Your guide to “going solar” with everything you need to know to get started with solar energy—from how much it costs to how much you’ll save!
With the ever-rising cost of utilities and the increasing need for sustainable energy sources, it’s no wonder there are over 2 million people and counting across the country turning to solar panels to power their homes, cars, businesses, and lives.
Solar power provides an affordable, abundant, and clean energy source using the sun’s radiation. Thanks to advances in technology, easy installation, and tax breaks, there’s never been a better time to look into learning and getting into the benefits of Solar Panels for your home!
What Does it Mean to “Go Solar”?
A solar energy system collects the solar radiation (sunlight) that shines on your home’s roof daily to convert it into an abundant supply of clean, renewable energy. It does this by using the dozens of small photovoltaic (PV) solar cells built into each solar panel along with an array of solar panels and inverters (or microinverters) that connect to your home’s electric panel.
Whether you choose to install a rooftop solar energy system or a ground-mounted one, many homeowners, just like you, can put sunlight to good use to benefit their bills, the community, and the environment!
There are a variety of advantages and things to consider when you get solar panels for your home. So whether you’ve been thinking about leading a more sustainable life or maybe you’re just tired of outrageous electric bills, let’s dive into the basics about getting started with going solar!
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Homeowners can choose to lease, buy, or finance a solar panel system. Still, generally, an installation can range from $30,000 and up —but with the bonus of having a monthly loan (or lease) payment which is significantly less than a regular monthly electric bill. So while the total cost may seem high to some, it doesn’t reflect the monthly savings and overall benefits that will outweigh the cost.
While the specific cost of your solar panel Installation in New Jersey will vary based on the amount of energy your property uses, roof size and shape, shade, and a few other variables, there are luckily almost zero upkeep costs after that. Low-maintenance panels are exposed to rainwater, so they are washed free of debris without the need for cleaning—and during the winter, snow and ice easily melt off without any action necessary. You’ll rarely need repairs (which could be covered by insurance depending on the cause of damage), and you only need general inspections every few years to ensure everything is working correctly.
What Are the Advantages of a Solar Roof for Your Home?
Solar energy is a gift that keeps on giving for people and the environment. No matter the season —and even in cloudy weather, the sun’s rays can still reach the solar panels to effectively produce electricity to power your home and electronics for years to come!
There are numerous benefits that many homeowners around the United States can enjoy by switching to solar. For example, some of the ways solar can benefit your wallet include:
- Lower monthly electric bills
- 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC)
- State sales and property tax exemptions
- Net metering credits (available in some states) to offset electricity costs
- Cashing in on Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
- Increase your home’s resale value
The benefits of solar energy don’t stop with your budget. There are also several environmental benefits, including:
- Doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduces your dependence on fossil fuel, coal, or nuclear energy
- Improves your family’s carbon footprint and impact on the environment
- Decreases your dependence on utility companies
- Helps lower the use of natural water resources
- Offsets the power generation needs of a community
Saving Money on Electric Using a Solar Roof
The most significant way to reduce your consumption from the power grid and save money on utilities is to switch to a residential solar energy system. Electric bills are irregular with a traditional utility company, which often increases costs every year, leaving customers with limited control over what they pay. Solar solves that problem by putting your electricity source on your home.
Electricity from solar power costs less over time than electricity produced from non-renewable resources. Solar energy means no more irregular (or catastrophic) bills by providing fixed payment with energy independence ownership from day one!
Customers can expect to save 60-80% on their electric bills and earn credits on energy that’s not used each month. It’s easy to get a solar installation on any roof, and our experts can help you understand the tax breaks, federal incentives, and rebates you can harness for even more savings with solar from day one!
What is the Process of Installing Solar on Your Home?
The safest way to get a solar installation is through a professional due to the electrical wiring, building codes, and heights involved. Working with the right contractor will account for all the necessary variables, such as panel weight, roof durability, sloping, water runoff, and the overall structure, ensuring a pristine installation that only enhances your home’s structure but protects it with a 25-year warranty that can help you enjoy it worry-free!
All installations should be completed by licensed, certified, highly trained solar experts with high-quality panels that meet international testing and inspection standards. Here are some of the steps to installation:
- Consultation & Design – A design team will complete a preliminary design in live time.
- Engineering, Permitting, Interconnection – An engineer finalizes all electrical and building plans for submission to the local municipality/townships.
- Solar Module Installation – On average, a system installation with EMT Solar & Roofing will take less than one day!
- Final Inspections – Townships must inspect all installations to confirm the installation matches approved designs and meets all building, electrical, zoning, and fire codes.
- Permission To Operate (PTO) – Once your township or municipality inspects and approves your installation, your contractor will submit for final interconnection approval (PTO) with your utility company.
How to Choose a Solar Roof Installer?
So you’re ready to get solar panels installed. Still, first things first, you need to find a trusted, industry-leading solar installer with experience to provide a long-lasting, durable solution for both your home and your roof. While you can work with solar equipment manufacturers, solar dealers, or solar financing companies, you want to primarily choose an installer who can help you with each step of “going solar” from start to finish—like EMT Solar & Roofing. Here are some must-haves requirements for your solar panel installer that you can find in one place when you work with us!
- A locally or family-owned and operated team you can trust
- A contractor focused on customer care and quality
- Industry-leading standards and best-in-class warranties
- Options for financing as well as buying or leasing solar panels
- A contractor team with advanced roofing expertise and knowledge
It’s best to choose an experienced and specialized team like EMT Solar & Roofing to help you with everything from an initial free quote and site evaluation to the complete solar panel installation and financing.
How to Get Started Going Solar?
It’s simplest to find everything you need to go solar in one contractor, from financing options and warranties to long-term roof repairs to short-term solar inspections. Luckily, EMT Solar & Roofing is a highly trained, experienced solar and roofing contractor with the highest industry certifications and standards.
With the endless environmental and budgetary benefits, there’s no reason to avoid the solar power revolution any longer! If you’re interested in learning more, head over to our FAQs to get answers to some common questions or schedule a time to get a free quote with us!