By Theresa Ficazzola
There are many preconceived notions about solar energy for homes. So, we have outlined 5 common myths below, along with a clarification of each.
Hopefully, this information will help you come to better understand that solar makes sense for many people, especially homeowners on Staten Island, where government incentives help to decrease the cost of the systems installed.
Going Solar Myths Clarified
- There’s no point in thinking about going solar in the fall or winter. Summer is the best time.
- Solar energy systems are expensive and you can’t possibly save that much money by doing it.
- Going solar is too complicated, so why bother.
- A solar system will decrease the value of my home.
- If I lose power during a storm, my solar panels would be able to power my home with electricity.
1. There’s no point in thinking about going solar in the fall or winter. Summer is the best time.
The best time to inquire about solar energy for your home is right now. While the actual installation process only takes a few short days, the entire process can take several months. By signing up for solar now, your paperwork can be handled during the fall and winter months, so your system can be ready to be installed in the spring. That way, you can take full advantage of the spring and summer months when maximum sun exposure can supply your solar panels with the most energy.
The required paperwork for a solar system installation can take several months and includes:
- Helping you choose the most appropriate financing option
- Designing the system
- Handling all the necessary paperwork with your utility, the city, state and federal government
- Obtaining all required permits
- Arranging all city/town inspections
2. Solar energy systems are expensive and you can’t possibly save that much money by doing it.
Most people can get solar panels installed on their home for $0 down. In fact, with lease programs, such as those offered by SI Solar, installation of the system can be free. If you prefer to purchase, consider how much money you will save over the life of your system. Most people believe the investment is definitely worth the payback.
The cost of a solar energy system, and also how much money you can save on your monthly electric bills, varies and is based on a variety of factors, including:
- How much electricity you consume
- Your current electric rates
- How much sun your roof gets
- The size of your solar system
- How much electricity your system produces
The federal government provides a 30% tax credit for all solar panel systems installed through 2016. Both New York and New Jersey have requirements to increase their use of renewable energy over the next decade. Because of these mandates, both states provide economic incentives to those who install solar systems.
While many different factors impact your direct savings from solar, a typical homeowner may be able to save between 60-100% of his or her current electric bill. However, since everyone’s personal situation is so different, results may vary.
Most solar energy systems give you a return on your investment within 5-10 years, depending on a variety of factors, including:
- Your utility provider
- Your location
- Your current utility rates
- Whether you purchase or lease your solar system
- How much power your system generates vs. how much power you actually use
3. Going solar is too complicated, so why bother.
By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels offer a safe, reliable, less expensive way to provide energy to homes and businesses. Solar energy is also good for the environment because it comes from a renewable energy source, the sun. That means it does not contribute to global warming or harm the ozone layer like coal, oil and gas.
Additionally, going solar is relatively easy to do with very little work required for a homeowner. The installation process typically can be completed within a few short days. By installing your own solar system, you can save money on your costly electric bills and lock in your utility rate for an extended period of time. Plus, you can take advantage of government tax incentives and rebates, which can save you even more money.
Once your solar panels are installed, very little or no maintenance is required. Your panels should be sufficiently cleaned by the rain and snow which fall naturally and frequently enough in the northeastern part of the United States. If not, a simple washing periodically should suffice.
4. A solar system will decrease the value of my home.
Solar panels will actually increase your home’s value because they lower the amount of money you pay for your monthly electric bills. Plus, your real estate taxes likely will not increase because most states provide for property tax exemptions for solar system installations.
If you sell your home, you can transfer the rights to your system to the new homeowner, just as you would any other accessory that comes with your house, such as a swimming pool.
5. If I lose power during a storm, my solar panels would be able to power my home with electricity.
Unfortunately, you cannot access power from your solar panels during a blackout, unless you have battery backup. Solar inverters have safety devices that turn off solar power to homes if a particular area loses power from the power grid. Since your solar energy system is still connected to your utility company, it would need to turn itself off in the event of a power outage to prevent back feeding to the grid.
