Solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available. It doesn’t produce any dangerous emissions, so relying on solar energy can help to lower your carbon footprint. Solar energy is completely safe to use, and it can save you money by reducing your need to rely on traditional energy sources. However, you might still be wondering how you can tell whether solar power is the best fit for your household budget. After all, using solar power in your home does require a fairly substantial investment right at the start, when you pay for the cost of the equipment and installation. If you’re mulling over the idea of going solar in your Arizona home, but are concerned about the cost and budget for solar panels, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself.
Is solar energy appropriate for your home?
The first thing you should do is take a look at your home’s roof. Some common concerns are:
- Is it large enough to comfortably accommodate a solar installation of the size your household would need?
- Is your roof flat or sloped?
- How much light does your home’s roof receive throughout the day?
You’ll also need to consider whether your home gets enough sunlight to make a solar installation worthwhile. If there are any obstructions that block the sun for part of the day, such as trees or other buildings, then you may need to find a better location for your solar installation. Otherwise, you might end up investing money in a new solar installation, only to find that it doesn’t provide you with very much energy on a weekly basis. This is the first thing you should determine before setting the budget for solar panels.
What is the cost of energy in your location?
You should also consider how much it costs to power your home from month to month. The cost of electricity varies depending on location, and the size of your home also affects how much energy you use. Now, compare your energy costs to the upfront cost of purchasing a solar installation. How long would it take you to recoup your investment? This is something you’ll need to think about before you make the leap and decide to budget for solar panels on your property.
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What is your current household budget?
You’ll need to make sure that you have enough room in your household budget to purchase a solar installation. Can you afford to buy an installation right now, or would it be better to save up for six months to a year? While solar panels do repay their initial cost, it can take some time for that to happen. In some cases, you may decide that it’s better to hold off on buying a solar installation for your home until it’s a more reasonable investment for your family.
What solar incentives are available for your home?
One of the reasons why solar energy has taken off in the United States in recent years is that the government has made it easier to make the initial investment in a solar installation. If you want to install solar panels on your property, chances are you can take advantage of a number of solar incentives. There’s the federal solar tax credit, which enables you to claim a deduction of 30% of the cost of your solar installation on your income taxes. There may also be tax incentives available at the state, county, and local levels to help you with the cost of your new installation. It’s a good idea to look into these incentives—perhaps by asking a local solar contractor—when deciding whether a solar installation will fit into your household budget.
Are you interested in finding out more about solar energy and how it can benefit your home? Custom Solar and Leisure can provide you with the information you need to make the right decisions for your household. We are Tucson’s premier solar company, and we have been proudly serving the Southern Arizona community for more than a decade. If you are ready to start taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy, then our team can install a full-capacity solar panel installation at your home. Our company is a three-time winner of the Angie’s List Super Service award, and we have also been rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. To learn more about our solar services, give us a call at (520) 314-3768.
