There are several benefits of going solar. Solar energy is renewable and can help you cut your energy bills. When you install solar panels, you’re helping the environment as solar energy is a clean power source and does not generate waste or contaminate water.
Going solar is a big decision and there are several costs associated with going solar. Before installing solar panels, your residential roofing expert in Sonoma County may have to introduce some changes to your roof’s original design, ensuring that it can support the panels.
To reap the benefits of solar, you need to come up with a foolproof plan to maximize your solar usage. Established companies like ARS are experienced in solar installation and can make sure you’re seeing the full benefits of your solar panels.
Not Reducing Consumption
Before installing a solar panel, it makes sense to determine how much energy your home needs. Have a BRI or HERS certified professional to conduct a home energy audit. The professional will identify where your most significant energy losses are and how to address them.
Your energy auditor will suggest energy-efficiency retrofits and behavioral modifications that may reduce electricity consumption in your home by up to 30 percent.
Basing Buying Decisions Solely on Price
Though the price is an important consideration when buying a solar panel, you should not base your decision solely on price. Before buying solar panels:
- Check their online reviews and ratings.
- Steer clear of installers who quote unrealistically low prices.
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is!
A cheap panel may save you money in the short run; however, you’re likely to run into a multitude of issues down the line. This means that you’d likely have a higher lifetime cost of maintaining your solar panels than if you had purchased higher quality panels from the start.
Not Taking Advantage of Tax Benefits
The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to deduct 26 percent for solar panels installed in 2021 and 2022. Businesses can capitalize on accelerated depreciation for a cost-effective, clean energy source.
The state of California offers several incentives for going solar. Property owners can finance their qualified solar energy projects through their property taxes. Section 73 of California’s revenue and taxation code allows a property tax exclusion for qualifying new installations.
Not Fully Understanding the Warranties
All solar panels come with warranties. Many companies offer a product warranty and a linear performance warranty on their panels. Inverters usually come with limited warranties.
Many installers offer workmanship warranties on top of product warranties. Make sure you fully understand the warranties offered by your installer and the manufacturer before buying a solar panel.
If solar panels are installed after you’ve installed a new roof, in most cases will void your materials and workmanship warranty. ARS makes sure that your solar panels are integrated with the roof, giving you a full warranty and leak-free roof. That’s the ARS difference!
Want to install a solar panel on your roof but do not know where to start? ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar can help. We are a trusted residential roofing expert in Sonoma County who also specializes in solar installation. Our installation experts bring years of experience to the table. To schedule a consultation, call (707) 584-5900.