With summer’s long, sunny days finally here, you may find yourself thinking about solar panels. You know that it’s possible to harness the power of the sun to provide electricity for your home, making you less dependent on your local energy grid. And you’ve heard you can even save money in the process.
But there’s a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to know where to look. To help, we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest solar panels FAQs (frequently asked questions) that homeowners have about solar panels.
Keep reading for our answers.
Will Solar Panels Save Me Money?
The answer to this question is YES! Solar panels can save you money in so many ways.
The average American family spent $1,408 on electricity in 2019. But with solar power, you’re generating your very own electricity. This can mean lower electric bills or even eliminating your electric bills entirely.
According to data by EnergySage, in Kansas City, the average customer can expect to save an average of $1,535 per year by making the switch to solar power. Although it requires an upfront investment for purchase and installation, those savings translate to an average of $30,718 over 20 years.
Solar can also save you money in other ways — like on your taxes — and make you money on things like your home’s selling price.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
There are several variables that impact the cost of solar panels. Just like everyone’s situation is different, it’s hard to state definitively how much solar panels will cost you. But some of the factors that determine cost are your roof type and your system specifications/energy needs.
If you go for a roof system, which is most common for our customers, the type of roof you have can make a difference. With a flat roof, solar panels must be angled toward the sun in order to maximize their power efficiency, meaning angled mounts will add a bit to the cost. But a flat roof is safer for the workers, which means the cost of labor could be reduced.
As far as your system specs, there are some costs that exist no matter the system size, like insurance and engineering. But in general, larger solar systems will require more materials and labor. And they will cost more. Smaller systems will require less, so they’ll cost less.
What Solar Incentives Are Available?
Local and federal incentives are a great way to reduce the cost of your solar panels. From a local perspective, Missouri currently offers a rebate for solar systems becoming operational through the end of 2023. Unfortunately, Kansas doesn’t currently have any rebates at a state level.
However, one federal tax credit can go a long way toward lowering the cost of your solar panel installation. The Residential Clean Energy Credit, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will subtract 30% of the cost of installing solar heating, electricity generation, and other solar products from federal taxes. The credit will be available to taxpayers for more than a decade, which means homeowners have plenty of time to consider their solar installation options.
From now until 2032, if you install solar equipment on your house, you are eligible to be compensated 30% of the total amount. Whether that’s $10,000 or $100,000, you will receive a nonrefundable credit to apply to your federal icon taxes.
Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
One concern that many homeowners face when it comes to going solar: that it’s a waste of money if they’re not in their “forever” house. Fortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to Energy.gov and studies by Berkeley Lab, solar panels are seen as home upgrades, similar to a renovated kitchen or finished basement. Which means potential home buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has solar panels. Having an independent source of energy is an attractive feature to home buyers. More than 80% of home buyers say that they value energy efficiency when buying a home.
Learn more about how solar panels can increase home value.
How Much Maintenance Do Solar Panels Need?
If your solar panels are well-positioned — meaning they’re clear of any falling debris from trees and any other dangers — they will require little to no maintenance. You just have to be sure to pay attention to the trees in the area as the years go on. In the first couple years with solar panels, it might be a non-issue, but as time passes and nature takes its own course, trimming may be needed.
Typically, the most that may be required to maintain your solar panels is semi-regularly dusting off any dirt and checking for debris that may be covering the panels. Of course, occasional examinations of your panels from a professional can be beneficial. This ensures that everything is functioning properly and there are no exposed wires or internal issues.
How Do I Choose a Solar Installer?
When it comes to selecting your solar installer, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. First, your solar installer should be an expert in the field and passionate about solar energy. Be sure to learn about their history in the solar industry.
If the contractors from their company work on many different types of projects — rather than exclusively on solar energy systems — it may be a sign that solar isn’t their focus.
As you shop around, trust is essential to selecting the right solar installer for you. You don’t want to work with a company that you don’t feel like you can trust. How can you be sure they’re being honest with you about the cost of your system? Reading reviews of some local solar installation companies can often be beneficial to helping you choose the right solar partner for you.
And always remember — local solar companies are more likely to care about designing the perfect custom solar system for you, compared to large, national corporations.
What Other Questions Do You Have? We’re Here For You!
If you are looking for the best solar company in Kansas City, look no further than KC Solar. They are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business. And exactly how all these solar panel incentives work.
KC Solar is a local company made up of KC natives with KC pride — in our city, and in our work. Which means we’ll always give you the best of ourselves. And we’re here to answer all your solar panel FAQs.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
