Increasingly, homeowners are turning to solar energy as a smart way to lower energy costs, minimize their environmental impact, and gain a bit more independence from the grid. With solar panels popping up on rooftops across the country, it’s natural to start wondering: Is solar right for me?
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In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to consider before installing solar panels, including the installation process, system components, financial incentives, and how solar can impact your homeowners insurance coverage.
A solar panel installation is a major home improvement project that can provide long-term energy savings, but it’s important to know what the process entails:
Keep in mind that not every roof is a perfect fit. Roofs that are old, shaded, or made of tricky materials like clay tiles might need extra work. Your location, local rules, and HOA guidelines can also affect the process. That’s why it’s important to work with a licensed, experienced installer who knows your area.
If you’re new to solar, the idea of a home solar system might sound a little complex, but it’s easier to understand than you might think.
At the core are your solar panels, which sit on your roof and soak up sunlight. They turn that sunlight into electricity, but it’s in a form called direct current (DC). Since your home uses alternating current (AC), the system includes an inverter that converts the electricity into a usable form.
Some systems also include a battery, which stores excess energy for use during nighttime or power outages. It’s optional but great if you want more energy independence.
Most systems are connected to the electric grid, so when your panels produce more electricity than you need, the extra power goes back to the grid. In many areas, you can earn credits through net metering, helping to offset your utility costs.
Wondering if solar panels are the right move for your home? It really depends on a few key factors, like how much sun your roof gets, how much energy you use, and what kinds of savings you’re hoping for.
Solar panels work best on roofs that get steady, direct sunlight, especially those facing south or west. If your household uses a lot of electricity (for example, charging electric vehicles or running large appliances), you’ll likely see more savings over time.
There are federal, state, and even local incentives that can reduce your upfront costs. For example, the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit offers up to 30% off installation costs through . You can also find state-specific incentives through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).
According to EnergySage, the average cost of a solar panel installation is $20,552 after the federal tax credit. However, you can recover those costs within about seven years through lower utility bills. After that, it’s mostly savings and possibly an increase in your home’s resale value.
Like any home upgrade, solar panels come with both advantages and a few potential downsides. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you weigh the decision.
If you’re planning to add solar to your home, it’s smart to think about how solar panels and home insurance work together. Does homeowners insurance cover solar panels? Yes, most policies do cover rooftop solar panels. That means if your panels are damaged by a covered event like wind, hail, or fire, they’re typically protected under your dwelling coverage.
That said, it’s important to let your insurance company know before or immediately after installation. Your provider may need to adjust your coverage limits to reflect the increased value of your home. In some cases, this could slightly raise your premium, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
Also, if you’re installing ground-mounted panels or solar battery storage, check with your insurer. These might be considered separate structures or personal property, which could require additional coverage.
“Homeowners should treat solar panels like any other major home upgrade. Always inform your insurer so your coverage reflects the true value of your home.” Adam Bakonis, Sr. Product Manager State, for Mercury Insurance.
Before you make the leap into solar, there are a few more things to keep in mind that go beyond installation and savings.
Solar panels can increase your home’s resale value, especially in areas where energy costs are high. According to Zillow, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average, which is an additional $9,274 for a median-priced home. Just make sure your system is owned (not leased), as buyers tend to prefer that.
Each city, county, and even homeowners association (HOA) may have its own rules about solar installations. Some areas require special permits, while others may limit panel placement for aesthetic reasons. It’s a good idea to check local guidelines early, so you’re not caught off guard.
Want more information on custom solar panels? Feel free to contact us.
While solar panels are low-maintenance, they’re not completely set-it-and-forget-it. Occasional cleaning and periodic inspections help keep them running efficiently. Many systems also come with monitoring apps so you can track performance and spot any issues quickly.
Adding solar panels to your home can be a great move for your wallet and the environment. But before you take the leap, it’s worth thinking through a few key details, like how much sun your roof gets, your energy needs, the available incentives, and how it might affect your homeowners insurance.
At Mercury Insurance, we’re here to help protect your investment and your home. We offer reliable coverage and cheap home insurance options that don’t cut corners on quality or service.
There are many reasons why going solar is a smart choice. Whether it be for lower energy bills, a more positive impact on the environment, or simply to give back to the planet, the benefits are endless. When customers are looking into solar, there are often a few concerns that come up. Going solar is a big decision, so we rounded up a few advantages and disadvantages of going solar to make sure you’re making the right choice for you and your family!
One of the drawing points of going solar is a lower electricity bill. Whether it’s summer AC or winter heating, electricity costs can make up the larger portion of monthly expenses. With a solar-powered system, energy production can be offset, saving money! Even if the solar array doesn’t produce 100% of your energy needs, it will still reduce utility bills and save money. Many states also require utilities to offer net metering, which will offset the electric costs with the energy produced by the solar panels. This excess energy can be sold to the utility, which will usually be added to electric bills as a credit to offset future electricity costs.
The cost of electricity has been steadily increasing over the past ten years and only has room to grow. Installing solar panels protects against these rising electricity costs. The energy that is produced from solar panels does not have to be bought, saving money each month.
The environmental impact of solar energy is huge. By switching to solar, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while fighting climate change. Traditional energy sources release several harmful toxins such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and greenhouse gases. Solar energy is completely renewable and emission-free, making it the perfect way to make the world a cleaner place.
There are many other environmental benefits of solar energy. Click here to read more!
Solar panels have no moving parts and they are not damaged easily. Solar technology has been refined over the years and they are manufactured to be durable and require very minimal maintenance. Investing in the right type of solar panels will last you about 20 to 30 years.
The reliability and lifespan of solar panels is excellent, according to a recent study by the Energy Department. The researchers looked at 54,000 panels in total. They found that every year, only 5 out of 10,000 panels failed of those placed between and . The failure rate was only 0.05%, and the manufacturing process is a lot more advanced now than ever before. You can be confident that your solar panels will function properly.
The quality of solar panels themselves will determine the lifespan and effectiveness of your energy production. High quality solar panels from well-trusted suppliers decrease your chances of solar panel failure. And, most solar panels are covered by warranty to ensure reliable, dependable custom solar systems.
The cost for solar panels has been dropping over the last few years. Specifically, the cost to install solar panels has dropped by more than 70% over the last decade, leading the industry to expand into new markets and deploy thousands of systems nationwide. The price of going solar is at the lowest level in history across all market segments. These low prices make solar energy more accessible to homeowners.
Did you know that more energy falls on the earth from the sun -- in one hour -- than the world uses in one year? As long as the sun is around, there will be power available. Solar panels allow us to harness that power and use it in place of traditional energy sources. There is no limit to the amount of energy available.
One of the drawbacks of installing a solar system is the high upfront cost. The average cost of solar in the United States is about $2.60 per watt. This would make a 6kW system $11,544 after claiming the 26% solar tax credit. However, the cost of a solar system will vary depending on the size, state and incentives that are available.
Luckily, there are solar financing options available so everyone can go solar!
Although the energy from the sun is abundant and unlimited, it is still an intermittent energy source. This means that there are factors that can affect energy production. Solar is considered an intermittent energy source because:
Solar experts have been taking these factors into account and providing solutions to make sure solar power is efficient. Solar batteries are one of the solutions to this type of problem. Ongoing advances are a sign that intermittency may no longer be a limitation for solar power.
Although there are ways to move your solar system from one house to another, they are typically custom built for the home’s energy needs. It can also be expensive to move them.
However, solar panels add value to a home, so it is likely to see the value of the solar panels reflected in a higher sale price.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 144 Cell Solar Panel. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.