To go solar or not to go solar?

That is truly the question… of this blog. If you’re considering solar panel installation, you probably want to weigh all the pros and cons of going solar before you make the decision. Great news- we’re about to break it all down for you in the simplest way: the PROS and CONS of solar panels. Ready to get started?

Here’s a quick overview of what we’re about to go over:

Solar panels pros:

Reduces your carbon footprint
Lowers your electric bill
Protection from rising costs
Increases your home value
Easy maintenance
Gain energy independence

Solar panels cons:

Doesn’t work for every roof type
Initial cost can be an obstacle
No power when the grid goes down
Hold your decision if you’re about to sell your home
You need sunshine!

Let’s get to it.

Pros of Solar Panels for Home

Diminish your carbon footprint

Concerned about the environment? The first benefit everyone should already know about owning solar panels is that it helps you reduce your carbon footprint. This is becoming more and more important each year, and solar panels are a great way to start cleaning up your carbon footprint for a better environment and planet. Here’s a fun fact: the amount of energy your solar system produces each year is equivalent to planting around 50 trees, which is a lot considering a 30-year old tree absorbs around 193 pounds of CO2 each year. This is a huge PRO for solar panels!

Slash your high electricity bill

One of the top reasons homeowners choose to go solar is because of the cost savings. In fact, 59% of homeowners with solar panels made the decision because of the savings on their electricity bills. Depending on your situation, you could end up with a negative electric bill, or even credit for the next months. The amount you can save on your bills is increased even more when you participate in your utility company’s net metering program in which you can sell the energy you produce back to them in the form of credits.

Shield yourself from rising energy costs

Energy prices are on the move, in the upward trend. In fact in the last couple of decades, electricity prices in the US have risen around 40%.

And residential electricity costs are projected to rise between 1.2% and 2.8% in 2021 alone!

Once your system is paid off, you’ll be producing completely free solar energy for the entire life of your system, which will be at least 25 years with guarantees like Love Solar Solar offers. This means you will be immune from the future rising costs that everyone else will be stuck with. In other words, you can free yourself from the rising costs trend with solar energy!

Increase the worth of your home

Another great benefit of having solar panels installed on your home is that it actually increases your home’s value. Because- why not? Homes that have solar panels installed are a great selling point when it comes to putting your house on the market. Want to see the proof?

In a comprehensive report done by the US Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), they found that:

  • Homes with solar arrays sold 20% faster, and for 17% more.
  • Each additional $1 in utility bill savings from your solar installation can add a whopping $20 to your home value.

Read more about solar panels and increased home value.

Super easy maintenance

More great news for the PRO list: solar panels are extremely low maintenance. Especially when you go with a company like Love Solar Solar that offers extensive warranties. This means even if something breaks, you’ll be covered for the life of your system. As for regular maintenance, solar panels don’t need cleaning. When they’re installed by a certified professional team, they will be installed to gather the most amount of sunlight as possible and mounted at an angle so that any rain, snow or debri slides right off them. One less thing to worry about- how many other large investments can you say that about?