Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar

Going solar has become extremely popular in recent years as people are concerned about saving money and becoming more eco-friendly. But would you be able to see the positive effects of solar energy in your home? It depends on several factors, including the amount of shade your home receives, your area’s climate, the space available on your roof or in your yard and the state of your roof. 

Solar energy comes with many benefits for homeowners. Throughout this article, we’ll break down what solar energy is, how to know if it’s right for your home, what you can do to get started, financing options and tax breaks you can receive by going solar.

Table of Contents

• What’s Solar Energy and How’s It Produced?
• Benefits of Going Solar
• Is My House Suitable for Solar Panels?
• Different Types of Solar for a Home
• Are Solar Panels Worth It Financially?
• Financing for Solar Panels
• State Incentives and Tax Breaks That Help You Go Solar
• Do Solar Panels Increase Property Value?
• Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels
• Can I Install Solar Myself? How Much Does an Installer Cost?
• How To Start the Process of Going Solar

What Is Solar Energy and How Is Solar Energy Produced? 

Solar energy is not a new concept and has been in use since the 1970s. Solar technology converts sunlight into electrical energy that powers homes, provides light and heats water. It can also be stored in batteries for any time of day.

The economic benefits of solar energy make it increasingly popular since using solar power does not create harmful greenhouse gas emissions. There are three general types of solar energy:

• Photovoltaics (PV): Solar energy is absorbed through solar panels. The PV cells in the panels absorb sunlight, creating electrical charges and ultimately causing electricity to flow. This method is the most recognizable of the three types and is most commonly used in residential settings. 
• Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP): Sunlight is reflected onto receivers that convert it to heat, which can be stored or used for electricity. This method is typically used for power plants. 
• Solar heating and cooling (SHC): Like CSP, SHC uses heat from the sun to heat space and water. 

The most significant distinction between solar PV panels, SHC and CSP is that PV panels generate electricity while CSP and SHC generate heat. Also, PV is more common in domestic situations than CSP technology. 

Solar panels are framed with non-corrosive aluminum and enclosed in protective glass, making them extremely durable. They are also extremely efficient. According to the Department of Energy, homes with solar panels get at least 40% of their power from the sun! 

What Are the Benefits of Going Solar?

The greatest benefit commonly associated with solar energy is its eco-friendliness. Solar power is infinitely renewable because it only relies on solar energy from the sun. As long as the sun shines, solar energy is possible. Advantages of solar energy include:

• Increased sustainability: As mentioned, solar energy is much better for the environment than burning fossil fuels. Installing solar technology in your home is a great way to lower your carbon footprint in a manageable way while still making a difference. 
• Low operating costs: The main costs of solar systems are presented to you upfront at purchase. Following the purchase, solar power is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require high, or any, costs to uphold. 
• Higher property value: Adding a solar system to your home increases your property value, similar to getting a home renovation.
• Lower maintenance needs: Solar panels don’t require much attention to run effectively. They are durable enough to withstand harsh elements without much wear and tear. 
• Offers tax benefits: Solar power in your home might qualify you for federal tax benefits or other benefits. 
• Ability to spur economic growth: Solar energy creates jobs. Today, more than 230,000 Americans are employed by the solar industry. 
• Cheaper than electricity: Electricity bills can be very costly, and payments probably fluctuate based on the season. Switching to solar energy might save you money if you have expensive electricity costs. 
• Extends the life of your roof: Solar panels protect your roof from the elements and can make it last longer than it would if exposed to the weather. 

Is My House Suitable for Solar Panels?

Several considerations will help you decide whether solar panels work for your home. If you want to put solar panels on your roof, you’ll first need to evaluate its state. Solar panels are built to last, so if you need a new roof within the next couple of years, you’ll want to have it replaced before rewiring your home to use solar power. 

Likewise, you’ll want to ensure enough room on your roof to support solar panels. To power your home independently, you’ll likely need between 19 and 23 solar panels. You can also evaluate how much sun your roof gets using Google’s Project Sunroof tool. If you type your address into this tool, you can see an estimation of how much money you’ll save with solar panels in your home. 

The benefits of solar panels in homes might be available for you if:

• Your roof is flat or sloped and facing the south.
• Your roof is free of obstructions such as antennas or chimneys.
• No trees or other objects could shade your roof from the sun.

A solar expert will ultimately be the best help when evaluating whether your home is suitable for solar technology. 

