Everyone wants to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing their reliance on the local power company. But when talking about going solar, there seem to be quite a few myths that pop up while doing research. At SAVKAT Solar, we have heard many of these myths and would like to debunk them.
Myth #1: I don’t think I get enough sunlight throughout the year to make solar work
One option to quickly check how much sunlight your roof receives is to use Google Project Sunroof. Google’s algorithm determines your roof area and how much sun your roof gets. Google also has estimates on costs. However, don’t let these numbers be your true guide. Google does a lot of things right but, estimating solar costs may not be one of them.
The most accurate way of knowing how well your roof can go solar is to have a SAVKAT Solar representative come to your home to make a solar assessment at no cost and no obligation. They will come prepared with an Aurora shade report, one of the most accurate shade reports available that uses LIDAR data collected from low-flying planes over cities and towns that map 3D models of terrain. This Aurora report allows us to collect data and estimate a site visit before we even set foot on your property!. We still prefer to do an in-home consult for more accuracy as well as a personal understanding of your particular solar system needs.
Myth #2: Solar does not support the local economy.
SAVKAT is an authorized SunPower dealer. Our SunPower solar panels are manufactured in the U.S., keeping money right here and creating jobs for American workers. In 2018, there were enough solar panels installed in the United States to power 12.3 million American homes. The total installed solar systems are expected to double over the next 5 years.
Myth #3: I can’t afford solar panels.
Not so! Solar panels have reduced in cost over the years and there are many more government incentives available. SAVKAT offers several options to finance your new solar project that includes no money out of pocket to get started. In most cases, the homeowner has no upfront expense and their monthly utility bill converts to a less expensive monthly installment payment for the solar panels.
Myth #4: I won’t live in my house long enough to repay my investment.
Not only are you saving money from day one, but solar systems can actually increase the value of your home! In a study performed by Berkely, homes with solar panel systems sell for a premium over homes without solar systems.
Myth #5: A solar lease or PPA agreement puts a lien on my house which means I could lose my house or never be able to sell it.
The Solar Energy Industry Association recently clarified this point. In doing so, they stated that “the public filings, or recorded notices of ownership, are on the solar systems and do not place a lien, encumbrance, or security interest on the home.” The purpose of the filings is to protect the solar provider’s ownership interests in the solar equipment so that there are no assumptions or misunderstandings for the potential homebuyer. All SunPower financial products are transferable to the next owner when you decide to sell. This means you can enjoy the savings and energy freedom now and if you decide to move you can transfer them to the next owner.
Myth #6: Converting to solar doesn’t make sense unless I’m off the grid 100%.
Even if a solar system does not entirely remove your dependence on the power company’s grid, you will still save money off of your current utility bill. Many states also support what is known as “net metering,” which allows you to use the grid to export excess energy to your utility and receive a 1-for-1 energy credit to use at a later time. Net metering is the vehicle that makes solar attractive as you do not have the added expense of battery storage.
To learn more about how you can convert to solar, give us a call for a free, no-obligation estimate at 800-860-6932. You may also submit your information here to see if you qualify for solar .
