By Theresa Ficazzola
There are many reasons why people don’t get solar panels for their homes in New York or New Jersey. However, most of the time, homeowners just don’t have all the facts to make an informed decision. At SI Solar, we want you to have this important solar panel information.
So, let’s take a look at the top 8 reasons why homeowners don’t go solar and why most of those reasons may not have any merit.
1. Expensive Investment: Solar panel installation can be expensive, so the cost might be prohibitive for some people.
While the initial cost of a solar panel system is expensive, federal, state and local incentives cut down the cost of a system dramatically, saving you thousands of dollars on your initial investment. While many different factors impact your direct savings from solar, a typical homeowner may be able to eliminate between 70-100% of their current electric bill, so your savings will have an impact on your budget for years to come.
2. Little Suitable Roof Space: Some homes don’t have enough south-facing, unshaded roof space to generate sufficient electricity to make the installation worthwhile.
While that is true, many homes do qualify for solar. A simple, no fee assessment of your roof will enable your solar consultant to determine if solar makes sense for you.
3. Aesthetic Concerns: Some homeowners dislike the appearance of solar panels on their roofs, especially in the front of their house.
If the front of your house is a concern, just let your solar consultant know you would prefer the panels on the back and sides of your home, so they can incorporate your preference into the design. And if you have a large piece of property, a ground mount is also an option, and so is the roof of your garage.
4. You May Be Moving Soon: If a homeowner is thinking about moving before the payback period on the solar panels, they may not think it’s a viable investment.
Getting solar on your home will save you money on your electric bill for as long as you live in your house. If you do decide to move at some point, you can sell the solar system to the people buying your home, just as you would any other amenity, such as a swimming pool. However, with the increasing cost of electricity, especially in places like New York and New Jersey, installing solar panels now (even if you’re thinking about moving in a few years), could be definitely beneficial.
5. Don’t Qualify for Incentives: Some homeowners, such as retirees who don’t pay much or any income tax, may not qualify for all the solar rebates or tax credits.
Depending on your work situation and how much taxes you pay, solar may or may not make sense for you. Your solar consultant can explain all the solar incentives and rebates that are available to you, and your accountant can confirm whether solar is a good option for you financially. If you are retired and pay little or no taxes, then solar is probably not a good idea. But for everyone else, the incentives could make it worth while.
6. Low Electricity Costs: If a person’s electric bill is minimal, the financial benefits of solar may not be substantial enough for them.
If your home and electric bill are very small, then a solar system may not make sense for you. However, with the ongoing increase in electricity rates, especially in New York and New Jersey over the past few years, lowering your electric bill with solar may be a viable option.
7. Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) Rules: If you live in a development with an HOA, they may have restrictive rules regarding solar panel installations.
If you do live somewhere with an HOA, check the bylaws to see if there are any restrictions with regards to solar. There might not be any. Also, if you can get several of your neighbors to purchase a solar system with you, you may qualify for a referral fee or reduced rate from your solar company.
8. Lack of Information: Some people may not be aware of all the benefits and advantages of solar panels. Also, some individuals may have had negative experiences with solar scams or have misconceptions about the industry in general to make an informed decision.
Whether solar panels are worth it depends on where you live, your budget, your roof’s characteristics (size of roof, age of roof, direction roof faces-south and east facing roofs are better than north and west facing), incentives, and how much energy you use.
Let SI Solar Help You Go Solar
If you’re thinking about getting solar panels but are still unsure of whether it makes sense, call SI Solar for a free, no obligation assessment of your home.
SI Solar is a small, local solar company that knows the NY/NJ area, its people, their needs and the communities in which they live.
We ensure that all of our customers have the information they need to make intelligent, informed decisions about how solar energy can save them money and improve the quality of their lives.
We provide expert advice and straight forward answers tailored to each individual client.
So, give us a call (our phone number is at the TOP of every page) and let us show you how to take advantage of solar energy to save the planet and save you money on your electric bill.
You could also CLICK HERE and put your first name and phone number on our intake form and one of our salespeople will reach out to you within 24 to 48 hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
