Did you know that Florida has an average of 237 days of sunshine every year? That is more than a month longer than the national average! For years, the technology to convert our most renewable resource into energy has existed. Still, it requires expensive infrastructure and produces limited returns.
In the last decade, solar technology has become more affordable and more powerful than ever. At Advance Solar, we have been installing solar panels to provide pool heating, solar electricity, and hot water in the Fort Myers area since 1983. We have had a front-row seat to the improvements to solar power. If you are thinking about adding solar panels to your home, read on to find out why now is the perfect time!
What Are The Benefits Of Solar Panels?
In an ideal world, it would be possible to power a home with solar energy 100 percent of the time. In the real world, solar energy offsets fossil fuel energy use, it does not replace it. How much it can offset fossil fuels depends on your home’s SunPower rating.
Even then, allow a 25 percent cushion when setting solar target offset because panels cannot maximally operate all of the time. On some days, you will need to rely entirely on the power grid. Luckily, there will be many days when surplus production reduces the cost of the energy generated. Even when you rely on traditional energy, you are paying a lower price than you would otherwise.
Cost Of Outfitting A House With Solar Panels
Outfitting a house with solar panels has become much more affordable in recent years, dropping about 70 percent. This is because the panels themselves are relatively small yet capable of generating high amounts of energy.
Typically, residential panels are priced in dollars per watt ($/W) or the amount of money solar costs per watt of electricity produced. On average, the cost is just over $2.81/W. An average home with a 6kW system would cost $16,860 before applying tax credits and rebates.
The federal government provides the Income Tax Credit or ITC, also known as the Solar Tax Credit, to homeowners outfitting a house with solar panels. This credit equals 26 percent of the total cost of the system. There are also state solar tax credits. These options can get more specific, offering additional credits depending on your particular case.
Solar Energy Is An Excellent Long-Term Investment
Did you know that installing a solar energy system can increase your property’s value and make it more competitive in today’s market? Energy panels last between 25 and 30 years, making them an excellent long-term investment whether you decide to stay in your home for a few seasons or for many years to come.
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If you are ready to switch to renewable energy consumption, why not choose the solar energy provider that lines up with your values too? At Advance Solar, we operate with integrity in every aspect of our business. We do not just believe in improving our environment with solar panels, we believe in improving our work and community environment through the continued advancement of our staff and our commitment to education and industry. So stop by our Fort Myers showroom or give us a call today!