How Solar Panels Will Save the Planet (and Your Wallet)

Solar energy is one of the most suitable, renewable and reliable sources of energy. And with the cost of solar panels falling and the cost of energy on the rise, solar energy has become a growing solution for homeowners over the past several years.

What are the Benefits of Solar Energy?

Upon some basic research, many homeowners discover that buying or leasing solar panels can actually be cheaper than what they pay in monthly energy bills!

For homeowners, you can save money to a tune of $100 in many states in the U.S. If you calculate that over a 20-year span, considering the length of a typical solar panel warranty, it translates to more than $30,000 in savings.

Even more, it is possible to start saving money from the very first day that solar panels are installed. The solar purchase power agreements (PPAs) and solar leasing have made it possible for homeowners to turn to clean energy for less or no money at all.

Financing Options for Your Solar Panels

Solar panels have a number of easy and convenient financing options. The finance options available exist in a few forms: private lending, equity lending, program-backed lending and leasing.

Private lending can sometimes carry higher interest rates, but are oftentimes a good solution for any homeowner. Homeowners with a good amount of equity available in their homes can consider tapping the home equity to finance their solar panels, and even write off any interest expenses against the home on their taxes!

Program-backed lending, such as the financing available through the HERO Program, is typically the most cost effective and intelligent solution for homeowners. If you’re interested in HERO Program financing, an expert can help you find out if you will be qualified, and then further explain the benefits of the HERO Program to you.

Last, solar leases are an option—but not one that we recommend in most cases. Solar leases can regularly depreciate the value of the home and can end up costing more than financing options for many homeowners.

Additional Benefits of Going Solar

With the lifting of the Federal Solar Tax credit of 2009, homeowners are able to get 30 percent of the total costs returned to them (equipment and installation). Mathematically speaking, then, you can save $7,500 on a solar system that is worth $25,000. If you combine this with Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which are tradable credits, the total costs can be cut by more than half.

A Secure Investment

Solar energy is a very secure investment. How so? If you compare the use of solar power to the use of power from your utility company, it is cheaper and more effective. The problem with the utility companies is the fluctuation and unreliability of prices. Solar panels, on the other hand, are quite simple, as there is no complicated math. The calculation is made by simply considering how much electricity will be generated and, more importantly, at what price, for the next 20 years at fixed energy costs.

Lower Your Carbon Footprint

The environmental benefits to solar energy are apparent due to the removal of nuclear, coal or other energy sources to power our homes. Not only do you, as a homeowner, benefit from a financial point of view, but the environment also benefits because you’re replacing utility power with clean electricity. In fact, an average residential solar panel system offsets roughly 100,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide in 20 years, which is the equivalent of driving a car for 100,000 miles.

Trust the Mauzy Team

At Mauzy Solar, we are committed to providing quality solar services to the greater San Diego, CA area. Our team can guide you through the process of calculating your energy savings, finding the perfect solar panel setup, and completing the installation in a professional and effective manner.

Call 619.448.9545 to get started today!

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