Living in the Valley means we have access to one amazing resource – no, not Snow Birds although they are a treat as well. We’re talking about the Sun! See, we get over 300 sunny days a year, and that means we are a great place for people to use solar power! But how much do solar panels cost? Why should you consider solar now? Don’t you need a huge roof to make it worthwhile? We’re going to try and answer all those and more this time on the ACE Home Services blog!
Solar Panels
To explain it briefly, a solar panel is made up of many smaller panels called photovoltaic cells. The cells allow photons (essentially what sunlight is) to pass into the cells and bounce onto electrons, moving electrons from atoms. Those electrons are knocked loose and then gathered by metal conductive plates and wire as electricity. That is the incredibly short version of things.
The electricity that those panels generate can then be used in your home, just like any other power from utility companies. The four biggest sources in Arizona are coal, natural gas, motor gasoline and nuclear power. But the Sun has the potential to be the biggest source of energy for Arizona going forward as solar panel technology advances to a point of efficiency that make it the clear next level, for more reasons than that.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Energy Independence
Getting your home powered by solar means you no longer have to be beholden to the energy companies. You’re off their plans and Power Saver, Double Deluxe Energy options are in your rear view.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Solar energy is a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional energy means. While the panels themselves have a carbon footprint in their creation, once installed there is no ongoing detriment to the environment. The sun shines, you get electricity, bing bang boom- it’s simple.
Tax Benefits
Right now, Arizona has some incredible tax incentives, some of the best in the country! The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a 30% federal tax credit against the tax liability of residential (and commercial!) and utility investors in solar energy property.
So, back to the topic at hand, what are the costs of solar panels?
An initial investment. Each job is different, and the way homes are constructed and positioned vary. That means the amount of panels, the structure needed, are very much on a case by case basis. That’s why at ACE Home Services we provide a free solar panel estimate so that you can know the exact right cost for getting your home on to solar energy. We even utilize a structural engineer in the assessments and installations of solar panels to ensure the job is done right the first time at the highest standards. Is it necessary? No, often it is not.
And what’s more, the cost of solar panels isn’t just what you are going to be paying now, it’s the understanding of the long term potential gains and the potential losses in not moving to solar sooner! That tax credit we talked about isn’t permanent, come 2020 there’s a not-insignificant chance that it gets lowered, increasing the costs of installing solar panels in your home. In this case, strike while the iron is hot and get yourself on a sustainable, eco-friendly form of power sooner than later and save money because of it!
If you are ready to get your home on a more eco-friendly, sustainable energy source, reach out to ACE today. We can get you a free estimate and walk you through the entire process to ensure you get the solar you want, the right incentives to offset costs, and the power you need. Give us a call, and see how ACE Home Services can serve you today.
