Key Questions to Ask When Considering Solar
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You’re thinking of adding solar to your home or business, fantastic! It may feel overwhelming to understand the cost, rebates available, and whether it’s even worth it. We get it! Below are answers to questions we often hear.
The Averages
As you may guess, the answer depends on your electricity needs. Use our Savings Calculator to get a better idea of the cost of a system for your home. The average home needs about 11kW of solar to meet its needs.
The national average cost of solar BEFORE tax incentives is $29,926. Our average cost in 2024 before rebates is $25,549. Again, this is before rebates! Below, we discuss the incredible savings you receive from the Federal IRA incentives.
We often reference solar’s cost-per-watt ($/W) to understand the average cost. According to the most recent data from the EnergySage Marketplace, the average cost-per-watt across the U.S. is around $2.75/W before incentives. You will still need to consider the size of your system, where your solar can be placed, and who you work with.
There Sure Is!
Established in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (often referred to as the IRA) provides a financial boost for homeowners looking to become energy independent. It incentivizes the switch to electric with tax credits, rebates, and other programs. This program not only reduces costs but also lowers home pollution, promotes energy independence, and fosters a more sustainable future.
When it comes to solar installation, the Federal IRA offers a 30% tax credit, meaning you receive 30% back on your system, labor, permitting, and inspection fees.
There are no caps on the total cost of your solar installation project, and there are also no income or location restrictions.
A Design Team Will Help Assess the Viability Of Solar
An expert design team will look at several factors to determine if solar is a good option for you.
Energy Bills
Energy bills are often a dreaded monthly payment, and solar usually eliminates or greatly reduces them. A design team (like our expert design team) will look at your energy bills for the past year to see how much you will save.
Roof: Age, Type and Amount of Sunlight You Receive
It’s important to have a strong, durable roof material (like asphalt shingle or composite) for your solar to work best. We also determine how old your roof is. If it’s old, you will want to replace it before installing solar to avoid the extra expense of removing and reinstalling your solar at a later date. And, of course, our design team will want to understand how much sunlight your roof receives. Will trees need to be trimmed to maximize your panels? A design team will help you with these questions.
The number of solar panels you need depends on several factors. A design team (like our expert team) will help you determine how to design a custom system for your needs. Below are what we consider when designing your system.
Energy Usage
You will want to determine your average monthly energy use to help your designer build a system for your needs. You can find this information on your utility bill.
Quality of Panels
The efficiency of your solar panels will determine how much electricity each panel generates. For example, we use Qcells, the premier solar panels in the industry.
Amount of Sunlight
The amount of sunlight your location receives affects the amount of energy each panel can generate. Areas with more sunlight require fewer panels.
Depends If You Have Battery Backup or Not
Solar panels alone will not typically work when the grid is down unless paired with a battery storage system. Most residential solar systems are connected to the grid and will automatically shut off during a power outage to prevent electricity from entering power lines, which could endanger workers repairing the grid.
If maintaining power during outages is a priority, you’ll need a battery system (like the Tesla Powerwall) to store energy independently of the grid.
Battery storage provides instant backup power during power outages. These systems kick in immediately when the grid fails, so there’s no disruption to what matters most, such as medical equipment, home security, and refrigeration.
Trust and Expertise Matters
When you decide you want solar (and perhaps a battery system), this will be the most important question you face. Here is what to look for:
Certifications and Licensing
Look for certified installers recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). We are proud to have team members with the NABCEP certification.
Experience and Reputation
Check how long the company has been in business and review customer testimonials. A well-established company (we’ve been in business since 1996!) with positive reviews on platforms like Google is a good indicator of what to expect.
Warranties
A reputable installer will offer strong warranties on equipment and their work (we offer a 10-year guarantee).
Local Knowledge
Choose a local company familiar with regulations, incentives, and weather in your area. They can navigate local permitting processes and optimize your system for your specific area. We are proud to be local and family-owned!
Transparency in Quotes
Trustworthy installers provide clear, detailed quotes without hidden costs. They explain the entire process, from installation to maintenance and potential savings. They will also discuss any issues that may arise.
Customer Support
Great companies will offer support throughout the entire process, listening to your needs and keeping you informed from the moment you decide to work with them to post-installation.
Most importantly, researching and getting multiple quotes from different installers will help you make an informed decision.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when going solar. We’re here to help you through the solar process, tailoring solutions to your specific needs. We can discuss what system is best for you, and even help you add a battery system and other electrification needs, like heat pumps, to help you gain energy independence.
Reach out today to learn more!