What Are the Different Types of Solar for a Home?

There are several ways to install solar panels at your home. You can install panels on the roof or the ground, and it is also possible to pair battery capacity with your solar system to become energy-independent. Here’s some more information on each method of installing solar power in your home:

Roofing

Solar panels are most often installed on the roof of residential homes. They can be installed on flat or sloped roofs and work best with roofs made of metal, shingle, or rubber. Roof panels save space on your property and potentially protect your roof from the elements, but they require unobstructed space and add extra weight to your roof. Additionally, they work best on roofs less than a decade old. 

Ground Panels

If you don’t want to install solar panels on your roof or don’t have room to do so, you can also have panels installed on the ground in your yard. This will work best if your home is in an open field with no trees or other buildings obstructing the sunlight. 

Ground panels can be angled in any direction to receive energy from the sun and are more easily accessible than roof panels. However, they take up space on your land and can be challenging to work around. Additionally, being more accessible also makes them more prone to damage. 

Batteries

Solar power systems paired with battery capacity — called solar-plus-storage systems — allow for solar power around the clock without relying as much on sun exposure, time of day or backup power from the grid. With solar-powered batteries backing up your home system, you can get closer to becoming completely energy-self-sufficient. However, solar-plus-storage systems are more expensive than installing only panels, usually costing between $25,000 and $35,000. 

You can also connect your solar panel installation to the electric grid and use a process called net metering. With net metering, you can transport excess energy back to the grid, and your electricity company gives you a credit or reimburses your bill. You can use these credits at nighttime when the sun is not providing energy. 

Are Solar Panels Worth It Financially?

Usually, the short answer is yes. The cost of a solar energy system might make it seem like it’s not a cost-efficient option. However, once you’ve paid for the system and its installation, the financial benefits of solar energy become clear. And as solar energy becomes more popular, it becomes more affordable. 

The cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009. Now, there are over a million solar installations across the country. You might find the cost to install the system is small compared to the money you could save on the average cost of electricity. 

The cost of installing a solar energy system at your home depends on how much energy you typically use, the level of sunlight in your area and which solar panels you choose. It might take time to see the monetary benefits of converting to a solar system in your home since there’s a cost upfront, but eventually, you’ll see some savings after the system is installed and running. 

How Should I Care For Panels? 

As mentioned, solar panels generally require little maintenance after they’re installed. Generally, all your solar panel maintenance checklist needs to consist of is occasionally clearing the panels of leaves and dirt. With tilted solar panels, rain does most of the work for you in removing debris. 

If your panels are installed on the ground and you clean them often, it may be enough to hose them off every once in a while. You can also use a soft rag to clear the panels of dirt or debris. With roof panels, be wary of venturing onto the roof yourself. If rain isn’t doing the trick to clean off your panels, try to use a wiper with a long handle to clear the area. If you cannot safely reach your roof panels yourself, you can always call a professional to clear debris from them. 

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Residential solar systems are designed to last for at least 20 years, if not much longer. 

Can I Get Financing for Solar Panels?

If you’ve chosen to go solar and don’t have the cash to pay for the installation upfront, many residential solar financing options allow you to receive government funding for solar panels. For instance, you can apply for a loan that can save you between 40% and 70% over the lifetime of the solar panels. Monthly loan payments are typically smaller than the usual electrical bill, which helps you save money from the very beginning. 

New homeowners can also receive a loan for solar power alongside their mortgage through the Federal Housing Administration and Fannie Mae. This regulation allows you to include home improvements in your home’s buying price. 

If you cannot receive a loan to finance solar panels for your home, you can lease a system through a third party or enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA). With a solar lease, you must pay the third-party solar supplier a monthly amount based on how much electricity your home uses. However, it’s important to note with either of these options, you cannot benefit from the tax breaks and other incentives that apply to system owners. 

How Can I Find State Incentives and Tax Breaks That Will Help Me Go Solar?

Because renewable energy is becoming more of a concern for planet, you may be eligible for federal, state or local tax credits if you purchase a solar system for your home. You may be eligible to qualify for a tax credit if:

• Your system was installed between the start of the year in 2006 and the last day of 2023.
• The solar energy system is used in your home in the U.S.
• The solar equipment is yours to own.
• The system is new or this is the first time it is being used.

