New Homes: To Go Solar or Not To Go Solar?
So, you’re building a brand new home – congratulations! That’s an exciting time, filled with decisions big and small. One of the biggest choices you’ll face is whether to go solar or not. As someone who’s been there, let me share my personal experience to help you figure out what’s best for you.
The Solar Skeptic
When I first started planning my new home, I have to admit, I was a bit of a solar skeptic. I mean, the initial cost seemed pretty daunting, and I just wasn’t sure it would be worth the hassle. I remember reading a post on the r/florida subreddit where someone was debating the merits of going solar with a lease option. They said the minimum bill from their utility company, FPL, would only save them about $5 a month in the first year. That didn’t sound super promising to me.
I also saw the comment about maybe waiting until next year when there are more rebates – that got me thinking. Maybe I should just hold off and see what kind of solar incentives pop up down the road. After all, as the Department of Energy points out, the cost of going solar has been dropping every year since 2009. Why rush into it if I might be able to get a better deal later?
Seeing the Light
But then I started doing a bit more research, and my perspective began to shift. The more I learned, the more solar started to make sense, even for a new home like mine. Let me break down what I discovered:
Financial Benefits
Sure, the upfront cost can be high, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can all help spread out the expenses. And don’t forget about that federal tax credit – that can really add up. Plus, studies show solar panels increase the value of your home, so it’s not just an expense, it’s also an investment.
Environmental Impact
Let’s be real, the environment is kind of a big deal these days. Going solar is an awesome way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to fight climate change. Solar power generates clean, renewable energy without all the nasty emissions associated with fossil fuels. Talk about a win-win!
Convenience and Reliability
Gone are the days of solar panels being an eyesore. Nowadays, there are building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) options that allow you to seamlessly integrate the panels into your roof design. And with battery storage, you can keep the lights on even when the grid goes down. Solar is becoming more and more user-friendly every day.
Crunching the Numbers
Okay, so the benefits seem pretty compelling, but what about the actual numbers? Well, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the average solar energy system size for a home is around 7 kilowatts. That’s usually enough to power an entire household’s energy needs.
Now, the cost of that system will depend on a lot of factors – your location, the size of your home, the type of panels you choose, and so on. But the Department of Energy estimates that a 7 kW system would cost around $20,000 to $30,000 before incentives. That’s a big chunk of change, no doubt.
However, when you factor in the federal tax credit, state and local rebates, and potential utility bill savings, the actual out-of-pocket cost can be much lower. And let’s not forget about that potential home value boost – that’s like getting a bonus when you eventually sell your house.
The Final Verdict
So, after weighing all the pros and cons, I’ve decided to go solar for my new home. Sure, it’s a bigger upfront investment, but the long-term benefits just make too much sense to ignore. Plus, with the help of Solar A Systems Inc., I feel confident I’m making the right choice.
They’ve walked me through all the financing options, helped me understand the local incentives, and even gave me a custom estimate on how much power my system is likely to generate. And the fact that they’re a NABCEP-certified installer gives me peace of mind that the job will be done right.
At the end of the day, going solar is a big decision, but I truly believe it’s the way of the future. Not only is it good for the planet, but it can also be a smart financial move, especially for a new home like mine. So if you’re on the fence, I’d encourage you to do your research, crunch the numbers, and see if solar makes sense for you too. Who knows, you might just see the light like I did!
