The installation of solar panels on roofs is becoming increasingly popular among Albuquerque homeowners. And it’s no surprise, as we get more than enough sunlight to make solar energy practical.
Although solar panels have become more affordable over time, and more and more people are installing them, they are still an expensive investment. Both pros and cons need to be weighed.
Is Your Home Right for Solar Panels?
While solar panels can be installed in any climate, your roof may not be suitable for the installation. Your roof’s age and tree coverage could make it unsuitable.
Rooftop panels may not be ideal if trees shade your roof too much.
Solar panels work best on roofs with a slope up to 40 degrees that face south.
It is also possible that your roof is old or nearing the time for replacement, making it unsuitable for solar.
You can also opt for ground-mounted solar panels or a community solar garden if your roof isn’t suitable for solar panels.
When Do You Plan to Move?
You might not want to invest in solar panels if you plan to move in the near future.
Due to the fact that they are an investment, they can take time to pay off. The cost of solar panels usually pays off after seven to eight years. If you plan to sell anytime soon, this investment may not have yet paid for itself, and you’ll therefore have a limited pool of interested buyers when you hit the market.
It is nearly impossible to move a solar system once it is installed.
What’s the Weather Like?
Solar panels are most affected by weather and, in particular, the sun. That means that living in Albuquerque makes an ideal environment for solar energy.
Will You Qualify For Financing?
There are flexible options to help consumers afford the initial, upfront costs of solar panels.
There are financing options, as well as state and federal tax credits and incentives.
Explore your eligibility options. Unless you do this, you’ll have to pay a lot out of pocket, and you may not have the cash sitting aside to do this.
State-based loan programs are a common source of solar financing. Other financing options include leases and power purchase agreements.
The Benefits of Solar Panels
While the above are questions to ask yourself, there are benefits of solar panels including:
- Reduced electric bills are one of the biggest reasons homeowners opt to install solar panels. Over 20 years, you could save anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on where you live and the size of your home.
- Solar panels allow you to be energy independent.
- You can reduce your carbon footprint when you go solar.
- Solar panels are almost entirely maintenance-free.
Solar panels certainly have pros and cons. While they don’t work for every family or home, they can have big advantages in some cases, making them a worthwhile consideration.
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