With rooftop and community solar options, homeowners can get cost-effective energy and help the environment simultaneously. However, both options come with certain risks.
Fortunately, consumers can take several precautions to ensure they select a safe and trustworthy installer. One way to do this is to read online reviews and complaints. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Rooftop Solar Company.
1. Reduced Utility Bills
If you choose to install a rooftop solar system, you’ll reap the benefits of a lower electricity bill for decades to come. Depending on your region and home energy consumption, you may even see a zero electric bill. Additionally, rooftop solar systems can be designed in accordance with your electricity usage to maximize savings over time. This is known as net metering.
In some cases, net metering credits you receive from your utility for the solar power you send back to the grid can offset your entire electricity bill. However, many areas of the country have low export rates that result in a smaller than expected reduction on your bill.
The growing popularity of residential solar has prompted a ferment in state electricity markets. Some of this ferment has prompted the utility industry to attempt to rewrite the rules of the game, pushing for new policies and rates that allow distributed generation to flourish without undercutting overall electricity sales.
For example, in Minnesota last year the Public Utility Commission approved a first-ever statewide “value of solar” methodology that affirms that rooftop PV is worth more than retail prices when factors like the social cost of carbon, avoided construction of new power plants, and displacement of older, less-efficient sources are factored in. This methodology, which will likely be adopted in other states, moves away from traditional commodity pricing and toward a more holistic approach to value.
Community solar, which gives households who can’t afford solar panels the opportunity to benefit from its economic benefits, is also helping to democratize clean energy. This is especially true for households living in low-income communities, where rooftop solar adoption is typically lower than in wealthier neighborhoods. But as costs for panels and installation continue to fall and more leasing and financing programs emerge, there’s a slow but steady movement toward low-income households going solar.
The Solar for All grants, for example, aim to reduce the upfront costs of rooftop solar for low-income households by providing them with financial assistance. These subsidies will be crucial in helping to ensure that more low-income families are able to access the significant energy benefits of solar.
2. Increased Home Value
A solar energy system is an investment in your home, and it can increase its value. In fact, according to a Berkeley National Laboratory study, homes with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sold for a premium over homes without them. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable solar company. They will take the time to assess your property and your needs and provide a customized proposal for a PV system. They can even help you navigate the financing process and take advantage of tax credits and incentives.
When Claver Campbell saw an advertisement for a new roof with solar panels on it, her reaction was “Wow, I’m going to get a big discount on my electric bill.” She called the number listed in the ad and made an appointment for a representative from SUNco to visit her Queens home. A salesperson named Mitchell Sims sat down at her dining table and gave her a detailed presentation about how much the solar energy system would save her.
He also explained the terms of a lease-to-own agreement, which allows homeowners to sign up for solar with no money down and owe only a small monthly payment for the rest of their life. That’s a popular option for people who are worried about the upfront cost of a solar system. But it can be risky to take out a loan against your home’s equity, especially in an environment of rising interest rates.
It’s one of many reasons that rooftop solar has struggled to catch on in Mississippi, which gets a lot of sunshine but only has 586 households with the technology. Some state regulators are fighting to make the industry more viable, arguing that utilities should reimburse rooftop customers for excess power they sell back to the grid at the retail rate.
But some advocates worry that the push to expand solar is getting ahead of itself. They point to a growing number of customer complaints and low ratings on websites such as Solar Reviews, which show that high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements are hurting the industry’s momentum.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
When you go solar, you are not only saving money on electricity costs, but also reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. This helps combat climate change, which is one of the world’s biggest challenges for our future generations.
Solar energy is renewable, which means it will never run out. This is a powerful argument for homeowners and businesses to invest in solar panels. The more people that utilize this clean energy, the less we will need to rely on fossil fuels.
But the solar industry isn’t without its problems. The big national solar companies are plagued with consumer complaints, and many of them have poor reputations. These are due to high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, and the good news is that some solar companies are taking steps to improve their customer service.
However, it is important to do your research before you choose the right solar company. Picking the best solar installer is vital, as you will be relying on them to drill holes in your roof, help navigate financial incentives and rebates, and provide 25 years of customer support. There are a number of different solar installation companies that offer various services and pricing structures, but it’s essential to find one that is licensed and insured in your state.
While you’re researching potential solar installers, check their customer service ratings on social media and review sites like Yelp. Also, look for a company that provides a free consultation and an extensive warranty. You’ll be glad you did!
Whether you are a homeowner or business, going green with solar power is an investment in your community’s future. It is a clean, affordable and sustainable energy option that will help reduce carbon footprints, increase home value, and reduce utility bills. So if you are ready to start saving money and contributing to a better world, contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you! We look forward to hearing from you. – Amplus Solar. Located in New York, NY.
4. Energy Independence
Energy independence is a powerful benefit of going solar that empowers homeowners to take control of their own electricity production and energy costs. It also helps reduce reliance on the fossil fuels that power our grid and contribute to climate change. By installing a residential solar system with battery storage, home owners can produce enough clean electricity for all their household needs year-round—even during cloudy or snowy weather. This allows them to get closer to a net zero version of energy independence, with the ability to produce more than they consume and sell excess back to their utility.
However, achieving energy independence with solar requires planning ahead and having the right system for your home. To maximize the benefits, you should consult a local solar professional and have your roof assessed for eligibility before investing in a solar system. In addition, you should consider obtaining the system financed to help minimize upfront costs.
The success of rooftop solar in recent years is largely due to falling prices and innovative ownership structures that make it accessible to people from diverse economic backgrounds. Some companies, such as Sunrun and SolarCity, allow customers to pay little or nothing up front for a solar system, and then lease the systems to them for a long term at fixed rates. Others, like SUN, create local solar co-ops that pool demand among local home owners to help them save money with a shared system ownership.
These innovations have allowed solar to become more widely available, but they’ve also brought with them new risks. A surge of complaints against these companies—some involving high-pressure sales tactics, forgeries, and misleading financing arrangements—has raised concerns about the quality of installations and harmed the industry’s overall reputation.
To counteract this trend, the solar industry has been working to improve its reputation by promoting transparency and education and expanding access to solar through various programs and incentives for low-income homeowners. Taking these measures will ensure that solar continues to grow in America and accelerate our progress toward meeting our climate goals.
