Solar energy is sustainable, renewable, plentiful and is getting less expensive all the time. By investing in roof top solar a homeowner can make the one home improvement that starts paying back the moment it is switched on.
Our solar array in New Hampshire spins sunlight into gold in several ways:
- Lowers our electricity bill. In our first year we’ve paid zero to the power company from May – Oct. and energy credits earned over the summer have been applied to Nov. and Dec. Feb – April our electricity usage is offset by a percentage of solar power with April’s utility bill being close to zero.
- We’ve shifted energy costs from propane to our solar power. By installing heat pump mini-splits for AC and some heat and a hybrid heat water heater, we’ve greatly reduced our propane bill.
- SREC – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are created for every megawatt-hour of solar electricity created. We generate about 10Mw a year which are sold for $270.
- Any excess electricity left over in March is paid back to us via check by the Utility.
- Reducing our carbon footprint – our system has offset 8 tons of carbon in the first year after being install.
- We are on track to pay for our solar array and back up battery in 12 years. After that we’ll be generating free electricity for at least another 10 – 20 years.
- Increased home value – according to Zillow adding solar to your home increases its value by 4%. One study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that on average, solar increased the value of a home by about $15,000
- Tax credits from the IRA climate act allow tax deductions of up to 30% of the project costs.