With more home buyers worldwide joining the green movement, homes with eco-friendly features are also becoming increasingly sought after. Many homeowners are considering installing renewable energy features such as solar, tankless water heaters, electric vehicle charging stations, and a range of other efficient appliances to improve their living conditions and increase the value of their homes. If you’re such a homeowner, you may have already thought of going solar in your home. You might also be asking yourself, “is it worth it?” While the process of going solar is often quite complex, hiring the right professionals will significantly make it easier. The process is a significant investment in your home, and finding the right installers should be your first consideration. You can check out this link if you’re looking to find solar companies in St Petersburg, FL, with the right expertise and accreditation.
Are Solar Panels Worth It for Your Home?
Installing a solar power system in a business or home has many benefits. Some include significant mitigation of carbon footprints, reduced electric bills, and higher home values. However, these benefits don’t come cheap, given the upfront costs associated with solar panel installation. Depending on specific energy needs, the magnitude of the stated benefits may differ significantly between homes or business premises. Before installing solar panels on your home, it’s crucial to have a thorough assessment to know if it makes financial sense. You can do this by determining the variables stated below;
- How much you’ll pay as the total associated upfront costs? These costs vary greatly depending on energy consumption needs.
- The amount of energy the solar system is projected to produce
- Consider your home’s roofing design, as it will significantly influence the cost-effectiveness of solar panels.
- Consider tax incentives, both on the local and federal levels.
- Consider your location and evaluate your sunlight exposure.
- How long your initial upfront investment will take to recoup from saved energy costs
Tips for Finding the Right Solar Energy Contractor
Finding the right solar contractor will likely be the most challenging part of the process. With a flooded marketplace, with each contractor claiming to offer the best services, it can be hard to differentiate reputable solar contractors from charlatans. Below are valuable tips to aid your decision and land you a reputable solar contractor.
Tip #1: Consider their Expertise
Are they experts at installing solar energy systems? An expert solar installer will be accredited and registered with all the relevant federal and state regulatory bodies. They should have at least two years of experience with the installation of solar systems.
Tip #2: They should be Licensed and Insured
Before committing to work with a solar contractor, ensure they have all the required business licenses and insurance policies. In Florida, handling wiring and electrical components in a solar system requires a contractor to be state certified. They should also have general liability insurance coverage.
Tip #3: Consider their Reputation and Track Record
You should assess the reputation and track record of a potential solar contractor. Ratings and reviews from past customers are a great way to know them better. A pattern of complaints from customers is a red flag and an indicator that you should consider working with another contractor.
Tip #4: Ask for Their Workmanship Warranty
An established solar installer should provide a workmanship warranty in case of any problems during installation. Solar contractors offer various types of workmanship warranties spanning different years of coverage. However, be wary of new solar contractors with offers of extended warranties. They may fold before the warranty period expires.
Tip #5: Beware of High-Pressure Sales Tactics
A reputable solar contractor should not pressure you into agreeing to their services. If you feel pressured to make an on-the-spot decision based on abnormally attractive discounts, it’s best to shelve any thoughts about working with them. Such a deal is rarely good and may cost you much more in the long run.
Are you considering going solar? However, if you choose your solar contractor, ensure to take your time to evaluate them to know if they can meet your solar needs in the best way possible. Don’t just settle on the first solar installer you come across without doing your due diligence. After all, the solar installation process is a significant investment and upgrade to your home; anything going wrong could mean having to replace your roof (which is costly). Going solar is a considerable endeavor and getting a solar contractor you can trust to guide and provide accurate information is crucial. This means you must be sure you can build a solid relationship with a potential installer. The right solar installer will ensure you get the perfect solar panel, inverter, and other components to match the size of your home’s or business’s energy system.