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Is solar power right for you?

By
Real Estate Agent with Bedard Realty MA:9044461 RI: 0029015

 

Is solar power right for you?

 

 

Walk into your neighborhood Home Depot or Lowes and the first person to greet you is a solar power sales rep expounding on the need for you to go solar. Most of us just walk on by and continue to the hardware aisle. But what would happen if you actually stopped to listen to the sales rep’s spiel about the benefits of going solar? Would solar power be a potential heat and power alternative for your home? Like everything else in life there are both benefits and drawbacks to solar energy.

 

The Pros:

Solar power is predictable. It is easy to predict how much electricity your system will produce because the amount of sunlight that hits your roof doesn't vary that much. This means it is also easy to predict how much you will save in electric bills.

 

Solar power will lower your electric bill. Solar power will offset the usage of conventional electricity especially in places where the price for grid power is high — like California, Hawaii and much of the northeast Federal, state and local jurisdictions periodically offer grants, tax breaks, discounts and rebates for the installation of renewable energy products, including solar systems

 

Solar power is safe and clean. Electricity generated by the sun produces no harmful emissions. This reduces the home’s carbon footprint.

 

The Cons:

Solar power can be predictable but it is also variable. The sun doesn’t shine brightly 24 hours a day. Some locations have trees or taller buildings that could shade your roof. Even during the long days of summer, the sun’s direct rays can occasionally be obscured by clouds. On such days the system is less efficient. Excessively high outdoor temperatures can also reduce efficiency of the system.

 

Solar power can be a more expensive alternative in the short term. The price of solar panels continue to fall but there are many aggressive financing options. If your state has no tax incentives and electricity prices are relatively low solar would be an expensive option for you. Even with multiple incentives, a solar power system may still cost tens of thousands of dollars. Smaller systems can also be expensive to install. Cost depends on the home, its location, size and purpose of the system, the goals of the home owner, and the amount of work needed to prepare the house for the new system.

 

Generating your own electricity means that the upkeep of the system is in your hands. PV panels need to be cleaned periodically so that dirt and debris do not reduce efficiency. In the case of a severe storm, it will be up to you to arrange for a qualified professional to repair any damage. Some homes just don't work. The roof must be in good condition with an unobstructed southern exposure. If the house is surrounded by trees and tall buildings solar panels will probably not work. A ground-mounted system is an option only if you have sufficient space in your yard.

 

Solar energy is a viable option for those homeowners seeking to go green but it may not be for you. Find out, stop by and chat with the solar sales rep the next time you stop by The Home Depot or Lowes.

Posted by
Jim Sinnott
Realtor
Graduate of Real Estate Institute,GRI

Bedard Realty
500 East Washington Street
North Attleboro, MA02760
cell: 508-944-1274
office 508-699-5588
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Licensed in MA and RI
 
"Get the Service You Deserve."

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