When making the decision to invest in anything, it’s important to do your research. When it comes to solar panels and your home in the Pittsburgh area, Bluebird Sky Solar is here to help!
Solar energy is not a “one size fits all” energy solution, and the investment to go solar is specific to your home, electricity usage, and roof. Here are a few things to consider when researching if installing solar panels is right for you:
- You must own your home
- If you plan to finance your system, you need a 650+ credit score
- Have an electric bill above $99/month
- Minimal tree/shade coverage for maximum efficiency
If the above criteria apply to you, switching to solar is already a great option! In this blog, we’ll explore some of the big-ticket items to consider when looking to invest in solar energy in Pennsylvania.
Own Your Power
Why rent your power from an electric company when you can own your power with solar energy? You’re already paying your utility company for electricity, right? Stop wasting your money by continuing to rent your power from the electric company, and instead take control of your power by investing in your own solar energy system!
Save Money
Electricity dependence is at an all-time high and will only continue to go up from here. And the worst part? We’re all at the mercy of these price hikes from the electric companies! Instead of paying the rising cost of electricity, give yourself a flat, fixed payment with solar that won’t ever go up in the future. Plus, once your system is paid off, you won’t have any more payments!
Increase the Resale Value of Your Home
In a study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (the first large-scale study around resell value of solar homes), they found homes with PV panels added about $15,000 in value. Additionally, Zillow research analyzed comparable home sales of solar-powered homes and non-solar homes, and found that solar-powered homes sold for an average of 4.1% more!
Federal and State Solar Incentives
Federal and state governments offer incentives for using and producing renewable energy. Your federal taxes can be decreased by 30% of your system’s costs with the Residential Clean Energy Credit program. Even better news, this percentage is guaranteed until 2032!
In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, it is worth noting that some states and utility companies also offer incentives for installing solar panels. In Pennsylvania, the state offers Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for those who install solar panels on their home or business. SRECs can help you earn money from the energy generated by your solar energy system.
Finally, most states offer a net metering program that allows you to sell excess electricity back to the power grid for credit. While you might not receive a check from your power company, you do get credits that carry into the future to help reduce your energy bills.
Environmental Benefits
Solar is a clean, emission-free, renewable energy source that is the ultimate investment in the earth’s future. The sun is the most abundant energy resource we have, it’s time that we started using it accordingly. Globally, solar has been accepted as the premier form of renewable energy.
There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to install solar panels on your home. We understand that it’s a big commitment and investment, and hope this article helped educate you on key factors in deciding if solar is right for you. If you have any questions about solar panel installation, you can call (412) 510-5698 or submit this form for a free quote. We are happy to serve you.
