be extra surprise charges that you are not aware of. Don’t forget to ask about taxes and warranties.
Investment Pay-Off
You will want to consider a payback analysis before making this important decision. How many years will it take for the money you save to pay for the cost of your investment – when will you come out ahead? Find out what the estimated time is for a payoff to be realized. Don’t forget to consider the Federal Solar Tax Credit or other tax incentives that may be available (your power company will know this).
Conclusion
Solar power is not for everyone. It may be a great investment for you when you consider the age of your home, how long you estimate you will live at your home, and find out if there are any tax credits available to help with your investment.
Investing in your electric heat pump and improving your home’s insulation could be a less expensive alternative. You could save money by making your HVAC unit more efficient. It would take only a portion of the money you would need to invest in solar power. See our blog post on how to keep your home warm in cold weather to learn more.
John Norlin and the All Points Home Inspection team can help make sure your home and appliances are in tip-top shape. Check out all our Primary Home Inspection Areas to learn more.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
https://www.carolinacountry.com/issues/2022/departments/feature-story/renewables-on-the-roof
