De-Mystifying Facts about Going Solar
Everyone knows going solar is environmentally friendly, but you’re still skeptical. You’ve probably heard some of these myths about Solar Panels, and so have we. So we’re here to reveal the disadvantages and advantages of going solar with some hard evidence, numbers, and state laws we’ve gathered. Let the demystification begin!
The Payback Period on Going Solar will be Eternal
Many people think that it’ll take 30 years to start seeing the payback on their solar panels. But the truth is, it really depends on how much your energy bills were, and how much your new solar energy system can create.
The average solar payback period is about 6-8 years. The best way to prove a fact over a myth is to do the math yourself. If you paid $20,000 for your panels, and your system will save you $2,500, your solar panel payback will be around 8 years. This will be the year that you’ve officially paid for your panels, and can start feeling the reward.
And on top of that, we almost forgot to mention the value you’re increasing on your home property. According to the HUD, every $1000 you save on home energy, the value of your home property increases by $20,000. Let that sink in a little.
I Need to Live in a Warm State to Go Solar
Not true! Solar panels thrive off of the sun’s energy, not the sun’s temperature. Areas with low sun ray availability (such as forests or other shadow-blocked locations) will need to make some adjustments to reach direct sunlight. Homes in snowier climates can take percussion towards snow covering their panels by building them at an angle, to prevent the snow from collecting.
You Must have TONS of Money to Afford Solar
So your neighbor went solar, and you both pay the same mortgage fee. How’d they do it? Don’t you have to have boatloads of cash to be going solar? Not anymore.
While this may have been the case in the late 1970’s, prices have plummeted since then. Thanks to lower prices and more financing options, homeowners and businesses have been popping up everywhere. And the more people that’ve made the switch, the more accessibility the rest of us have gained. You can live low-budget and still be able to afford panels in 2019, thanks to modern solar technology. In 2006, only 30,000 homes had solar panels in the US. Compared to now, where we have over 1.3 million solar installations around the United States.
My Solar Panels Will Keep Running Even During a Power Outage!
Sorry, we wish - but unless your energy system is totally off the grid, you’ll still experience the power outage that everyone else on your block is going through. This is because when a home’s solar system is connected to the grid, it still is suspect to alterations and outages that are made on the grid.
I’ll Get a Check from the Utility Company When I Go Solar
Unfortunately this one is highly unlikely. Most solar companies will only let you connect solar panels that generate just enough energy you need - based on the history of energy you’ve used in the past, so the chance of you getting a refund check are unlikely. But the savings from going solar is another version of that paycheck in the form of a lower electricity bill. So does it really matter?
Going Solar Will Increase my Property Taxes
Some people worry they’ll have to pay more tax for their property when they install solar panels. But thankfully, due to some great laws in place, this isn’t the case. Most States have protection for solar panel buyers during the home appraisal process, noting not to take the panels into consideration when inspecting the home for property taxes. The states that don’t have these laws usually have tax credits specially for those with solar panels, in the case that their property tax rises along with the value of the home. Not only are you serving your local community through going green, you’re also saving money on taxes.