So you want to go green? Good for you! But where do you start? What are the basics of solar? You’re bound to have a lot of questions. However, you’re also bound to run into some misinformation and misconceptions.
- Isn’t solar maintenance a big pain in the rear?
- Solar Decreases Home Value.
- Solar is risky and unreliable. It can’t keep up with traditional energy.
- Isn’t solar maintenance a big pain in the rear?
- Solar Decreases Home Value.
Solar is risky and unreliable. It can’t keep up with traditional energy.
You might already know the answers to some of these. Yet these misunderstandings reflect concerns preventing people from achieving clean, green power and energy savings.
Cost concerns
Yes, Solar has a steep upfront investment. But it is an investment. Residential solar energy offers a payback period and generous ROI. Furthermore, it protects you from the volatile price hikes of your utility company.
“When I first moved here ten years ago, my electric budget was around $129. It’s gone up to $256. That’s why I wanted to look into solar because I knew it was only going to increase… [solar] will keep my bills from going up in the future.” That’s from Laura Kippes, a homeowner in the Hampton Roads area and a proud solar system owner.
We installed a 16.6 kW system to offset 83% of her energy consumption in February of 2024. And her solar system has kept her rates low. “These past two months, my bill has been $9.33,” she says. Watch the Customer Testimonial: Laura Kippes’ Experience with Convert Solar.
Solar is currently more affordable than ever before. In the 1970s, when Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the roof of the white house, solar cost over $100 per watt. By 2005, solar panels dropped to around $12 to $15 per watt.
According to a Consumer Affairs report, solar power in the United States can cost anywhere from $2.39 to $3.66 per watt. In Virginia, the average residential solar system costs around $2.87.
We’ve heard people say, “It’s like paying for 30 years of electricity upfront.” However, we would argue against that because your system will generate a return on investment.
If a system like Laura Kippes’s costs $47,642 upfront (16,600 x 2.87) (before incentives, which we will get to next), it would save the owner $117,436 over 30 years. That’s a return on investment of $69,794!
“We heard somewhere that the government will pay you to go solar.”
We wish! We’ve heard stories of pushy salespeople giving you the hard sell, promising that the government will pay for your installation. That’s simply not true.
There are, however, various federal and state incentives. You might have heard about the Federal solar tax credit, sometimes called the solar investment tax credit or ITC. If you install solar, you can claim 30% of the net cost in your federal tax bill. It’s a reduction in the taxes you owe and that reduction can roll over up to five years.
So, if you purchase a $30,000 system, you can claim a tax credit of $9,000 (30,000 x 0.3). If you owe $6,000 in federal taxes, you can use your tax credit and roll the remaining balance to next year’s bill.
“Solar maintenance is a pain!”
According to a survey from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 18% of homeowners who considered solar energy thought maintenance would be a pain.
Solar is low-maintenance, but that does not mean it’s no maintenance. Residential solar systems have no moving parts, so you won’t have to maintain them as often as you would a car. However, it is exposed to the elements. Fallen leaves, accumulated dirt, and bird droppings may reduce the efficiency of your panels by blocking the light. But all that debris can be washed away by natural rain.
Depending on your area, you might need to clean your panels once to four times a year. We have an entire blog on maintenance, so you can enjoy peak efficiency year-round. Read Solar Panel Maintenance 101: Keeping Your System Running Efficiently.
If you’re uncomfortable or unable to clean your panels, many installers like us offer maintenance as a service.
“What about malfunctions or damaged equipment?”
While those problems are rare, we can still help with that. Solar panels have various warranties, ensuring performance for 20 to 25 years. How many purchases make a promise that they will still work 25 years into the future? Heck, how many things have YOU bought that still work reliably 25 years later?
“Does Solar decrease home value?”
This is an understandable concern. Ideally, everyone would have a solar system on their forever home, but how many of us are currently living in our forever home? So, what happens if you need to sell your home?
Solar installations actually increase a home’s resale value. A 2024 study from SolarReviews found that homes with solar panels sold for an average of 6.8% more than homes without solar. EnergySage found that Virginia Beach homes with solar increase value by 4% or around $6,000 for each kilowatt.
“Solar is unreliable and can’t keep up with traditional energy.”
A survey from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that 31% who considered residential solar believed the technology to be unreliable. Opponents of solar (often proponents of fossil fuels) will have you believe that as soon as the sun goes down— POOF— you’re out of power.
Solar panels cannot generate electricity at night, but you still have power. Residential solar systems are either grid-tied or on a battery. With a grid-tied system, your energy consumption is supplemented by the wider electrical grid through a process called net metering. Here’s a blog on net metering if you’re curious: Net Metering Explained: How It Works, the Benefits, and More.
Off-grid systems are independent of the electrical grid and use specialized batteries to store energy. Battery capacity varies based on the system, but we’ve seen an off-grid system enjoy three straight days of electricity without any sunshine.
Today, there are hybrid systems that offer a battery backup while still accessing the grid. When the power goes out, you’ll automatically be disconnected from the grid and can independently power your home.
For many homeowners, solar provides greater flexibility and reliability.
Charles Griffin, another proud residential solar owner, says, “It’s been a fantastic buy for me. I run my house cooler by 5° in the summer and warmer in the winter. I’ve just found that I have much more flexibility in what I’ve been able to do and not worry about a power bill.”
“The financial benefits are incredible,” Charles says. “But it’s not just about the money. It’s about knowing that I’m doing my part to help the environment. It’s a great feeling.”
To hear the whole story, check out his Customer Testimonial: Charles Griffin’s Experience with Convert Solar.
Now that you have a better understanding of solar, how do you start your solar project?
We start residential solar projects with a solar site assessment. It starts by analyzing your electric bill to determine how much energy you’ll need. We then set an appointment at your convenience. We meet at your property, do a walk-through together, and answer any questions you may have.
Once we compile the details, we’ll provide you with a solar site assessment that details your annual solar energy production, annual consumption offset, annual revenue, environmental benefits, cost, and financial analysis. In other words, we will provide you with a complete picture of what solar energy can do for you!
Ready to go green?
Schedule your solar site assessment! Help yourself, your community, and your planet.
