Going solar for some may be very wise, not only as an investment, but also for the environment. Though solar energy systems may offer a lot of advantages to the owner, it is not a secret that it does have some disadvantages too.
If you are contemplating on whether having one installed in your home, you might want to check it out first if having a solar-powered home is worth it.
COST
Installing a solar energy system at home is not a walk in the park. It is going to be expensive, that’s why some people refer to it as “investment”. The cost will depend on the type of solar panels you choose, and the number of panels required for your home. On top of that, you may have to spend for a detailed site survey, and, if needed, you may need roof repair or upgrade, tree removal, and electrical upgrades before your solar panels can be safely installed.
Also, if your roof needs to be replaced in the next 5-10 years, you might want to add this as your cost to consider. Solar panels last up to 30 years, so you don’t want to put them on a roof that will no longer be sturdy in just a few years.
Permitting, interconnections, system design, and inspections are all part of the costs you have to shoulder.
SAVINGS
Savings is indeed what you’ll enjoy most when your home is powered by solar energy. You will no longer have to pay for huge monthly electric bills because most of the electricity in your home comes from the solar panels. Plus, it helps save the environment as power plants will need to use less carbon to supply electricity to more homes and establishments. The savings that you get out of paying the electric bills will more than offset your cost of installation.
Residential solar panels can last up to 30 years and require very minimal maintenance. This alone is a good bang for your buck.
So can anybody install a solar energy system in their home? The answer is: NO. Not everyone can enjoy the perks of solar energy savings.
In order for your home to qualify, you should have the following criteria:
- Great exposure to sunlight – Solar energy systems get their source of electricity from the sun.
- Ample roof space – Solar panels will need plenty of space on your roof. A small roof may pose a problem since the installers will have to maximise the most efficient space so you can get the most out of your system.
- High electric bills – if you are suffering from huge electric bills every month, a solar energy system will help you with it. When you have it in your home already, you won’t be so reliant on your electric utility.
If you have the following, it might not be such a good idea to install for now:
- Minimal sunlight – if you live in a home where it’s too shady or cloudy, or where there is limited sunlight, you will not get optimum results.
- Low electricity bill – well, if you are already enjoying it, then the savings it will give you will feel very minimal. Your ROI will be slow.
- Roofing – if you don’t have the right kind of roof, or your roof needs repairs or replacements, then maybe it’s best to fix it first and call your solar repair and maintenance specialist to give you some advice.
In conclusion, solar energy-powered homes may be truly worth it, depending on your home and your budget. You must take into account all advantages and disadvantages and weigh the overall efficiency and longevity of your solar panels so you can truly enjoy the benefits.
