Solar Options that Can Benefit the Homeowner

In our survey of a wide cross section of Americans, we found that almost half (47%) have given serious thought to installing solar panels for their homes. In addition, a majority of homeowners in Western states have either given serious thought to or already installed solar panels.

The cost of solar power is coming down rapidly as new technologies and improved materials have made it more affordable to install. And new federal and state tax incentives, coupled with declining module prices, are making it even more attractive to homeowners who want to go green.

Saving money with a solar system is the primary draw for many homeowners, and this is especially true of households who live in high-cost areas where power prices are higher than average. The average homeowner will save about $8,000 and $30,000 in energy bills over the lifetime of their solar system.

Buying a home with solar is more than a smart move — it’s a great investment, too. According to Zillow, a solar-equipped home is worth 4% more than a comparable home without solar.

This can be particularly helpful in Massachusetts, where the 197 sunny days a year are enough to maximize panel efficiency. The climate also favors high-quality panels that will produce a lot of electricity for decades to come.

If you want to get the most out of your home solar system, choose a company that has a solid track record and is known for offering good service. This is crucial to ensure that your home solar system will be reliable and provide the power you need for decades to come.

It is also important to check whether you are able to take advantage of the state and federal incentives for solar. These can include the state’s net metering program and tax credits that are offered to homeowners. There are a number of solar options including ownership and a PPA or Lease option.  In each case a homeowner will save money versus what they pay their present electricity provider.

Another big benefit of solar energy is that it is a clean, renewable energy source. Traditional power sources like coal, oil and natural gas are responsible for air and water pollution, greenhouse gases, and other harmful emissions that cause significant harm to the environment.

While solar can’t eliminate all these issues, it is a huge step forward in providing our nation with an alternative to traditional energy sources that are causing serious problems to our planet. It is a great opportunity for people to make a difference in our world and enjoy the benefits that solar power offers.

One of the biggest disadvantages to solar power is that the up-front cost isn’t cheap. But as we’ve seen in the last decade, the cost has come down significantly and is expected to continue falling as more incentives and subsidies are phased out.

In the long run, though, a quality home solar system is a sound investment that will pay for itself over time. And it will also increase your property’s resale value and boost your home’s energy-efficiency.