An addition to the Solar Investment Tax Credit, you may receive a 26% credit for a system installed between 2020 and 2022 or 22% if your system is installed in 2023. Some expenses included in the tax credit include solar panels used to power attic fans, contractor labor costs, balance-of-system equipment and energy-storage devices charged by the PV panels. The solar tax credit does not currently extend beyond 2023.

In addition to receiving a tax credit for going solar, you maybe be eligible for the following benefits:

• Rebate from the electric utility installing your system
• Payment for renewable energy certificates
• State tax credit
• Rebate from the state government

Additionally, the modified accelerated cost-recovery system allows you to write off the total cost of your solar system in its first year. 

Do Solar Panels Increase Property Value?

Using solar energy in your home often has major benefits for its resale value because it will save the next homeowner money, just like it saved you money. For every $1 reduction in annual utility bills, home value increases by $20.  

What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels?

It always feels good doing your part for the environment, and using solar energy at home may be a perfect opportunity for you to do so! As mentioned, solar energy is a renewable resource, meaning it’ll always be around. Solar panels also help reduce air pollution and confront climate change’s effects because they don’t contribute to the burning of fossil fuels. 

Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet. Thus, solar power also lessens greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, electricity accounted for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions with 31% coming from residential and commercial spaces. Additionally, nearly 62% of electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. 

Reducing your carbon footprint in your home is a great way to make a difference right from home. Additionally, using solar energy in your home may inspire you to limit energy usage. Different ways you can reduce your energy intake include:

• Using a power strip.
• Installing automatic light sensors.
• Unplugging devices when you’re not using them.
• Turning the lights off after leaving a room.
• Using natural light during the day.
• Adjusting your AC by one to two degrees.

Taking care of the environment can start with you, and solar power is a great step to take if you’re devoted to decreasing your carbon footprint. 

Can I Install Solar Myself? How Much Does an Installer Cost?

The possibility of installing solar panels yourself depends on whether you’re looking to supplement your current energy source or refigure your entire home. If supplementing is your goal, DIY solar systems will probably work well enough for you. However, installing solar throughout your entire home is a very complicated process, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. 

Reconfiguring your entire home with solar technology requires knowledge of electrician work. Trying to do it yourself can result in rewiring problems that can cost you. Rewiring your home is also potentially dangerous, making it an even better decision to hire an installer. Depending on your zoning laws, it might also be illegal for you to try and rewire your home by yourself. 

Hiring a professional to install your solar system is a safer and more efficient alternative to attempting to rewire your home yourself. Aside from the safety benefits, hiring an installer can save you time, and a good installer can give you tips for utilizing your solar system. 

After federal tax incentives, installing solar panels in the United States usually costs between $13,000 and $16,200. However, the number of panels you need affects the installation price. 

How Do I Start the Process of Going Solar in NY?

Some people find it beneficial to see how they can limit their energy consumption before making the jump to solar energy, whether by shortening the length of their showers or unplugging devices when they’re not being used. 

Before going solar, here are some steps you can take:

1. Determine your home’s solar potential: There are a lot of tools to help you assess this, including this calculator from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 
2. Measure your roof: A solar system usually requires between 335 and 405 square feet of roof space. 
3. Find a solar installer in your area: Do some research to find a solar installer in your area. Don’t forget to read reviews and testimonials for each company.

If you’ve determined you think your home and needs are suitable for solar panels, these make for good next steps:

1. Call for an estimate: The most important step you can take before installing solar panels in your home is calling for an estimate. An expert can give you the most accurate assessment of your roof or yard’s potential for solar energy. 
2. Acquire permits: Your installer can acquire the appropriate permits for your system in your location. They’ll also present you with any paperwork or contracts you need to complete and work with the utility companies. 
3. Installation: Construction time depends on outdoor conditions and the job size and can take anywhere from a couple of hours to days. 

Once you’ve installed your panels, you’ll be closer than ever to saving money, becoming energy independent, and reducing your carbon footprint. 

Lippolis Electric Can Help Homeowners in Westchester County Go Solar

If you think your home is an ideal candidate for solar panels and want to learn more, Lippolis Electric can help get you started. Our team of professionals is committed to giving you the best service possible and has served Westchester County for over 40 years. 

Our licensed technicians are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions. We also have certification from Solar Energy International so you can be confident in our techniques and commitment to safety! For more information, contact us online today!