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GOOD TO KNOW
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How does solar work?Each hour of the day that the sun is out organic energy is produced. Every hour, the sun produces enough energy to power the entire world for one year - so there's plenty to go around. Solar panels capture that energy and provides it to your home.
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What are the advantages of solar energy?There are several advantages: To begin, solar is a proven technology. The history of photovoltaic (PV) solar power began with scientific experimentation in the late 1800s. In 1954 the very first PV silicon cell that was capable of converting the sun's energy into power was introduced. Since then, PV production has exceeded 21 megawatts (mW) of power. In the world, there is over 47.1 gigawatts of solar installed in the U.S. alone. Secondly, solar works in many climates, including the colder areas on the map. It's a misnomer that solar will not produce without high temperatures or full brightness. The irony is that solar actually works more efficiently in colder temperatures. This is because excessive heat onto a solar panel can actually reduce output voltage. With the technology being more advanced now, modern panels are designed to be more efficient and can still generate energy even in low light situations. The bottomline is: Solar works anywhere there is sunlight.
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Is it true solar is now more affordable than ever?Yes! Between 2016 and 2017, the price of solar has dropped by 9%, and continues to decline. In many markets nationwide, solar power has proven less expensive than conventional energy. As conventional energy rates continue to increase, even if the cost of solar stays the same, the price of solar will continue to decline in comparison. Additionally, there are a variety of financial incentives associated with solar, such as federal tax credits and local state policies that help make going solar more affordable for everyone.
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Do solar panels have a long lifespan?Like with a vehicle, lifespan all depends on the brand of panels. For example, Sunpower panels are quite durable and are made to withstand even harsh weather conditions, including the impact of hail up to 1" in diameter. Only 1-in-20,000 Sunpower panels are ever returned. The minimum life expectancy of a Sunpower solar panel is 25-years.
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Will solar decrease the value of my home?One of the greatest advantages of solar energy is that the addition of PV panels actually increases home values. In a longitudinal study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, roughly 22,000 home sales were analyzed where 4,000 of them consisted of PV systems. Of the homes that sold that housed solar, the study found that a typical PV system added an average of $15,000 in the resale value of the home.
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Why should I go solar?There are many reasons to go solar, especially NOW! 1) Recieve ITC Solar Tax Credit In 2021 the Federal Income Tax credit (ITC) will be reducing it's percentage to 22% - right now the ITC credit is 26% of the total net costs of an installed and operating solar system. Due to the government phase out of the ITC credit, by year-end 2022 the residential tax credit will completely be phased out to 0%. So, right now, if the total cost of your system is $30,000, and the ITC credit is at 26%, your tax credit will be $7,800. It's importan to note, the ITC is not a tax deduction, but instead is a credit that can be used towards taxes owed to the IRS. If no taxes are owed, then the credit comes to you in a form of a refund. 2) Save on Monthly Utility Bills Savings on your monthly utility bill happens in two areas. First, solar energy's per kilowatt hour (kWh) pricing typically calculates between 30% - 60% lower than conventional utility p/kWh pricing. What the savings is will be based on factor's unique to the home and varies from home to home - not all home's are created equal. For example, a home who's roof is surrounded by trees will have lower savings than a home's roof that is clear of any shading. Also, when solar production is greater than the energy used for the home, depending on the rules of the local utility, unused energy stored on the grid becomes credit that can either be cashed our or applied towards the next year's energy needs. 3) Local State Incentives Pays You Back Each state offers its own incentive program, but regradless of what state you're in, the incentives add-up to pay you back for the investment into solar. For example, in New Jersey, the new TREC program offers solar owners 1 TREC priced at $91.20 per every kilowatt hour produced onto the grid, for 15-years. So, if your system averages 10,000 kWh production, that could earn you 10 TRECs p/year for 15-years which estiamtes to a total of $13,680. 4) Reduce Carbon Footprint One of the greatest benefits to our environment is the ability to go solar! The recent wildfirs that happened in Australia (2020) reinforced the need to address the growing climate crisis in our world. We recognize that the need for sustainable practices are among us and we are proud to be a part of this environmental awareness. We invite you to a part of our mission to have us help change the way the world is powered by allowing us to help you Save (the Planet) w/Solar!
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