When making the decision to switch to solar energy, we find it incredibly valuable for homeowners to feel “solar-fluent.” There are a lot of terms and processes new to most homeowners, and because of this, we always want to take the opportunity to answer your questions and address any misconceptions. Our hope is to improve the general understanding of solar in the United States and to provide reliable information to those who can benefit from it the most: homeowners.
After all, the future of energy is solar, and it is available to all types of homeowners.
To get an overview of the basics of solar energy and how it can benefit you, we invite you to go through our most frequently asked questions. If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to reach out via Facebook or email us and we will correspond with you personally.
Will Solar Panels Work on My Roof?
The short answer is almost always, yes! There are many factors influencing whether a roof (or an entire house) is a viable candidate for solar.
Some of the most important ones are the size, materials, age, angle, shade, and direction it faces. South-facing roofs have been considered the best setup for solar system installation and production for years. However, a system installed on a west or east-facing house can also be productive if designed and installed by a professional.
Blue Raven Solar’s team of expert solar array designers offer customizable solar systems to meet the needs of your roof. If the condition of your roof’s framework or materials is a concern, you may want to consider replacing or revising before a solar installation, and most solar companies can help you make those arrangements!
There is no need to worry. If you are fearful about the weather, your panels breaking, or any issues with your system—Blue Raven Solar has several warranties designed specifically to benefit the homeowner and to fix any problems that may arise. We do not see your panels breaking anytime soon—they are extremely durable.
What Happens if I Sell My Home?
Based on recent studies, rooftop solar systems add value to a home by at least 4%, and ownership is easy to transfer when the home is sold. It is similar to buying a car from someone who has not fully paid it off yet.
In addition, there has been growing interest in pre-installed solar systems with prospective buyers willing to pay as much as $15,000 more for a home with a 3.6 kW system (the average system is 5kW). If you own a solar power system and are thinking about selling your home, include the value of the system, not just the value of your loan, in the purchase price. After all, your buyer is moving into a home where they likely will not have to pay a utility bill.
What are Some Considerations for Going Solar?
Here at Blue Raven Solar, we believe going solar is a win-win for both our customers and the environment. Depending on your situation and a couple of factors, going solar may not be the best decision for you:
- Not every home qualifies for solar
Solar companies traditionally perform a thorough evaluation of homes and roofs before approving pending solar installations. Here are a couple of reasons why a home may be denied:
- Unstable roof framing
- Local building codes do not permit solar installation
- Community regulations prohibit solar systems
- Not everyone qualifies for solar financing
Like purchasing a vehicle, financing options are available to qualified buyers. Those interested in financing their solar systems must apply and be approved for a loan in the amount of their system.
Blue Raven Solar offers several financing products to our customers, each created for a different homeowner. So, it might be possible to find one that works for you. Our award-winning BluePower Plus+ and SmartStart both offer homeowners $0 down and low prices for up to 5 years! Based on your financial needs, our solar experts can help you select the right financing option.
Paying up-front with cash is an option, as well. We are proud to offer paths to clean energy for all kinds of homeowners through our different financing products.
- Your location may limit your solar experience
If your home is mostly or even completely shaded, you will not experience the benefits experienced by a fully sunbathed home. When you are consulting with a solar expert, they will inquire about the amount of sunlight your roof receives to positively impact your wallet through solar energy. If not, do not worry about pressure from our team—we understand.
There are other reasons solar might not be for you, although we believe nearly everyone can experience the benefits of renewable energy in one way or another. Even if you are not able to put solar on your own home, you will still be living in a better, cleaner environment because of others who made the switch. Solar power is one of the cleanest methods of energy production and it is the fastest growing renewable energy resource in the world.
Is There a “Right” Time to go Solar?
There is no time like the present! The sooner you install solar panels on your home, the sooner you can start saving money and producing clean energy at a low cost.
Solar systems can produce energy at different rates throughout the year because of the changes in the sun’s position and weather patterns. Given the typical 6-12-week installation process, we suggest an early spring installation to maximize the lengthy sunlight of the summer months, though winter is a great time to go solar as well! Panels can sometimes be more efficient when the weather is colder because of the physics behind creating their direct current. You can read more about the process here.
Another reason to make the switch to solar sooner rather than later is the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The federal government will offer you a tax credit of 30% of the cost of your system on your annual taxes if you go solar.
How Much Can I Actually Save?
A study conducted by the NC Clean Energy Technology Centershows urban homeowners can save between $44 and $187 per month on average after switching to solar energy. Annually, that’s between $500 and $2,200 or $2,600 and $11,220 every five years.
One Blue Raven Solar customer told us they saved about $100 each month on their utility bill after installing solar. They are now paying around $12 each month instead of $112. Think about all you could do with an extra $100 each month.
In addition, solar prices have dropped significantly since 1980 and even more in the last 10 years. Prices are estimated to continually decrease. Many states and utility companies have incentives to accompany the ITC that will increase your savings even more. Learn more about your state’s local incentives
Are You Ready to Go Solar?
The solar energy industry is simply unprecedented, and we want you to take advantage of the opportunity.
Blue Raven Solar has been part of the last eight years of growth, seeing extraordinary expansion in our own environment in addition to exponential growth across the country. As the industry has developed and advanced, so have our practices. One of our company core values is “Continuously Improve,” and we live by this principle on a daily basis.
As winners of state and national awards, Blue Raven Solar is one of the top solar installers in the country. We operate in 22 states across the nation and plan on growing. Do we work in a city near you?
Contact us today, and receive a free quote tailored to your home and energy consumption, with all your personal needs and factors taken into consideration.
Join the movement and experience the future of energy today!
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