Is Solar Right For You?
Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors
(January 2023)
Everyone has an opinion…or more like, everyone shares regurgitated facts based on the opinions of those whom have caught their ear…
The facts are that, like most things in life, every scenario is different - not just based on the house, location, shading or even amount of electricity needed. Your goals should be the deciding factor. Ask yourself these questions:
Is this my “forever home"?
What are my immediate and long term goals for my monthly budget?
Is there a home improvement project such as a new roof that I wish I could make happen without bleeding money?
Most people pass on looking into solar because their roof is at the end of its useful life and they don’t have the means to achieve much needed updates. In reality, those customers may benefit the most. To avoid an increase in the monthly budget, it is human nature to keep putting off that new roof which ultimately leads to an even more expensive issue.
When it comes to “Going Green”, it's not just about “Saving the Planet.” It’s about getting the most bang for your buck. You can save money and lock in a more attractive electric rate by letting the solar company install their system on your property. This is called a PPA. (Power Purchase Agreement). OR with the guidance of your accountant, those in need of that “new roof” can not only be bundled with the solar loan, they can also take the same rebate off the cost of the roof.
Here is an example of a win - win:
Let’s say your monthly electric bill is $300.
Replace that electric bill with a $250 loan payment which includes a new roof and solar system.
While everyone else has an electric bill that increases for the rest of your life, you provide your own energy and have a new roof. Biggest bonus is that the loan will be paid off giving your next of kin or potential buyer to have free electricity. Think of how that looks when making a budget for a potential buyer that is looking at houses with a $800 electric bill versus one that is self sufficient.
The bottom line is that every homeowner sees the future in a different light. The well educated will see the future in “SUNLIGHT.”