Arizona is one of the nation’s best spots for solar energy, thanks to the year-round sunshine that beats down on the state. There are tens of thousands of households throughout Arizona that have already installed solar panels to create more energy-efficient electrical systems, and as prices of solar energy continue to fall, more and more citizens are making it a point to decrease their carbon footprint and implement solar solutions at their homes.
Before you make the decision to invest in Phoenix-area solar installation, here are just a few of the issues you should consider:
- Your home’s current efficiency: Solar power will only help you so much if some of your home’s other most important systems are major energy sucks. If you have poor insulation, old windows, leaky air ducts or outdated air conditioning systems, for example, those are issues you’re probably going to want to resolve first, before you start thinking about implementing solar energy solutions at your home.
- Landscaping: Solar panels require direct sunlight to function properly, so if your property is located under heavy shade, you’re probably not going to be a good candidate for solar power. Don’t feel as though you need to cut down trees just to accommodate solar panels—you might actually be getting some natural cooling from the shade that delivers you some energy-saving benefits.
- Roof condition: If you have a roof that’s nearing the end of its useful lifespan and will soon be a candidate for replacement, it probably makes sense to wait and install solar panels until you’ve replaced the roof. Otherwise you’re just adding a lot of extra costs to take off a newly installed solar system and put it back on the roof when you’ve finished reroofing.
- Leasing versus purchasing: You have the option to lease or purchase solar energy systems. There are leases available that require you to put little or no money down, which is popular for homeowners who want to improve their homes’ efficiency without having to commit a lot of money right away. However, purchasing solar equipment will save you much more money over time. Leases may also escalate over time. You should still be able to find loans that allow you to put little or no money down so you can get your solar panels installed as soon as possible. Over time the benefits will help the system pay for itself.
- HOA rules: If you live in a community governed by a homeowners association, you should consider the CC&R rules that your community has in place and whether or not solar systems are allowed. If they are permitted, you’ll also need to consider any visual restrictions that apply to where they can be installed.
- Selling your home: If you’re going to be selling your home soon, you should consider what the panels could do to add to the home’s value. Leased panels will not add any value to a home sale because they’re not part of the home.
For more information about Phoenix-area solar installations, we encourage you to contact the team at Aneva Solar today.