If you’ve been thinking about adding solar panels to your home, you probably have a lot of questions about how the process works and if it’s the right decision. That’s a good thing! Solar panels are an investment that require thoughtful budgeting and both short and long-term planning.
Some of your questions might include thoughts like: What are my present needs? What are my long-term needs? Is a solar system something I can afford to pay for? Is it worth the investment?
As someone who’s been in the solar industry for quite some time now, these are questions that most homeowners have — and they’re questions we get asked a lot at Vision Solar. In fact, they’re so common that we even put together a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page on our website so people can find the answers they’re looking for before hiring us to install their solar panels.
Here are some answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
How much does solar energy cost?
The installation of your Vision Solar solar system won’t cost you anything out of pocket. The only payments you’ll make are dependent on the electricity your solar panels generate, which is less than the current market rate.
How will solar panels impact my electricity bill?
Almost every state in the U.S. has a net metering program, which is when solar customers receive a credit on their electricity bills for a portion — or sometimes all — of the electricity they’ve sent out into the grid. Throughout the year, you’ll receive credit for any months where your electricity output is higher than what you’re using, which usually happens in the spring and fall seasons. You can apply that credit during the winter and summer months where you’re using more electricity to heat and cool your home.
How does solar power work?
The solar power system absorbs energy from sunlight via specialized panels and arrays of photovoltaics. That energy is converted into an electrical current, which then can be used to power the electricity in your home.
Will solar panels affect my home’s value at all?
Research conducted by the Department of Energy at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has found that homebuyers are willing to pay a higher cost for a home if it has rooftop solar panels. For homes that have an average-size solar system (around 3.6 kilowatts or 3,600 watts), for example, homeowners would pay an extra $15,000 for that home.
How long do solar panels last?
A solar panel’s life depends on where it’s installed and how much it gets used. Systems that receive six to eight hours of sunlight conversion every day generally have a lifespan of up to 20 years. Homeowners typically get a 10 to 20-year warranty on their panels, and a 5 to 10-year warranty on other components of the solar system.
For even more information, check out Vision Solar’s FAQ page. If you have any additional questions, you can also contact our team to learn more.
