The green revolution is with us, and more and more people are adopting solar. Unfortunately, as with many aspects of home improvements, the startup cost for adopting can be a significant factor. Today, we’ll be looking at exactly how much money you can save using solar. For solar installation services in Sacramento, Brentwood, or San Jose, call West Coast Solar Inc
Installation Costs
Solar installation costs are going to be the first hurdle any homeowner will first have to overcome. The upfront cost can be rather intimidating for most people, but that is where the majority of the costs lie. People who install solar also get plenty of support from the government in tax rebates that can help a lot. In the United States, the average cost of solar is about $3.14 per watt, with the average panel providing about 6000 watts. A federal tax credit will eliminate about 30% of the cost right away, bringing the prices lower. This cost is likely to keep going down as solar costs lower while the government bolsters its commitment to green energy.
Can You Save Money With Solar?
The simple answer is yes. However, how much you can save is dependent on the number of hours of insolation, angle of the roof, and local power rates. Looking at the average American home with an electric bill of $1500 a year, installing a system covering 100% of your needs could save you $100 a month. This means the system would pay for itself in about ten years. Power bills, like all utility bills, are bound to rise each year, however, this is not the case with solar, which should cost the same year after year. As a benefit of solar power, users can potentially get about 15 years of free power, considering solar panels last for nearly 25 years.
Options for Those Who Cannot Buy Solar
The upfront cost of having to install residential solar panels can be rather steep. One option is to lease the solar panels from installation companies. This eliminates the initial costs while allowing you to enjoy lower energy rates, depending on your location. Though leasing is a viable option for those without the upfront cash, users may miss out on the government's robust tax incentives for homeowners using solar. This is because you do not own the solar panels while you’re leasing them.
Community Solar Projects
Another option is the use of community solar projects, which are an excellent option for those renting or living in apartments. Utilizing community solar projects involves getting solar power that is generated in a remote location and wired right into your home. As a result, those who don’t own their building or have the option to install solar panels get to enjoy lower energy rates while avoiding additional fossil fuel usage.
Government bodies, as well as the private sector, have made investments into improving the technology to the point it is financially feasible as well as practical. This saves users thousands of dollars after adoption. Residents of Sacramento, Brentwood, and San Jose can benefit from solar installation services provided by West Coast Solar, Inc.