Why should I go solar?
There are numerous reasons that going solar can benefit a homeowner but a majority will do it for one or more of the following:
- Significantly reduce your energy bill. With solar, you can start reducing your energy bill immediately through financing options by using the sun’s energy instead of “renting” electricity from a utility company. You can even eliminate your electric bill altogether by owning your own system.
- Protect the environment. Solar panel systems can eliminate your carbon footprint significantly because you’re using an unlimited renewable source.
- Increase the value of your home. A typical residential 5kW system can increase a home’s value by an average of $30,000 (significantly more than the cost of the system).
- Protect against rising energy costs. National electricity price rates rise an average of 4% a year with California already having some of the highest rates in the country. Eliminating or reducing your utility reliance saves money and helps protect against unpredictable monthly costs.
Traditional Utility Problems and Solar Solutions
There are multiple reasons that traditional utility providers are problematic in today’s energy climate. Solar can alleviate these problems and bring about positive change for individuals, businesses, and the environment. Here are common utility problems and the ways that solar energy can solve them:
| Utility Company | Solar Panel System |
| × Nonrenewable – Utilities largely rely on pollution-heavy, fossil fuels. | √ Renewable – The sun is an unlimited free source of energy that blankets the entire earth. |
| × Varying Rates – traditional utility provider prices fluctuate leading to unpredictable bills. | √ Predictable Rates – Financing options such as PPA or Loan guarantee specific rates. |
| × Rising Bill – Rates historically rise on average of 3%-7% per year | √ Lower (Or No) Bill – Solar power lets you reduce your electric bill or eliminate it altogether. |
| × Same Home Value – Continuing to rely on a utility provider provides no benefit to home value. | √ Increase Home Value – Solar panel systems increase the value of your home. |
| × Energy-Dependent – you rely on a utility monopoly with no options for other providers. | √ Energy Independent – Solar panel systems can cover 100% of your electricity needs and paired with batteries let you go “off grid” |
Why You Shouldn’t Get Solar
The process of going solar can be complicated and convoluted which often results in a misunderstanding of the facts of solar energy and what it can offer its users. Also in living through an era of “fake news” and misleading advertisements, it is important to separate the egg whites (fact) from the yolks (fiction).
Solar panels only work during the day when I’m not home
Technically it’s true solar panels do only produce electricity when there is sunlight but if the energy that’s been collected from the solar panels is not actively being used, it is sent to the utility grid for others to use (see net metering). The utility company gives you credits for this energy that you can redeem later for the equivalent amount when you need electricity from the grid. Basically, solar panels provide value to you even when you’re not actively using the electricity from them.
Going solar is too expensive
While it’s true a several years ago solar panel systems were quite expensive, nowadays they have reached parity with nonrenewable energy production methods and continue to go down in price. Depending on how you fund your solar panel system, the investment can see 15-30% in savings from electricity bill with increased savings as utility rates rise every year. The government is supportive of solar technology and offers federal, state, and local government subsidies and tax breaks to help homeowners invest in solar technology. Also, many financing options are available for you to see immediate savings.
The payback is too long
Installing solar panels is a practical and worthy investment that can not only start saving you money immediately but will save you money each month for the life of the system (25-35 years). When the system is purchased it can raise the property value of your home for more than the system’s actual cost immediately when it’s installed. Solar prices continuing to fall directly correlates to reduced payback periods as well with some of them as low as 5 years.
A solar system will raise your property taxes
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy, your house price will rise by an average of $18,000-$23,000 the first day you invest in your solar project. Although your property value will increase, Section 73 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code prevents taxes from increasing after installing solar panel systems.
My roof is old or is the wrong type
Solar companies perform site surveys of the property and roof to evaluate if it is necessary to replace the roof before an installation or not. Also, there are many companies that install on all types of roofing including composite, concrete, Spanish tiles etc.
I am part of a homeowners association (HOA)
Many HOA’s allow and encourage solar installations (albeit certain steps to be followed) and in some cases such as California can’t legally deny homeowners from installing renewable energy.
My bill is too low
While a couple of years ago this was true, solar panels have become more efficient and cost consistently gone down in price. Anything $100/month and above can potentially save you money immediately through any financing option. Even if you pay less than that per month purchasing a system outright is more affordable then ever and then you can nearly eliminate your electricity bill altogether.