Are you considering solar installation? - Part 1

Questions to ask yourself

A solar installation is a big investment for any home or business. Generally, when we are faced with the decision to make or forego a sizeable investment, we do a lot of questioning and perhaps even “soul searching” to determine if we’re making the right call for our families, our businesses, and even ourselves. If you’re thinking about going solar, you should definitely ask yourself this question:

1. How much am I looking to spend?

Years ago, if you wanted to go solar, you bore the burden of solar installation cost completely. Nowadays, that’s not the case. If you want to own your system, there are many programs and incentives available to help you save. Federal tax credits are available which provide a credit accounting for 30% of your solar installation and equipment costs! In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, there are state and local rebates available to cut the cost even further. You many also have the ability to connect with the local utility grid, and you can receive credits for the excess electricity produced by your system.

There are also ways to begin using solar energy without the upfront costs of solar installation. Solar leases and power purchase agreements are increasingly common. With this option, you pay for the electricity generated by the panels, not for the cost of equipment. Solar leases and power purchase agreements require little or no upfront costs to you. These solar installation alternatives are making it possible for more homes and businesses to go solar, especially when upfront expenses would be cost-prohibitive.

For many people, cost is king and will ultimately be the deciding factor when going solar. If the expense of a solar installation is too high, don’t decide against solar- there are other alternatives which allow you to harness solar energy! In Part 2 of this blog series, we’ll discuss another important question you should ask yourself when considering a solar energy system. For answers to all your solar installation questions, contact Smith Sustainable Design.