Solar 101 | Solar Energy Connect

Thinking About Going Solar?

If you’re thinking about getting solar panels installed on your home, it’s important to do your research and understand the realities of going solar so you can make the best decision for you and your home.

Every solar project is unique, and the costs of installation and the amount of energy you will produce will depend on a number of factors. We operate to serve homeowners by connecting them with local solar companies that can help with the process and provide free solar quotes. Just answer a few questions to begin the process of going solar. Continue reading if you’re not sure.

It’s certainly normal to have concerns or questions when making a decision like going solar. Unsure of what all the fuss is about when it comes to solar? Either too expensive, unsure of reliability, can’t see a benefit, or something else entirely?

We’re here to ensure you understand ALL of the benefits of going solar.

The Time to Go Solar is Now

With the planet changing and life getting more expensive by the day, there is no better time to go solar than now. Here are a few facts/stats to get you started:

According to Forbes the price of solar has declined 36% in the last 5 years
The new Inflation Reduction Act reintroduces a 30% federal solar tax credit
The average solar panel system will eliminate 3-4 tons of carbon emissions each year

Top Reasons People Are Going Solar

Reduce Electric Bills + Rising Energy Costs

Government solar programs/tax credits Solar not only helps reduce monthly utility
bills but also increases home value by an average of $9-10K¹
Depending on your state, you can save $15,000-$30,000 on electricity over 20 years²

Environmental Benefits

Widespread solar adoption can significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions⁴
If the U.S. got 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2050, annual water use by coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants would decrease by about 50%⁴
Reduced usage of finite earth materials like oil, coal, and natural gas
Reduced power outages

Good ROI + Increases Property Value

Solar does in fact increase your home value with a 4% average increase in property value¹
Average purchaser sees ROI of 20% or more over the multiple decade lifetime of a system³
A handy “hack” many homeowners do is go solar when they get a new roof. This is something you should bring up with the companies you connect with

Energy Independence

The sun is a truly renewable resource – limitless supply for billions of years
Reduces the need for government-regulated natural resources to power your home
In one hour, the Earth’s atmosphere receives enough sunlight to power the electricity needs of every human being on Earth for a year⁵

Money-Saving Solar Tax Programs

Renewed 30% solar tax credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act
Income tax credit applies to residential solar panels and stand-alone home battery systems

Committing to Sustainability

The average solar panel system will eliminate 3-4 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to planting over 100 trees/year over the 25-year lifetime of your panels³
Less gas emissions = cleaner air

Common Solar Myths + Misconceptions

There is lots of misinformation out there about solar. You’ve probably heard a few of them.

Solar Myth #1 – Solar only works when the sun is shining

While the amount of power any given system will produce can vary, solar works in just about any condition.
Solar battery storage helps store all energy produced during the day to kick in at night
For the most part you will still be connected to a grid that will act as a backup if the panels ever fail

Solar Myth #2 – Solar is too expensive

Prices have dropped dramatically over the years making solar more feasible for many homeowners
Understanding your initial costs and financing options can make going solar more accessible
Government tax incentives allow you to claim 30% of your solar installation costs as credit towards what you owe in taxes

Solar Myth #3 – Solar requires a lot of maintenance

There’s actually little maintenance required over the 25 average lifespan of solar panels
Solar panels on a tilt require even less maintenance
Damaged panels are usually covered under warranty. Make sure to check with your installer as this is supplier specific)

Solar Myth #4 – Solar won’t power my whole home

You can work with installers to estimate how many panels you’d need to 100% offset fossil fuel energy consumption – it’s part of the quoting process
The average U.S. household uses 893 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity every month. That’s just under 30 kWh per day.
Calculate your home’s energy consumption while figuring out your goals. The size of your system + storage play into your capabilities of fully powering your home with solar

Why it’s Good to Get Multiple Quotes Before Going Solar

We view going solar the same way we view shopping for a car, home, or any other big-ticket item.

Getting multiple quotes is always the best option. For the sake of solar, by getting multiple quotes you give yourself the best opportunity to:

Apply for Federal Tax Incentives
Maximize your savings
Explore financing that works best for you

Going Solar

What Your Need to Know