5 Things to Make Sure You've Thought of When You're Ready to Go Solar

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August 8, 2014 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Making the Switch to Solar Power

There are plenty of great reasons to go solar: solar power reduces your carbon footprint and provides an excellent long-term return on investment. Solar energy panels add value to your home, and eventually pay for themselves.

Plus, let’s face it: solar panels have an undeniable “cool” factor. They let your friends and neighbors know that when it comes to fighting climate change, you talk the talk, and walk the walk. You’re part of the vanguard, fighting the good fight for a better tomorrow.

Yes, going solar has lots of wonderful advantages, but it’s not something you want to simply jump into without doing your research. It’s an investment, and should be treated as such. With that in mind, here are 5 things to consider before you make the switch to solar power.

And if you’re a solar power installer, then consider this information as a lesson in educating your customers: these are the questions they’ll inevitably have, and you need to have answers.

1. How Much Energy Will You Need?

Notice that we asked how much you will need, and not how much you currently need. Depending on what stage of life you’re in, your energy needs may change. For example, if you’re just starting a new family, then your energy needs are likely to increase, until your babies grow up and move out.

If you have no plans on having children or have already reached the point where they’re off on their own, then your energy needs are likely to decrease. You can be proactive on that front, by opting for energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, turning computers off when they’re not in use, and adopting other energy-saving habits.

2. Can You Take Advantage of Government Incentives?

The federal government offers a number of incentives to those who purchase and install solar energy systems. Some solar suppliers will offer discounts in exchange for these certificates. Your state government may also offer FIT incentives that reward those with solar systems for feeding unused electricity into the grid. If getting paid by the electric company sounds good to you, you’ll want to check with your state government to see if these incentives are available in your area.

3. Where Will You Put Your Solar System?

In order to get the most out of your solar system, you’ll want to have it installed on the part of your roof that gets the most direct sunshine. If you have trees that shade the north-facing portion of your roof, then you may want to consider trimming them back to increase your solar system’s efficiency. Solar panels can be installed in shadier areas, but doing so decreases their output.

4. Is Your Roof Up to the Task?

If your roof is solidly constructed and in good shape, then installing a solar system shouldn’t pose a problem. However, roofs that are in need of maintenance should be repaired before attempting to install a solar system, as repairing them after the fact will almost certainly add to the overall cost.

If repairs are needed, then solar shingles may be a very attractive option. They’re more expensive than typical solar panels, but when new shingles are going to be part of the equation anyway, solar shingles offer a strong value proposition. Plus, many consider their subtle appearance to be more attractive than traditional PV panels.

5. What Will Your Budget Allow?

Going solar is a sound investment, but the initial capital outlay can be quite substantial. If your budget won’t allow you to pay up front for a full-scale solar solution, your solar provider may offer payment plans. You may also wish to inquire about your solar system’s upgradability, should you choose to supplement your current power needs with a small system and expand the scope of your solar system at a later date.

Let the lesson be learned if you’re a solar power installer: be prepared when you pick up the phone to dial a new lead, or to ring a prospect for a follow-up call. Know the answer to the most pressing solar questions that consumers will have, and you’ll be that much closer to providing them with the security and knowledge that solar is the right choice for them.

[Photo Credit: U.S. Army Environmental Command, Flickr Creative Commons]

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Making the Switch to Solar Power

1. How Much Energy Will You Need?

2. Can You Take Advantage of Government Incentives?

3. Where Will You Put Your Solar System?

4. Is Your Roof Up to the Task?

5. What Will Your Budget Allow?

Start making more
money today!

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Making the Switch to Solar Power

1. How Much Energy Will You Need?

2. Can You Take Advantage of Government Incentives?

3. Where Will You Put Your Solar System?

4. Is Your Roof Up to the Task?

5. What Will Your Budget Allow?

Start making more money today!

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