Like most homeowners, you too might be considering going solar. Although the initial investment might seem a little off-putting, especially during these challenging times, most feel like it's a worthwhile investment. By going solar you could manage to save a fortune in the long run, and do your bit for the environment at the same time!

In 2019, over two million homeowners decided to invest in solar systems for their homes. Today, more and more people are hopping on the solar bandwagon, and with the cost of living constantly rising, it's not surprising. 

1. Solar panels are not as expensive as they once were

When solar panels first burst onto the scene, very few homeowners could afford them. The recent demand for solar panels and systems has driven down the cost. Today, solar panels are eighty percent less than they were in 2000. 

However, home solar systems are not free! You can expect to pay anything from $3,500 to $20,000 if you plan to go solar. 

Keep in mind that there are several companies out there selling solar. Don't forget to shop around by asking several companies for their current rates. It's a huge industry, so it's not surprising that a lot of folks are getting into Smart Solar Marketing.

Unfortunately, it's hard to tell if solar equipment will cost less in the upcoming years due to a wide range of issues. Some supply chains are having problems keeping up with orders, and inflation has also caused a lot of concern. 

2. Bills

Homeowners often feel like they spend their entire day paying bills. If you don't have a solar system, you're probably paying a small fortune every month on utility bills. The thought of these bills disappearing, or even being reduced might seem like a dream come true!

On average, a homeowner will spend eighty percent less on electricity bills after they have installed a solar panel in their homes. The worrying feeling you get when you're about to open an envelope containing your next utility bill will be a thing of the past if you decide to go solar. 

People are advised to think about the money they can save in the long run when investing in a home solar system. Yes, the upfront costs might be daunting, but the long-term savings will help you save a lot of cash down the line. 

Most quality home solar systems are built to last. You can expect a good system to last for at least twenty-five years. If your system lasts for this length of time, you could save thousands of dollars. If you don't have any problems with your solar system, it's bound to pay for itself. 

Year after year, the cost of energy has been rising throughout America and in most other countries around the globe. Who knows how much electricity is going to cost homeowners in ten years! By going solar, financial planning for the future will be a lot easier. 

3. No more power outages

Do you experience a lot of power outages while at home? If so, you've probably made contact with the utility company for help, but either nobody answered or nothing was done about it. Being without power for a long period of time can cause all sorts of issues, especially if you have young children living at home, or if you work from home. 

If you decide to go solar, your home becomes entirely energy-independent. If all your neighbors are left in the dark because they are relying on the grid, you and your loved ones will have light!

4. Solar will help if you are putting your house on the market

If you want to sell your home, you'll want as much money as you can get for it. A lot of buyers in today's market are looking for a home with a solar system already installed. Estate agents will sometimes use the fact that your home runs on solar to encourage potential buyers to make a bid. 

Now that more people than ever are educated on how solar energy can reduce utility bills and help the environment, it's expected that this trend will continue. Homes with solar systems installed are more likely to sell faster than homes without. 

5. Carbon footprint

It's no secret the damage fossil fuels cause to our incredible planet. Most folks today are worried about the current state of the environment, which is one of the best reasons to go solar. It is a clean and renewable source of electricity that can help reduce your carbon footprint significantly. 

Greenhouse gasses and carbon emissions can have a devastating impact on the world we live in. Going solar will not just save you cash in the long run, but it is a much more sustainable solution.

What you need to know before going solar

Before splashing your cash on the first solar energy system you come across, there are a few questions you might want to consider asking the solar company. Here are a few things you should consider before making the move:

  • Can your home's roof support solar panels? If you decide to install solar panels on your roof, it's important to find out if your roof can handle the weight of the panels. Find a solar company with a good reputation to examine your home. They will examine the roof to see if it can support the heavy panels before installing them. 

  • Payment methods: If you are not currently in the position to pay for a brand new solar system upfront, ask the sales representatives if there are any other payment methods available. Some companies will lease their panels and other equipment to their customers. 

  • How long will the solar system last? It's of vital importance that you find out the longevity of the solar system. Although you can buy the cheapest solar equipment on the market, don't be surprised if you run into problems. Some folks have avoided solar systems because when they first entered the market they had a lot of issues. Thankfully, technology has improved over the past thirty years, and solar systems are not as problematic as they once were. 

  • How long will the installation process take: Trying to figure out how long it will take to install a solar system can be tricky without professional advice. An experienced solar expert who has installed solar systems into homes similar to yours should be able to give you an idea of the length of time it will take. Some will be able to install the entire system within a couple of hours, while other systems will take days. 

Conclusion

If everybody decided to go solar, the world would be in a much better place. Many believe that going solar is one of the best decisions a home or business owner can make. For those with a family at home, it sets a good example for their kids. If you live in a typical residential home in the US, and you decide to make the change from regular electricity to solar, you will help eliminate approximately 3 tons of carbon emissions each year! That's similar to planting one hundred trees every twelve months.