Kevin O’Connor and home technology expert Ross Trethewey meet back at the shop to talk solar financing. Ross explains to Kevin that solar is so popular right now because the system cost is at an all-time low while energy prices are at an all-time high. Ross explains how to avoid scams and make the most of a solar installation.
为什么太阳能变得流行？
Everyone’s phones and internet browsers are full of solar panel ads, and there are now door-to-door salesmen walking through neighborhoods attempting to sell systems. Why is solar so popular right now?
At the moment, solar panel systems are the他们有史以来最负担得起的。而且，电率在历史高位。地方和联邦政府的折扣也特别有吸引力，这意味着更多的人有兴趣在其屋顶上安装太阳能电池板系统。bob体育app苹果下载
Ways to Finance Solar Installation
的re are essentially four ways to pay for solar installation. Those ways include the homeowner paying for the solar system themselves out of pocket, using a third-party lender to secure a loan for the system and installation, leasing the system from a solar company, and a power purchase agreement. The benefits of these options vary.
现金
当房主为自己的HomeHome安装付费时，他们拥有系统。这意味着他们可以充分利用联邦和地方政府提供的太阳能折扣。尽管他们确实必须想出很多钱（通常是13,000美元以北），但他们不必支付利息。他们也许还可以获得全额付款的折扣。
贷款
Some homeowners may choose to secure a third-party loan to pay for their solar panel system. In this scenario, the homeowner still owns the panels, and they retain all of the tax rebate benefits, but they’ll have to pay back the loan amount plus interest.
Leasing Agreement
HomeHome想要太阳能但不想赚钱或获得贷款的房主可能会选择从太阳能公司租赁其系统。在这种情况下，房主从较低的电费中受益，但租赁公司保留了HomeHome所有税收优惠和回扣，并拥有该系统。
电力购买协议
Similar to a leasing agreement, homeowners who enter into power purchase agreements will pay less each month for electricity. They agree to purchase their electricity from the solar company in exchange for the solar company installing the panels on the homeowner’s roof. Again, in this scenario, the solar company retains the right to rebates and tax benefits.
How to Know if Solar is For You
太阳能不适合所有人。在联系或回应太阳能公司之前，有几个问题要问自己：
- Does my house get enough sunlight?If your home is constantly shaded by trees or buildings, a solar system is most likely not ideal.
- 我的屋顶形状足够好吗？Older roofs that will need replacing within the next few years aren’t good candidates for solar panel systems. However, homeowners may be able to take advantage of certain tax credits for their roof and solar panel system.
- How long am I staying in my house?Solar panel systems generally take 5 to 8 years to pay themselves off. If the homeowner is moving within the next few years, it may not be worth the expense or headache to install a system.
If the answers to those questions aren’t favorable, a solar panel system may not be ideal for you.
How to Choose a Solar Company
With the ability to finance solar panel systems, get paid for them, and retain tax benefits, many solar companies are sprouting up. Not all of these solar panel companies are reputable, however. Some are simply in it for revenue generation, and once they land the agreement, there is very little incentive to return and service the system.
Instead of choosing the first solar panel installer that knocks on the door, do a bit of research. Ask friends and family who they used for their solar panel systems. Also, for each potential contractor, find out where they’re from. It’s better to work with a locally owned company than one run by a conglomerate 3,000 miles away.
It’s also important to know how long a company has been in business. Ten years of experience looks better than 6 months. And while a new company isn’t necessarily a bad company, the homeowner should do more research to verify that the company is legitimate.
One other thing: Look for SolarNorth American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)。的se contractors have undergone third-party certification that ensures they know what they’re doing.