Over the last decade there has been incredible growth in the solar industry. The number of panels erected atop homes across the U.S. has absolutely exploded. In the past 10 years it has seen an annual 49% growth.
Home storage batteries represent the next evolution of home renewable energy. Homeowners can amplify the benefits of solar power by storing the energy they’ve produced to be used at their choosing. This is a new technology and it will continue to develop and evolve at a breakneck pace. New abilities and features will emerge with new product offerings but there are several fundamental use cases and situations which will certainly resonate with many homeowners even at this early stage
It’s a logical question, you’re speaking with a representative of a solar company and you start doing the math in your head: “If this is an investment on my home, will I see the return on that investment when I sell my house?”
Like most things pertaining to home improvements and their relation to the home’s value, there’s no exact figure a seller can rely on every time. There is a large enough sample size that we can reasonably estimate that a kitchen or bathroom remodel will likely yield a return close to its cost, but there are exceptions.
Net metering is a process that helps answer one of the age old problems with solar, what do you do when the sun goes down?
People use a lot of energy during the evening hours, the lights are on and they’re using more of their electric fixtures like an electric range to make dinner and then relax in front of the TV. Without a doubt, we all still need power, even when the sun goes down.
Millions of people have reaped the benefits of solar energy in the last decade. They enjoy helping the planet while also helping their bottom line. Regardless of the size of the system or how much it would save them, going solar is a big decision for every homeowner. This is your step by step guide to help smooth out the process, make more informed decisions, and when you choose to go solar, ensure you have the best experience possible.
Update: As of August 2022, The Inflation Reduction Act passed by congress raises the Solar Tax Credit to 30% until 2032.
Introduction
For many years, residential solar energy was a luxury reserved for the wealthy and the well to do. In order to spur the industry, administrations within the federal government introduced a tax credit to ease the burden on homeowners with the desire to install solar photovoltaic panels on their home. Several years removed from the creation of the solar tax credit, the barrier to entry is much lower and it has become feasible for many homeowners before the credit is taken into consideration.