Solar Energy Use Skyrocketing In America
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association , Solar energy is currently generating enough clean , reliable and affordable electricity to effectively power three million American homes every day . Additionally , the solar industry is creating thousands of new jobs nationwide , while pumping nearly $ 15 billion a year into the U . S . economy . The U . S . installed 1,330 megawatts of solar PV in the first quarter of 2014 , up 79 % over Q1 2013 , and the second-largest quarter for solar installations in the history of the market . First quarter 2014 was the first time residential solar PV installations exceeded non-residential ( commercial ) installations nationally .
Most Americans realize the utility infrastructure is relatively unstable and in dire need of upgrading . As the population continues to grow , even greater demands will be placed on the grid , potentially creating more black-outs , brown-outs , and uncertainty among customers and utilities alike . Utility companies will continue to increase rates to keep up with the problems and demands on the grid , and homeowners and businesses will be paying for these higher rates now , and with increasing frequency , over their life time . Due to the rising cost of energy , and the precipitant drop in solar costs over the past three to five years , solar installs are skyrocketing in America .
Owning Solar Is Very Affordable Initially , most “ affordable solar ” was obtained through leasing programs , where financial institutions own the solar panels , keeps the tax credit and other incentives , and warrantees the equipment for the length of the lease . Typical leases have annual increases ( escalation fees ) that are less than the annual increase in electricity , potentially saving money over time . When the lease contract expires , generally in 20 to 25 years , a homeowner can request the leasing entity to remove the solar panels , or they can purchase them at a reasonable fair market value price .
In the case involving a sale of home , the lease would have to be either assumed by the new buyer with the permission of the lessor , or paid off by the seller .
There is a much more attractive financial option available to owning solar !
Financial Partners offer actual ownership options that require no money down , yet entitles homeowners to keep all tax credits and incentives for themselves ! The manufacturer or lender further warranties the materials and labor of the Solar install for the life of the 20-year loan . The homeowner will realize increased savings with no escalation fees , meaning more money saved year after year , along with a full warranty included on labor and materials for no additional cost ! This is virtually unheard of in the marketplace ! In addition , when the house goes up for sale , solar can increase the value of the home , as well as reduce the time the house is on the market , according to real estate professionals and appraisers .
Advantages of Solar
Increases The Value Of Your Home According to the Appraisal Institute , a solar panel , or roof integrated solar system reduces annual operating costs and increases the market value of your property to future buyers .
Decreases The Marketing Time For Single-Family Homes Additional Appraisal Institute studies show that the time a house with solar is listed for sale is dramatically reduced compared to those properties which do not have solar .
Makes Financial Sense So what , primarily , should homeowners consider before installing solar panels ?
First , homeowners need to select a solar company that does solar the way it should be done . The comfort level of your home
and long-term energy needs should always be part of the conversation . Unfortunately , most solar companies will collect your energy bills for 12 months and design the system based on your current energy usage only . Astute solar / energy management companies will help analyze why utility bills are so high in the first place , offer suggestions to reduce energy consumption in simple and inexpensive ways , then design an appropriately sized system to produce clean energy with solar . Most times , these systems will end up being smaller and less expensive than originally planned systems .
Alternatively , a building performance certified analyst can be hired to conduct this “ proper ” type of energy evaluation , for a cost ranging from $ 350- $ 1,000 , depending on the level of detail . Very few , if any , solar companies will include this in their value proposition to their customers .
For information , call Affordable Solar Roofs at ( 408 ) 779-3333 , or visit affordablesolarroofs . com . Serving the community since 1995 .
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