Photo by Guillherme Schneider

Originally Posted On: https://knockoffdecor.com/solar-panels-for-home/

 

Did you know that solar power offsets more than 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year?

That’s the equivalent of planting 1.2 billion trees!

It’s not too hard to find people who are singing the praises of solar panels.

A lot of people are still wondering, though, “Are solar panels worth it?” If this is the case for you, you’re in the right place.

Read on to learn some key solar panels pros and cons.

This information will help you decide whether it’s worth it for you to install solar panels on your home.

Solar Panels Pros and Cons

As with anything, there are benefits to installing solar panels on your home, but there are also drawbacks.

It’s important to have a clear, well-rounded view of the issue before you decide that you want to invest in panels.

Listed below are some of the key pros and cons you ought to keep in mind when making your decision.

If you consider these, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your solar panels if you do decide to install them, and you’ll save yourself from making a bad investment if you decide that they’re not the right fit for you:

Pros

The primary reason why many people choose to move forward with solar panels is the fact that they can help you save a lot of money on electricity.

Almost everyone who installs solar panels sees a reduction in their electricity bill.

In some cases, you can actually get reimbursed by the power company because your house is so energy efficient.

Solar panels help you see a return on your investment right away, too.

You don’t have to wait for years or even months to start noticing savings.

Often, you’ll see savings on your first electricity bill post-installation, and you can put the money you’re saving into paying off your panels sooner.

When you install solar panels, you can also make your home more appealing to future buyers.

Solar panels last for a long time (at least 20-25 years in most cases), so even if you don’t have plans to sell in the near future, you can still reap their value-boosting benefits when you do eventually decide to put your house on the market.

Of course, you also get to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your dependence on fossil fuels when you switch to solar energy.

If you’re looking to benefit the environment in a big way (remember, it’s the equivalent of planting billions of trees), you definitely ought to think about going solar sooner rather than later.

Cons

As you can see, solar panels have a lot to offer.

There are some potential downsides about which you ought to know, though. For example, they’re expensive.

The cost of installing solar panels is very high.

Many people cannot afford the upfront investment associated with solar panels, which leads them to avoid them altogether.

It’s true that there are subsidies and tax credits out there designed to offset the cost.

Even with these credits, though, they can still be out of the budget for some folks.

An alternative to buying solar panels is to lease them.

This can help you save money while still reaping the energy-saving benefits they have to offer.

You miss out on some other perks, though, such as increased home value and a return on your investment.

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels (either buying or renting), you might be wondering, “will I save?” and, perhaps more importantly, “How much will I save?”

Most people who invest in solar energy do save money.

The amount of money you save isn’t always as significant as you’d like, though.

In cloudy areas, you’re not going to see the same kinds of savings on electricity that people in sunny places like Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii see.

You can still lower your electricity bill, but it’ll take you longer to see a return on your investment than folks who are located in these areas.

This is something worth keeping in mind before you decide to take the plunge.

Tips for Going Solar

After reviewing the pros and cons of solar panels, have you decided that this is the right investment for you?

Do you want to know how you can save money and ensure the panels get installed in the proper way?

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re getting ready to go solar:

• Check your roof and make sure it’s in good condition can support the panels
• If you rent or belong to an HOA, make sure it’s okay for you to install panels before proceeding
• Improve energy efficiency as much as possible (replace lightbulbs, seal up cracks, use a programable thermostat, etc.) so you can minimize the number of panels you need and see the best results from them
• Find out how to get connected to the grid in your area
• Get bids from multiple installers (if there are many available in your area)
• Research your installer and ensure you’re working with a trustworthy company with a high solar panels rating
• Consider leasing if you’re looking to save money

Be sure to read through your contract with care, too.

You should have a clear understanding of everything that’s included in it so you don’t have to deal with any unpleasant surprises later.

Is Solar Energy Right for You?

Now that you know more about some key solar panels pros and cons, as well as the right way to go about installing solar panels, it’s time to decide if this is something you want to do.

Solar panels are a big investment. At the same time, though, they provide a lot of great benefits, and many people find that they’re well worth the high upfront costs.

Do you want to learn more about solar energy or other forms of renewable energy for your home?

If so, we have plenty of helpful resources available in the Lifestyle section of our site.

Start by checking out this article on the future of energy today.