With solar home options becoming more popular, less expensive, and easier to maintain than ever before, it may be time to rethink going solar. Solar systems empower homeowners with the choice of clean, renewable energy, and can save you money while conserving precious resources. Across the U.S., the use of solar power is on the rise, and continued growth is expected. If you’ve considered solar in the past, but thought it may be too expensive or difficult to care for, this new article from Zillow addresses some of the common myths associated with solar homes. SunStreet Energy Group, a subsidiary of Lennar, currently offers state-of-the-art solar systems in select communities throughout California, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas, with more coming soon.
The decision to add solar panels to your home can seem daunting. The unknowns and assumptions of costs and installation tend to leave homeowners uneasy about going solar.
However, just as home automation once seemed overwhelming, adding solar panels to your home is becoming more of the norm. U.S. solar power grew 30 percent in 2014 from 2013 — with the Solar Energy Industries Association expecting continued growth through 2016.
California already generates more than five percent of its “annual utility-scale electricity generation from utility-scale solar power,” becoming the first state to do so.
The reasons to invest in solar panels are abundant. In addition to increasing your home’s value and saving money on your electric bill, solar panels also help homeowners decrease their carbon footprint. Within 20 years, a residential solar power system can offset literally tons of carbon dioxide.
Addressing the myths
If you’re still skeptical, know that quite a few myths about going solar exist. Here are the most common myths about solar panels.
- I could never afford solar panels. The average cost to cover a home’s roof with solar panels is $29,000, according to Tech Insider. Ten years ago it was $43,000. That makes the cost of a solar roof “lower than the average price of a new car” in the U.S. This doesn’t even account for renewable energy tax credits you may receive; you can claim a 30-percent rebate for installing solar panels to your home. There are even solar panel leasing program options if you don’t feel ready for such a purchase. This solar panel installation cost calculator will give you the estimated cost of the benefits of using solar power in your home, as well as your expected daily savings.
- My solar panels won’t work if the weather is bad. False. Germany is the solar energy capital of the world, and often faces long, dismal winters. Solar panels run off of UV light, so a cloudy sky won’t turn off your power.
- Solar panels will require too much maintenance. Solar panels do not require much maintenance at all, actually. While rain will often do the trick, the general recommendation is to clean your panels by hosing them off annually. Most of your maintenance work involves simply making sure there is no debris on your roof that may cover any part of your panels.
Read the full article: Why You Need to Get Serious About Going Solar
Photo Gallery: New Lennar home solar systems
