Looking To Install Residential Solar Power? Now Is The Time.

Ask any homeowner whether they would like residential solar panels and the overwhelming majority would say yes. Now ask them if they are planning on doing so, and a good proportion will say something along the lines of "we're thinking about it". The truth of the matter is that making the decision to install a solar panel system is one that many people are intimidated by. Is it worth the cost? Will it actually make a huge difference to my energy bills? What about installation, service and insurance fees? Well, for a number of reasons anyone who genuinely intends to take up a domestic solar system should act fast. Here's why.

The Solar Power Industry Has Never Been Better

The first place to look when considering any installation is the list of certified solar installers maintained by The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. (LINK:https://www.nabcep.org/nabcep-professionals/). Look around companies who operate close to you and it will not take long to realize that this is a highly competitive market. Installation fees and servicing fees will vary considerably, and a good proportion of these companies will also be able to offer discounts on solar panel manufacturers good which they have an agreement with. Purchasing your own kit and then piecemeal paying for technical expertise is almost always the worst/most expensive process (although occasionally you can find absolute bargains if lucky!).

But do not just take their word for the quality of what they can offer. Solar power technology has considerably improved recently, and obviously the greater the energy that they can generate the better the long term saving is going to be. Those in 'sunshine' states ought to look to capitalize on only getting the best as it can really reduce bills by over 50%. Those in more northern areas ought to be more open minded to looking for bargains, yet once again that is no excuse to just settle for low quality. As with any major residential project, value is as important as price, and the only way to establish that is by research and making plenty of phone calls!

Generally speaking, it is a buyer's market at the moment. For once the customer is in a position to enjoy more for less! Remember that you will need a generator or battery system to run your panels should the grid go down - and that can add plenty to your bill. However, by having such a system you will be adding a lot of additional value to your property.

But Why Now If The Solar Panel Industry Is Booming?

Thinking about delaying for another 2/3 years? Not recommended! The solar industry is enjoying this boom because of the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Currently (2019) that offers a 30% refund on the cost of your system as a tax break. So whatever system you decide upon, that is going to be basically around a third cheaper than the bottom line initially suggests. Now here's the problem. Congress is happy to stick with that discount for 2019, but come 2020 that is being reduced to 26%. In 2021 it goes down to 22%. In 2022 it no longer applies, and homeowners will have to entirely fund the real cost of their system themselves.

So installing a home solar energy system now makes absolute financial sense, providing you have calculated that you will record a real payback through reduced energy bills and that this saving will pay for the cost within a sensible timeframe. Of course, funding what for many families is still an expensive investment even at that 30% saving is a problem when credit remains tight. Should you need to borrow, do not forget to factor in your interest payments into the cost of the system.

Residential Solar Power

Be sure to check with your state's legislation regarding solar panels. Some in areas with a lower solar uptake may even offer their own tax breaks for those who do so. Once again, we come back to that word - research - and it pays. With the Federal tax incentive expiring soon, it makes sense to look towards using that saving by purchasing a recent solar panel model. Generally speaking, the latest panels can run about 75% more efficiently compared to those developed just a few years ago. A decent installation company will know all the ways to shave money off your bill, so take on the advice of several before making a decision. But there is no doubt about it - now is the time to install domestic solar panels.

Max enjoys writing on the important topics in life.