subject: Five Questions Regarding Solar Residential Panels [print this page] Five Questions Regarding Solar Residential Panels
Are you thinking about installing residential solar panels? Thousands of people are now considering the same thing. Moreover, millions have already done it!
However, some people never got started because there were just too many details and unknown factors. However, you don't have to give up just because you don't yet have all the answers.
If you wish to know if home solar panels are for you, ask yourself these five questions. They'll help you figure out if you should add solar power to your own home.
First of all, how long you will be staying in your home?
This is a very essential question since home solar panels are not portable. They will stay with your home regardless of how much the home solar panels cost. You'll want to plan on being in your home for a long enough period to recoup the net home solar panels cost if possible.
Of course, we all know just how costly home solar panels have been to install.
However, that's changing rather quickly, and in a more affordable direction. Home solar power costs have decreased significantly because of the many advances in solar technology and solar components. Also, because solar cell efficiency has increased, home solar panel cost has decreased as well.
For those living in the United States you should know that there are huge federal and state tax credits and utility incentives available for installing residential solar panels. If you live in other parts of the world you should check out home solar panel cost and tax incentives in your area.
With the majority of residential solar power installations, it isn't uncommon to get your net home solar investment back in five years or less. And, a recent study by a national real estate board reported that homes that were solar energy sufficient were worth 20% more than similar homes not so equipped.
Second, is the roof area on your home big enough to install solar panels?
Ideally, you want your solar panels to get around 6 hours of sunlight each day. Your roof is probably the best location to maximize the hours of sunlight. It's definitely not a good idea to place them in any area that is shaded any part of the day. Shade covering any part of your solar panel will reduce the amount of available electricity by a significant amount.
Third, do you plan to install the solar system yourself, or will you hire a contractor?
If you plan to hire a contractor to do the job for you, be sure that you look for a company that is reputable. Ask for and check the references of people they've already done jobs for. Also be aware that hiring a contractor for the installation will cost you more money.
Fourth, is it important to you to help keep the environment healthy?
You don't need to have an advanced degree to understand that the Earth is suffering.
You can help by reducing the carbon footprint you make. One of the best ways to do so is to lower the amount of energy you use. This can be done by installing home solar panels.
Fifth and finally, how important is it to you to be independent of the power grid?
A photovoltaic system can give you freedom from the power grid regardless of where you live, so long as there is sufficient sunlight.
Not everybody is a good candidate for a residential solar energy system. However, if you're a homeowner and do your research, it will quickly become apparent that installing home solar power can be an investment that will pay excellent returns, increase the value of your home and help save the earth's environment.
So, consider the optionsand do your research. Learn all you can about using the free energy of the sun. Once you do, you'll most likely come to the conclusion that the decision to go solar' is a investment that will save you money on your energy bill for years to come.
