What To Know Before Installing Residential Solar Panels
Getting solar panels is an exciting venture. However, there are several questions you should ask yourself before you consider installation. How much do they cost? What happens to excess energy? And what about your warranty? You'll want to know these things before installing your residential solar panels, so listen up as we take you through this rundown.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost and How Will I Save?
This is one of the first things you should ask yourself. The answer to this question will determine if it's worth getting ground-mounted solar panels in the first place. Solar panels cost anywhere between $15,000 and $100,000 in total. Don't let the cost deter you, though; while you can buy solar panels outright, loan and leasing options are available, so you don't have to pay upfront costs.
As far as savings are concerned, this varies by state, but installing solar panels typically saves you anywhere between $15000 to $25,000 in overall energy costs over the lifecycle of your panels. You can also expect to save $1000 per year. This may seem like a small amount at first, but think about it—that's $1,000 more in your wallet. Who wouldn't want that?
What Happens if My Panels Produce More Energy Than I Need?
One of the next things you’ll want to know before installing solar panels is what to do with any excess electricity. Luckily, the energy won't go to waste. If your home produces extra energy, it'll feed into the city's grid. This allows you to receive a small credit on your utility bill. This is even more money in your pocket. The excess power can also go into your battery storage device; we recommend getting one, as you might need it in case of an emergency. In this case, it's saved in case of an emergency during an outage. This is a key point that you should know before installing residential solar panels.
What Kinds of Warranties Do You Have?
Generally, you're dealing with several types of solar warranties. In performance warranties, your manufacturer backs the performance of the solar panels and supports you throughout the panel's lifecycle. Product warranties help you in case there are problems with the panel itself. This could be failures, like not getting as much power as you could for no discernable reason—or electrical failures. Make sure you read the terms of the warranty before you get your panels.
Overall, if you pay attention to these tips, you'll be better ready to get a solar panel that fits your needs. At Earthlight Technologies, we have the know-how to walk you through what to know before installing residential solar panels. To find out more and start the process for your home, reach out to us today!