According to a gutter installation company, today, people are more environmentally aware than ever. We’re more conscious about things like plastic in the environment, the types of food we eat and our energy usage. And one-way people are going ‘greener’ is by adding solar panels to their homes.
You may have thought about getting solar panels before, or maybe you’re thinking about it now. Either way, solar panels are a great way to minimize your ecological impact on the environment, and in this article, we look at the things you should consider if you’re thinking about going down this road.
Your Energy Use & Habits
The first thing to consider is how much energy you use and your family’s habits. For example, if you have a large family, do a lot of entertaining or have high energy needs, putting in solar panels are an ideal way for you to cut down on your energy expenses by taking the load off what your energy supplier is giving you. And while solar panels represent a high initial investment, the money you save on your energy bill will more than pay for them in a few years.
What Type Of Roof?
For your solar panels to be effective, they must get maximum exposure to the sun, which means your roof should meet certain criteria to get the most benefit. If your roof is flat, has sharp angles, or is overshadowed by trees, the solar panels won’t operate at their maximum potential. Also, it’s wise to consider the age of your roof because if it’s over 12 years old, you may want to wait until you get a roof replacement before putting in new, expensive solar panels.
Your Location
Your Budget
Another thing to consider is your budget because as mentioned, solar panels are expensive. However, if you’re having reservations because of the price, keep in mind that many states offer tax incentives to help lessen the blow of installing solar panels. Also, remember that solar panels add value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future. Last, estimates say the average homeowner saves approximately $20,000 over 20 years when they incorporate solar panels into their home.
Solar panels are becoming more and more popular as we become more energy conscious and focused on renewable energy sources. Solar panels are not only an ideal way for us to reduce our carbon emissions and preserve the environment, but they’re also a great way to save money on your energy bills and are a solid financial investment.