The Pros and Cons of Residential Solar

Solar power is one of our greatest sources of renewable energy. It’s a great choice for anyone eager to live more sustainably while also reducing energy costs over time. If you’re weighing the decision to install solar paneling in your home, we’ve got some pros and cons for you to consider!

The Benefits

Solar can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your electric bills entirely. When you install solar power for your house, you become naturally less reliant upon your electric utility. Since solar panel systems have a lifespan of 25 to 35 years, that’s decades of savings on utility bills.

There’s also the added home value to consider. Millions of Americans are intrigued by the idea of solar panel systems but haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore this option. If you’re planning to sell your home at any point in the future, you’ll see your investment in solar panels pay off in spades.

Another major perk of solar panel systems? You can actually get paid while you’re earning back the initial investment costs. There are a number of incredible incentive programs in the U.S. that allow you to earn a profit in generating bill savings that count towards the cost of your system. Net metering and solar renewable energy credits, or SRECs, are two programs that give you the chance to earn bill credits or cash as your system produces electricity.

The Drawbacks

Solar panel systems aren’t for everyone, though. The ultimate benefit of such a system is saving money on electricity costs. If your electricity costs are already low, it may take a long time to see your investment pay off.

The upfront cost puts many homeowners off of solar panel systems altogether. While there are plenty of tax rebates, incentive programs, and financing options available, the upfront payment may still be too much to stomach.

Like any other home efficiency product, solar panels have clear benefits and drawbacks. The system can be a real investment in your home, but certainly comes with a price tag to match. If you’re especially environmentally conscious, though, the pros seriously outweigh the cons!