Solar energy is a great investment for homeowners. Not only does it create a more sustainable way of life, but it also adds to the increasing value of your home. Investing in solar panels can be a costly initial expense, but the money saved in energy costs, and the added benefit of increasing your home’s value, are big incentives to go solar.
The average homeowner can recoup over 75 percent of their initial solar panel investment through the energy cost savings, and the average home value increases by 4.1 percent after adding solar panels. Depending on the placement, model, brand, and type of solar panel you choose, the added value to your home for this investment varies greatly.
In addition to this added value to your home, solar panels continuously reduce your energy bill each month. By producing your own energy from the sun, you can be independent of unsustainable emissions created by energy companies. Investing in solar panels is an investment in yourself, your home, and the environment.
Benefits of Solar Panel Installation
Installing solar panels adds considerably to your home’s value, and can also help improve energy efficiency. Utilizing solar energy reduces dependence on our finite energy sources, which in turn reduces emissions to the environment.
The annual savings from switching to solar energy can be in the hundreds of dollars per year, making this a rewarding investment in both the short term, and long term.
Different Types of Solar Panels
With the many types of solar systems, there’s even more ways to customize panels for each home. Three common types of technology for solar panels are crystalline silicon, thin film, and concentrator. Crystalline silicon is the most common type of panel used in residential solar systems, as it offers excellent efficiency and low cost.
Thin film solar panels are typically more efficient and lightweight, but require more space for installation. Concentrator solar cells are another type of panel, with specialized functions, that require more maintenance and are generally more expensive.
No matter what type of panel you choose, they will all add value to your home and keep your energy costs low.
Installation Considerations for Solar Panels
First and foremost, you should consider the amount of available space, the orientation and shade of the area in question, and your budget.
- Available space: The more space you have, the more solar panels you can install. This will determine the capacity of your system.
- Orientation and shade: Solar panels should be oriented in a way that gets the most sunlight possible. Shading can limit the functionality of solar panels so you should avoid this factor.
- Budget: Solar panels are expensive, but you can usually get financing. You should also consider any available incentives or tax breaks.
Installation Process
The solar panel installation process requires precision and knowledge of electrical codes. It is important that solar panels are installed correctly to maximize efficiency and ensure safety. Depending on the solar panel you choose, it can be a labour intensive process.
For a DIY installation you may need specialized tools and knowledge of local electrical codes. It is important to remember that a professional should have a license to install solar panels and should have insurance.
Investing in solar panels is a great way to increase the value of your home and help make the planet a healthier place. With this knowledge in mind, you can start the process of investing in solar panel installation.