There’s been a major shift in American interest toward renewable energy sources, and one of the most popular is solar power. In fact, in the first half of 2014, half of all new power generation in the United States was solar energy. Since residential solar systems are becoming less expensive, an increasing number of homeowners are opting to have solar systems installed at their homes. Here are three things you need to know if you’re considering it.
1. There are tons of rebates and solar incentives.
The first thing you should know is that there are a lot of incentives and rebates for solar energy. Some are from the federal government and some are at the state level, so it’s important to do your research and figure out what you’re eligible for and how you can get it.
2. It’s a rapidly growing trend.
Some homeowners feel apprehensive about installing residential solar panels on their homes because it seems like a drastic update and that it might be really expensive. The thing is, the number of solar panel installations jumped over 40% in 2012 alone, and has steadily been growing since. Solar systems are becoming more and more mainstream for homes in America, and they’ve also become much less expensive.
3. They aren’t right for every house.
Though solar systems are becoming less expensive and more popular, there is one caveat here. They aren’t necessarily right for every home. This isn’t about the type of roof — there are a number of different types of solar panels that can be installed on flat roofs or pitched roofs. The issue arises when a home is shaded by trees or is in an area that isn’t right for maximum sunlight exposure.
Are you thinking about getting a solar power system for your home? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
