As the cost of switching to solar power continues to decrease with the advances being made in the industry, solar panels are becoming a more viable option for homeowners and business owners seeking relief from their utility bills.
Gone are the days when solar only seemed to make sense from an environmental, or logistical standpoint. The question is no longer “will I save money switching to solar power?” but “how much will I save?”
Like any home or business improvement project, the cost and scope can vary. When installing solar panels, this is particularly true as key variables including location, energy usage, and weather all factor into the size and integration of your solar system.
Location
Location has a significant impact on the amount you can save on your energy bill as well as the effectiveness of your system. For instance, if you are located in an area with a higher average amount of daylight hours, your system will produce more energy. Likewise, certain areas are more frequently impacted by weather, which can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panels.
Location on your own property can also be a factor. A building’s roof pitch, as well as the amount of time of direct exposure to the sun or shade, must all be considered in choosing the right system to meet your needs. This solar calculator can help you find the best option for your building.
Finally, your local utility costs must be considered to truly determine your savings when switching to solar power. While states like Delaware and Maryland have average energy costs of around 13 cents per kWh, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, those numbers increase to about 15 cents per kWh. (source: U.S. Energy Information Administration)
Energy Use
Another clear factor in the energy savings you can expect to see with solar power is determined by your specific usage. For a small home or camp owner, solar may offer the only legitimate option for rural locations. The benefit here is that typically the energy use for these small buildings requires a smaller system, which when coupled with energy savings over time, would be far less expensive than connecting to the main electrical grid.
For larger facilities, warehouses, or businesses, solar power can have a more immediate effect. While these buildings require larger, more elaborate solar power systems to provide the amount of energy needed, the actual monthly savings in dollars will make a clear difference on the bottom line.
Renewable Energy Credits
If you’d like to start saving sooner, federal and local renewable energy rebates offer instant savings on the installation of new solar panel systems. The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, as well as state and utility rebate programs make the initial investment more affordable. Find a rebate program near you at http://www.dsireusa.org/
To learn more about switching to solar power, or to find the right residential or commercial solar system for you, contact TerraSol Energies at 888.873.9995 or visit us online at https://www.terrasolenergies.com/