5 Tips to Save Money on Solar
Whether you’re trying to save money, invest in your home’s value, or rescue the planet, switching to solar power makes a huge difference. While the price of solar has gone down 65% over the last 5 years, there are still ways to save even more money, and to make sure the electric company doesn’t take advantage of you after you make the switch. Luckily, with a little information, Californians can save even more money by going about solar the smart way.
1. Use the 30% Federal Tax Credit and Other Incentives
Back in 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, granting Americans a 30% Federal Tax Credit when they switched to solar power. This means that 30% of the total cost of a solar upgrade to your home is taken out of your taxable income, making it more cost-effective to switch to solar.
This tax credit only applies when you buy your solar system, so if you want to take advantage of this credit, do not lease your panels.
Are you actively serving in the military? Are you a veteran? That’s another discount you can take advantage of. There are even state and county-based incentives that depend on where you live, so make sure you ask your solar consultant about those as well.
2. Get Energy Storage (Batteries)
Most solar systems today work by connecting your solar panels to the electric grid. You generate energy throughout the day, pumping the excess back into the grid and the electric company gives you a credit for the energy. At night, you pull energy from the grid, using up your credits that you accumulated throughout the day. Makes sense, right?
But did you know that the electricity company buys energy from you during the day for way less than it sells it back to you at night? You are essentially paying the electric company for the energy that you produced.
Energy storage batteries are a great way to prevent the electric company from charging you for the energy you produce, saving you more money and keeping your electricity running in the event of a local power outage. Not all solar companies carry energy storage, so make sure you ask.
3. Monitor Your Panels
If you have the option to get Solar Monitoring, then you’ll have the edge when it comes to making sure all your panels are working properly. Most solar panels come with a warranty, but if you don’t know whether your panels are working correctly or not then how can you take advantage of it? Monitoring can also help you keep track of your energy consumption and your energy production, helping you identify energy-heavy habits.
4. Bigger Companies Aren’t Necessarily Better
Huge solar companies are successful for a reason. But odds are that there is also a local Solar Company that will give you more attention, and may be more flexible on their prices. Just like your local coffee shop baristas make an extra effort to remember your name, smaller local Solar Company will also go the extra mile to make sure you’re taken care of.
Help your local economy and get the attention you deserve by giving the smaller solar companies a chance. You can always compare prices and options to see what works best for you.
5. The Sooner You Switch, the More Money You Save
Maybe you’ve noticed that electricity companies are charging more fees and tinkering with their tier systems. As these companies lose more and more customers to solar, they start to charge more for electricity. It’s no secret that the electric grid will need to be upgraded within the next few years as well. Who do you think is going to take care of the bill on that one?
The sooner you can distance yourself from the electric companies and start making your own energy, the less you’ll have to pay in the long run. Wait too long, and you might miss out on the Federal Tax Credit and other incentives as well.
Why Sun Synergy Inc.?
Sun Synergy Inc. is a consulting company that’s been growing in the heart of Southern California representing a variety of different solar companies. Homeowners go solar from San Diego all the way to Los Angeles. Whether you live in San Diego County, Riverside County, Orange County, or Los Angeles County, then call today for a free evaluation. Or you can click here to schedule an appointment.
There’s never been a better time to go solar!