There are a lot of things to consider when going solar. Check back for more posts about this topic over the coming weeks.
You’ve heard about solar energy and its potential to not only reduce your carbon footprint, but better yet, your monthly electric bills. Perhaps you’ve wondered if going solar is the way to go, but are wary because you believe solar is cost-prohibitive.
You’re not alone. According to one national survey assessing Americans’ beliefs about the desirability and costs of installing a home solar system, 97 percent of Americans overestimated the costs of making the switch. Thanks to rapidly falling prices, gains in efficiency, financial incentives, and new leasing options, however, the time has come. Solar energy is more affordable now than ever before.
In select states*, Constellation is offering customers a way to take advantage of the sun’s power in collaboration with Astrum Solar, one of the nation’s leading full-service residential solar providers. With Astrum, we’re offering cutting-edge technology and hands-on customer service to help you in the transition. More importantly, our collaboration is helping customers reduce the upfront costs of installing a solar-panel system.
You can either lease a system though our collaboration, or own your own system and there are now options to switch to solar for little to nothing down. Furthermore, if you choose ownership, you likely can take advantage of an array of government and utility incentives and rebates that can drive down the cost of installation by 50 percent. The federal tax credit alone will shave 30 percent of the installation price.
Still not sold?
Consider this. You effectively are buying your own personal utility company, and depending on the number of panels you install, your monthly power bills can drop by as much as 50 percent and more. According to estimates, customers that choose solar can save tens of thousands in electricity savings over the lifetime of their solar system, which can last 20-30 years. Buy a big enough array — a net-zero system — and your monthly electric bill can significantly decrease.
What’s more, according to The Appraisal Journal, a home’s value can increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual energy savings. So, if you saved $1,000, you’d increase your home’s value by $20,000. The U.S. Department of Energy also has reported that a home with solar will sell twice as fast as a home without.
If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of saving money, reducing your dependence on carbon-based fuels, protecting the environment, and increasing the value of your home, we’re here to help. Over the coming weeks, we’ll address other important issues when considering a switch, including whether your home is even appropriate for a solar system. Stay tuned.
*In Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Constellation is offering residential solar leasing under the brand Leasing Powered by Constellation Energy. Astrum Solar will handle your purchase, installation, and service support.