There are so many reasons to make the move to solar, with the most popular being the rising cost of electricity from traditional sources, making solar installation seem like a no-brainer for many homeowners and businesses.

Without fail, the first question we usually get when people start their research is; “How is installing solar profitable?”  Assuming we are discussing monetary value and not the benefits to the earth and future generations, it is difficult to give a uniform answer to this, but we can give you a few factors to look over to see how profitable it would be for you.

Review your electric bill

Solar panels generate their own power and can therefore greatly offset your monthly electricity bill, if not completely eliminate it. The higher your bill, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar. 

How’s your sunlight exposure

More sun means more energy produced and a greater potential to save with solar. We are located in Florida so we will average more sunlight than other states. When we do our consultation we will also look at your home's orientation toward the sun, the amount of shade and its roof type which also affect a solar system's output. 

The cost 

The brunt of the expense with solar panels is in installation and the purchase of the actual panels.

Minimal long-term expenses can make up for the upfront costs. Most systems don’t require much maintenance and are designed to last for 25 years or more with little change to the amount of electricity produced.

When calculating the total price, consider how much energy you regularly consume — your usage is listed on your monthly utility bill —  and what size system will generate the amount needed.  You will also want to speak with a reputable company with tangible projects to prove their worth.

Don’t forget the incentives

The government offers homeowners significant incentives for installing solar panels as an alternate energy source. For example, a residential federal tax credit allows taxpayers to claim 26% of installation costs for systems.   The federal tax benefit is nonrefundable, which simply means you can’t get the savings in the form of a refund. Instead, you can reduce — and possibly eliminate — the amount you owe on your taxes.

There are a lot of additional credits that vary by location. Depending on your state, you may receive extra incentives like cash back, property tax exemption, waived fees and expedited permits. In some states like Florida, homeowners with solar panels can sell excess power to their local utility companies. Look up credits available in your state by reviewing the database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency.

To sum it up

If you live in an area with high energy rates and a suitable solar rating and can afford the initial investment, it’s worth installing solar panels in your home while the 26% tax break is in place — for the good of the environment and your wallet. If you even the slightest bit interested reach out to us.  It’s completely free and we promise you won’t feel pressured.