California is trailblazing the use of renewable energy in the form of solar power in the whole of the United States. In fact, the state is the first one to require solar panels to be incorporated on new homes effective January 1, 2020.
Aside from having abundant sunshine for solar power, California also offers the best solar rebates and solar incentives in the country that make going solar a wise financial choice for homeowners. Solar energy isn’t just renewable but also efficient. Plus, going solar is a conscious move towards decreasing greenhouse emissions to prevent further ozone damage.
It is just about time to prepare in advance and doesn’t have to wait for 2020 to go solar, for the best time is now! But before you proceed doing just that, let us give you some pointers on the advantages of solar power to convince you further that this is the right choice.
3 Major Benefits of Going Solar in 2019
The immense benefits of going solar far outweigh the disadvantages. And these are just only a few major ones.
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Save Money and Control Electric Bills
Using solar power is literally free electricity for you. But be aware of the capital costs of installing solar panels. The good news is that residential solar panel cost decreased since 2016. While you would be spending some serious amount of money at the onset, you would surely reap rewards with slashing electric bills off your responsibilities after the acquisition and installation of the solar panels.
Using solar power also means greater control of energy usage and costs. While the Southern California Edison prices fluctuate, yours will be a breezy zero and none electric cost.
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Availability of Solar Rebates and Incentives
Among the advantages of solar power are solar rebates and incentives. The nationwide ITC (Investment Tax Credit) is a federal solar incentive that gives homeowners a 30 percent discount on top of all additional state rebates and incentives when they buy a solar panel system. This program appeals to every homeowner to turn to solar power. However, you should take advantage of the 30 percent savings this 2019 as this will be the last year. The incentive will lower to 26 percent in 2020, 22 percent in 2021, 10 percent in 2022 and will end in 2023. So this year is the best time to acquire your solar panels.
Tax credit programs are also offered to homeowners when they install solar panels. PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) for one offers the HERO (Home Energy Renovation Opportunity) financing program to pay for the PV (photovoltaic) installation of homeowners. Paying back to PACE is through the property tax of the beneficiary. Other California counties also have tax incentive programs to encourage homeowners to use solar power.
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Property Value Increases
Installing solar panels into your homes means an instant accelerated value to your property. In California, an average of $18,324 can be added to a home value by installing a small 3.1 kilowatt PV system. This means that more powerful solar panels can increase one’s property value. Such as 5kW panels can add an average of $29,555 to the assessed value of a home.
In addition, homes with solar panels are easier and faster to sell than those with none. Solar panels give a home higher premiums and great saleability.
Plus, it is notable in California that they don’t increase property taxes with solar installations. That means home value increases with solar panels but the tax remains the same.
When your home is sold and your solar panels are still within the guaranteed useful life, the solar warranty should be transferable to the new homeowner.
Other Innate Advantages
These are the ever-present qualities of solar power that needs to be emphasized to homeowners to be encouraged:
Solar power is renewable energy.
This won’t run out, pardon it will, but after 6.5 billion years until the sun dies out according to NASA. Properly utilized, solar can fill 20,000 times more than the needed electric supply of the world. And unlike fossil fuels that can harm the ozone and dangerous to the environment, which brings me to the next point.
Solar power is environment-friendly.
It is basically the energy coming from the sun which is being harnessed to produce electricity. This means that it is very natural and won’t cost pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
Solar technology is improving.
The constant progress in solar technology ensures homeowners that life will be better than before. Design and manufacturing are at the center of development to make solar power more useful, accessible, and successful. From way back to now, there has already been a dramatic increase with solar technology, efficiency has been revolutionary.
Finding the Best Solar Panel System Contractor/Dealer
This part is the most crucial when going solar as the contractor that will provide and install it affects the credibility of the solar panel system, especially over time. As you know, not all contractors are created equal and finding the best one for your needs is a must.
Just like all your other big purchases, shopping for solar panels requires you to research and compare. It is much like buying a car where you check for reviews and do readings about your choices. You look into the performance, the brand and make, the reliability, the company records, and other more relevant information before making your choice. The same thing with buying solar panels, start by understanding it and finding out the best technologies available in the market. Look for the best manufacturers that have the best solar panels that will suit your needs. Lastly, look for the best dealers in your area that carries the particular panel you are looking for and has a great reputation of service.
Things you should look for when shopping for the best solar panel dealers include Technology, Longevity, and Installation and Mounting training and experience. Also, your chosen dealer should be knowledgeable about local codes and permitting requirements to make sure that the installation will go on smoothly. Solar dealers, not just carry and sell the products, you should also be aware that they undergo training from the manufacturer. This way you will be assured that they are well-versed with the product and the installation and maintenance of it.
Go Solar with SunPower by EcoSolar USA
Making the decision to go solar while tricky can be easy. Gain the understanding you need and boost your confidence with solar power by contacting SunPower by EcoSolar USA for a free consultation.
