Considering Solar Panels But Have Questions? Myths And Facts About Solar Panels To Aid You In Your Decision

If you are like most people today, you have heard about solar panels and how many homeowners are using them to power their homes with the sun. However, just like those many other people, you likely have questions about them, but you don't want to take time to ask a solar panel installation expert because you don't know if they will work for you. You may also believe some common misconceptions that keep many people from even looking into getting solar panels. Read on to learn myths and facts about home solar panels so you can finally decide whether they are right for your home or not. 

Myth: Solar Panels Only Work Well in Very Sunny States

It is a very common misconception that while solar panels work very well in Florida, California, and other very sunny states, they are simply not worth the time and effort of installation if you live in a state that doesn't seem to get much sunlight. This is far from the truth, and people all over the country have invested in solar panels knowing that they will get a great return on their dollar. 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has made a handy website that allows every homeowner to find out how much solar energy they are likely to harness to power their home after having solar panels installed. Start by entering your zip code into the website, then the follow the directions given on it. In the end, a screen will be displayed that shows you how many kWh of energy a full set of solar panels will provide your home, along with how much this will likely shave off your home energy bills each year. 

For example, even in one of the cloudiest, dreariest cities in the nation, Columbus, Ohio, it has been reported that a full set of solar panels can cut a homeowner's energy bill in half. 

Once you enter your zip code into the calculator, you may be shocked to see that, while you expected little solar energy in your state, you may get enough to replace all of the "grid" electricity you currently use in your home. 

Fact: You Can Lease Solar Panels if You Don't Have the Cash to Purchase Them

While the price of solar panels has been getting lower and lower in recent years, many homeowners still find themselves in "catch-22s"—they want to use solar panels to lower their home energy bills, but they just don't have the upfront cash needed to purchase the solar panels or just don't like the idea of spending money to save money. 

First, remember that there are still great tax incentives for those who purchase solar panels for their homes offered by the federal government and some state governments. In addition, if you live in a state where Solar Renewal Energy Certificates are traded, you can make cash off your panels by selling these certificates to power companies—one woman in New Jersey makes $1,400 a year just by selling them. 

However, if the tax incentives and potential opportunity to make cash off your solar panels still doesn't seem to "soften the blow" of the required upfront investment to purchase them outright, then realize that there are now many companies that lease solar panels to homeowners for little to no upfront payment and very low monthly rental fees. Most of these companies also not only install the solar panels for you, but also send technicians to check on them and perform any needed maintenance on them, so you don't even have to think about them while you have them. 

While the cost of leasing solar panels will vary depending on where you live and the company you lease them from, your monthly solar panel rental payment is likely to be much less than the electric bill that you can virtually eliminate after the panels are installed. 

Like most homeowners, you have likely heard of solar panels and how many people all over the country are having them installed on their rooftops to harness solar power and use it to power their homes. However, if you don't have solar panels yet, and they are legal in your state, then use these solar panel myths and facts to help you make a better decision about whether they are right for your home or not. To learn more, contact a company like AAA Solar Source.