Want to Learn More?
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. —Benjamin Franklin
You have questions about solar. We have answers.
How am I helping the environment by going Solar?
Solar power is a 100% clean, renewable energy source. It reduces reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas for electricity production. These fossil fuels produce harmful emissions that affect the quality of air, water, and soil, and are responsible for global warming. It is estimated that between 2000 and 2065, the Earth will lose more species of plants and animals to extinction than in the previous 65 million years combined. That’s a staggering statistic and one driven significantly by the effects of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels.
How can I save on my energy costs?
Our customers can drastically reduce their bill on average by 35-40%. Potentially, you may even completely eliminate their electric bill by going solar, all while paying $0 out of pocket to get started. The cost of solar has dropped dramatically in recent years, falling by more than 70% in just the last decade. You will save money on maintenance too since there are no moving parts to break down.
I hear that there are tax incentives in going Solar?
Another factor in the increasing affordability of solar panels is the availability of federal, state, and local tax breaks. For example, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar deduction against your federal income tax. Currently, the residential federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar deduction against your federal income tax equal to 26% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. After 2022, the tax credit may be reduced further so now is the time to make the move to maximize savings!
How will Going Solar effect my homes market value?
Purchased residential solar panels can improve the resale value of your home. According to Zillow Economic research, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power. For the median-valued home, that translates to an additional $9,274. A lease arrangement is a benefit when selling whether the buyer wants solar or not. Panels can be easily removed, or the lease can simply be transferred over to the new owner allowing them to enjoy the savings and knowing they too are a part of saving the planet.
Your financial goals are likely a primary factor in going solar and may impact whether you buy or lease an installation. If you purchase a new home solar system, future proceeds from an increased sale price will go directly to you.
A solar installation can only be included in a property assessment if it is owned by the homeowner and is an asset that can be transferred without obligation. The system’s warranties and performance guarantees generally transfer with the sale.
To secure a higher sale price, it is most advantageous to buy a solar energy system for your home. However, if you decide that a lease or Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) is more appropriate, there will be less recouped from the home sale.
Appraisers and lenders consider that if a homeowner installs a residential solar system through a lease or PPA, it is essentially the asset of a third-party owner. This requires the third-party to be involved in the property transfer. Sunrun’s experienced Service Transfer Specialists make it easy to transfer your solar lease agreement to the new owners.
Should I buy or lease Solar Panels?
Is my roof an issue?
Two or more layers of shingles on your roof mean more weight. And more weight could mean your roof is not strong enough for the addition of solar panels. This is why we inspect your roof deck and roof frame structure before beginning the installation. We are committed to lasting relationships with our customers, and that trust starts with our Sunrun solar technicians.
And the angle? What if it’s not facing the right direction?
Without power from the sun, there can be no solar energy generated for your house. To justify a solar investment, your roof needs to be angled toward the sun to capture its rays. Common sense, right?
We live in the Northern Hemisphere. So, in the United States your solar modules need to be directed to the south to get the most rays from the sun. And shade from trees or buildings can reduce solar energy input as well. Have no fear - our technicians will assess all conditions to ensure that your home can go solar and do so successfully. (We do all the work, but we keep you informed.)
Is going green a bigger picture than just savings on energy costs?
According to a study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, solar panels reduced the amount of heat reaching the roof by an incredible 38%, keeping a building’s roof 5 degrees cooler than portions of a roof exposed to sunlight directly. Solar panels act as roof shades which reduce the temperature in the rooms below the roof, reducing the need for air conditioning during summer days and heating during winter nights.
This is great news for homeowners. The Department of Energy states that while heating and cooling is by far the biggest portion of residential electricity consumption at 48.5%. The biggest reason for this is the increased use of energy-efficient products, such as more efficient HVAC systems, better building insulation, and more energy-efficient windows.
Adding a solar panel system can further reduce your energy bills by helping you generate electricity, and the added benefits of reducing the need to constantly run your heater or air conditioner to keep up with heat loss through your roof is an even further added financial benefit.
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What if it’s not sunny outside?
Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days or when the sun is not at its brightest.
What happens if the power goes out?
Your electricity would also be powered down for the safety of the maintenance workers resolving any electrical issues. You are still connected to your neighborhood’s grid to ensure you have a consistent flow of energy during normal hours.
Fun
Facts
Savings
Facts
U.S. Solar
Facts
Utility
Facts
Environmental
Facts
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One Hour of Sunlight is equivalent to one years worth of energy for the planet.
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A home solar system can lower the core temperature of your house 5-10 degrees.
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Bell Labs developed the modern solar cell in 1954.
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Solar is the cheapest and most abundant energy source in the world.
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Homeowners typically save 20-30% in the first year off their utility cost.
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Solar makes it much easier for homeowners to budget their utility expenses.
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Homes with solar panels installed sell for approximately 4.1% more than homes without alternative energy sources.
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Based on research done by Zillow’s chief economist, more than 80% of new homeowners consider energy-efficient features important in selecting their homes.
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Over 2 million solar systems have been installed in the U.S alone.
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The US is the 3rd largest solar energy market and generator in the world.
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Our Nation's electric grid is rapidly aging. U.S Department of Energy concluded that 70% of transformers are 25 year or older. (Getting more expensive to upgrade)
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Natural Disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, which creates stress on the utility company, giving them no option other than to increase rates.
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Utility rates have increased steadily 4-5% per year, the expectation is that will increase due to stresses on the power grid.
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Solar Energy users save up to 35 tons of carbon dioxide and 75 million barrels of oil each year.
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Reduces water usage. Unlike hydro, nuclear, and power there is almost no risk to local water resources/ ecosystems in
production of solar.
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Solar reduces the strain on finite resources. Since the sun rises everyday there is no limit of the resource.
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Helps Fight Climate Change. By giving homeowners an option
to switch to solar it greatly reduces the carbon emissions
caused by traditional sources of energy thus helping to lower the effects of climate
change.