We all have this vision of the future – flying cars, lunar colonies, and whole cities powered by solar panels. But, if you’re like most people, you may have thought about bringing that futuristic lifestyle one step closer to home.
Putting solar panels on your roof can be a great boon to your monthly budget over time, but only if the conditions are right.
Here’s a couple of questions you need to ask yourself before buying solar panels according to a Dallas based roofing contractor:
How much is your current electric bill?
By far the biggest determining factor is that unfortunate statement we all get at the end of every month – our dreaded electric bill. Ideally, solar panels will save you big on the amount of kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity you use.
Your rate varies greatly depending on where you live. For example, someone living in sunny Daytona Beach, FL may end up getting more out of solar panels than someone living in New York City.
Especially during hot summers, those homeowners in the sunniest parts of our country will spend most of their electric bill on air conditioning. In other words, the more the sun shines directly on your home, the higher the bill.
In this case, solar panels will have the maximum effect. The more your house has to cool itself, the more energy the panels are generating.
If you live somewhere where it’s more cloudy, however, you’re also likely to spend a lot more electricity on winter heating. Because these folks pay way more for their electric bill on average, solar panels could help them out the most.
How much does the solar panel system actually cost?
Solar panel installation can vary greatly in price. Some systems are more costly, yet they will save you exponentially more money in the long run.
When debating the cost, view it as you would an investment. Take a hard look at your current financial situation, and consider whether or not it’s feasible to invest the maximum amount. In most cases, solar panels will eventually return your investment.
If you buy cheaper panels, they may not last longer than a decade before they need to be replaced. If that’s the case, then it likely won’t be enough time to make your money back, so check the quality and certifications of the panel brands very closely. Most importantly, check the reviews to see if any previous buyers were in houses and ecosystems like your own.
Worth noting, the U.S. government offers a 30% solar tax credit at the federal level, in addition to many states which offer additional incentives, so don’t forget to take those into account as well.
Lastly, consider that a recent report by the government actually found that big-name solar panel retailers were selling their products at $2,000 – $5,000 more than the competition.
For this reason, it is extremely important to consider all of your options. Smaller brands may offer the same quality, or even better quality, than larger companies who can afford better advertising.
Author’s short bio:
Accent Roofing & Construction is with over 30 years experience doing roofing services in Dallas TX and Fort Worth, Specialized in residential and commercial roofing services along with providing a full range of restoration services for customers whose property has been damaged by storms, fire or water. Don’t hesitate to call them if you are looking for an expert and local roofing contractor around Dallas Texas.