Over the last few years residential solar panels in California have more than tripled in demand. With more tax incentives, affordable pricing, and the cost-saving benefits, this massive jump comes as no surprise. If you are a homeowner in California, then you know all too well how expensive your electric utility is. In fact, most California residents run their air conditioner throughout half of the year. When homeowners invest in residential solar panels, the cut costs tremendously and allow their lifestyle to flourish in new direction whether that means padding the kid’s college funds or taking an extra family vacation every year. Simply put, solar panels give families more disposable cash to play with.
However, not all residential solar panel deals offer the same value. This article will highlight three things families should consider when toying with the idea of investing in residential solar panels.
1. Add Resale Value to Your Home
A number of homeowners reported that they purposely put off investing in residential solar panels because they intended to sell their home in a few years. However, what most people don’t know is that solar panels raise the resale value of ones home, and they give the house that much needed competitive edge in a tight California market thus making properties more desirable to buyers. Based on the local market, solar panels can often ignite offer wars, and even justify increasing the price of the home. However, it is critical to work with a solar panel company that can provide cost-savings forecasts so that you, and the next owner of your home, can see how quickly the investment will pay off, not to mention the year-over-year savings they will incur.
2. Qualifying for Tax Credits
Finding a great upfront price on residential solar panels is a big win for any homeowner. But when that cost can be significantly reduced even more, the reward is even greater. In fact, once tax credits are applied to solar panel cost, any homeowner can afford them. Just make sure to work with a solar panel company that actually takes the time to help their customers qualify for thee credits, as well as any rebates that might be out there to further reduce cost.
3. Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panel warranties are arguably the most important things to focus on. Ultimately, your solar panels need to be efficient in serving their purpose in order for you to get a solid return on your investment. And solar panel warranties do just that. First of all, make sure the length of the warranty makes sense. If a company offers 10 years this may seem like a good deal, but does that mean you only want a guarantee that you are saving money for 10 years? Also, most California homeowners spend significantly more time in their home that 10 years before they upgrade or downsize. Look for a 25 year solar panel warranty. This is ideal because it covers the entire time you are likely to stay in the home, and if you decide to sell, this will roll over to the next homeowner.
Residential solar panel warranties also need to cover more than the panels themselves. That said, look for a warranty that also covers performance guarantee, the roof, racking, and workmanship. This way you have an ironclad promise that your residential solar panels will continue to deliver on cost saving wins, year-after-year.
