Solar is the future, and that future is closer than you think. At a time when the world is trying to mitigate the effects of climate change, the adoption of cleaner energy for our homes and industrial needs is becoming a necessity rather than an option.
With solar being a more cost-effective and easily scalable source of green energy, it is a no-brainer investment.
Although solar power looks promising, and it is, we must remember that it isn’t for everybody and should be deliberated on before adopting it. Before you start looking for where to find a solar contractor in Florida, read these five things that you have to know before getting a solar panel.
What are Your Energy Needs?
This should be the first question for anyone considering solar power. It is important to determine how much electricity you consume or need for your home or business. Take note of how much you pay for the grid electricity annually so that you can compare the cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel.
If you live in an area with a solid grid power connection and delivery that is not overcharged or often rationed, switching to solar would be a bad investment. If your grid power bills are through the roof and unreliable, getting a solar panel should be a priority.
Also, since needs evolve as we do, understanding the quantity of electric power you are currently consuming and contrasting that with what your future energy needs will look like will enable you to see if solar is for you.
Where are You Located?
When living in an apartment or condo in the city, installing solar panels would be very inefficient and costly. Installing a panel on a stand-alone property that you own is more feasible due to the space that you have to install the system.
Additionally, if you live in hotter regions like Florida or California, switching to solar would be more economical than if you are living in New York.
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Your Financing Options
Solar is an investment, and this investment isn’t cheap but could be in the long run. The initial stage of adopting solar is the most expensive of all the stages.
Understanding how you will pay for the solar panel is the first stage to owning it. You can either pay for the panel in cash or with help from a lender. Fully paying for your solar will be expensive, but this investment will pay off in the long run. On the contrary, financing will enable you to get solar cheaply at first, but you will end up paying more over time.
Another effective way to save on your solar investment is checking the company portfolio before deciding whether to hire a Tampa solar installer.
Ownership Type
There are two types of ownership when it comes to solar panels; buying and leasing. Buying involves fully owning the solar panel by paying for it with either cash or a loan. In contrast, leasing involves using the panels for a period without fully owning them. These two options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Depending on your income or savings, you can choose to go with either one. Although buying will cost you a hefty sum upfront, you will own both the system and the power being produced. In contrast, leasing will limit your ownership and prevent you from enjoying the freedom that comes with installing solar power systems.
Warranties
A warranty is the guarantee of service given by either the manufacturer or the solar installer to a solar panel buyer. The two most important warranties are from the brand manufacturer and the installation company.
Warranty from the former guarantees the efficiency and the longevity of the solar panels, while the latter guarantees the quality of the installation.
Before getting solar, ensure that you agree with the terms and conditions of each brand of panels and the nitty-gritty of the contract from the installation company. This will save you a lot of headaches that come along later after the installation.
The adoption of solar energy is just beginning, and more people will eventually embrace it as people become more aware of the need to protect our environment.
Solar panels will become even cheaper and more efficient than they currently are, and a brief deliberation before going green will ensure that you make a worthy purchase that will be relied upon for years.
