Major financial benefits come with going solar. The monthly electricity bill is decreased even as the home’s value increases. Federal tax credits can reduce the net cost by over 30%. With all the good news, solar is still a big investment and sticker shock may result.
With a plethora of providers such as Northwest Mechanical, homeowners are thinking about DIY and looking at the pros and cons before deciding:
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PROS
Off-grid Projects
Most solar kits for home use are designed for off-grid use. “Off-grid” means they can’t be used while still connected to the utility.
An average homeowner finds going off-grid is not usually in their best interest, especially true if the home solar equipment doesn’t make enough electricity to meet needs, all day, every day of the year.
The home kits can be a good answer if someone is not trying to electrify their whole home. Boats, recreational vehicles and even sheds and small houses present the chance to explore DIY solar.
The DIY kits can also be useful to power an outlying area on a large area. Powering a barn or outdoor lighting require a low amount of electricity. Buying a small home solar kit and going DIY on installation is doable.
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CONS
Installation can be complicated, and homemade electricity requires training and experience. “You get what you pay for” is good to remember when buying solar panels. While a home solar package can be less expensive than professional installers, finding someone who knows what they are doing can save time and money.
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Some of the est installers have been around for decades. They have experienced which no amount of research or DIY guides can match.
Each state requires installers to be licensed and qualified. Independent certifications like that awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners help ensure the company you choose is intimately familiar with the procedure.
The solar installer you choose may also help acquire, complete and file all necessary permits and applications. The local utility will not let a homeowner connect to the grid without approval from a certified electrician.
Tips To Buy Solar
Homeowners can save 10-percent or more by getting multiple quotes. Shopping for installation requires research and thinking through the companies servicing a specific area. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab recently published a report recommending consumers comparison shop.
To locate smaller companies which regularly offer cheaper prices, an installer network like EnergyState is a valuable source. Register your property on their Solar Marketplace and local, vetted installers can be found. The consortium offers a discount between $5K and $10K for homeowners who get 3 or more quotes.
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