Smart Home Essentials :: The Benefits of Going Solar

 

 

Recently we had an AC Repair company come out to see why our 25+ year old air conditioner wasn’t blowing cold air.  His initial response was “let’s see if putting some more coolant will fix the problem.” This worked for about one week and after that it was just blowing warm air again.  If you live in southern California you know this past summer was a hot one!  In fact, we are still having 90 degree weather mid October.   The AC repairman came out again and let us know that our hardworking dinosaur of an AC is kaputt. finished. all-washed up.  Great – and how much is that going to cost us to replace it?  A cool $5,000 is what I am told.  Yikes!  So when I was asked to talk about the many benefits of going solar for this Clever Girls campaign for the company Sunrun, I was intrigued.  I have heard about families choosing to go solar and after researching the benefits of going solar – I am sold!  There are several leasing options for homeowners and renters if you choose not to purchase a system upfront.  Plus there are state and federal tax rebates and credits – so make sure to look into the write-offs!   I like that Sunrun offers a consultation for free and if they don’t think you will cut your electricity bill each month they won’t sell you a system.  If you do find that it will help cut costs, they will custom-design the best system for your roof.

 

Image courtesy of Growing Up Gabel.

 

Commonly Asked Questions About Going Solar

What are my options for going solar?

1. Today’s homeowners have two main options when choosing to go solar: purchasing a system or leasing a solar system with a solar service provider. When a homeowner purchases a system, there is a high upfront cost, and the homeowner is often responsible for shopping for a system or installer, managing the installation, insuring the system, completing the paperwork for tax rebates and credits, monitoring and maintaining the system, replacing expensive parts, etc. This can be a headache for the homeowner, which is why most homeowners choose to go solar with a solar lease provider.
2. Leased solar (or “third-party owned solar”) allows homeowners to go solar with little or no upfront cost. The solar lease provider purchases the equipment, installs it on your roof, and monitors and maintains the system throughout the life of the agreement. The homeowner pays a low rate for the electricity the system produces. In 2013, 72% of California homeowners who went solar did so with a third-party owned system, according to Go Solar California. Note that leased solar isn’t available in every state due to a variety of factors.

How much does leased solar cost?

1. A common assumption is that solar always has a high upfront cost, and that’s true if the homeowner wants to own a system. With leased solar, homeowners can go solar with little or no upfront cost. The homeowner still receives a monthly electricity bill that is lower than what they currently pay to the utility. The cost of the monthly payment depends on a variety of factors, including tiered electricity costs in your area, the size of the system required on your home, rebates offered, etc. How much am I going to save with solar? How much you will save will be specific to you and it depends on your usage, your rate, and the rate charged by your local utility. If utility rates continue to increase as they have historically, solar customers will save substantially on electricity bills over the life of having solar.

Do I get tax credits and rebates?

There are both Federal and State incentives for purchasing residential solar panels that a homeowner can take advantage of if they purchase solar panels. As the owner of the panels, leased solar providers take advantage of those incentives as a means to lower the price you pay for your solar electricity. This way, you don’t have to deal with extra paperwork, but you still get the price advantage.

Do I need to own a single-story home? 

No!  They are able to take a photo of your roof courtesy of satellites and provide you with a free estimate based on your condo, townhome or two-story home.

Do I need to live in a sunny state?

Not necessarily.  If your state provides tax incentives and rebates, you just might be eligible for solar panels!  Contact them to get your free consultation and see if this might be a better option for your family.  I plan to!

 

 

Easy Ways to Save Money at Home

Go solar with Sunrun and start saving on your electricity bill immediately. Electricity from Sunrun is more affordable than electricity from your utility.

• About Sunrun:

• Electricity from Sunrun is more affordable than electricity from your utility. You can spend your savings on your retirement, college tuition, or a dream vacation.
• Sunrun invented solar service, a way to get solar on your roof without the high upfront cost and hassle of ownership.
• Sunrun installs, insures, monitors and maintains a solar system that is designed specifically for you and your home. You just pay a low, locked-in rate for the electricity that the panels produce.
• Sunrun gives you control over your electricity costs and protects you against unpredictable electricity rate increases.
• Sunrun monitors your solar system’s production remotely, so you have peace of mind.
• Sunrun solar is a win-win; good for your wallet, and good for the planet.

One happy Sunrun customer, Linda Clovis from California. sums up my thoughts exactly! I have same thought when turning on the AC these past few hot summers – how much is this going to cost us!

“Before we had solar I would have to think every time I touched the thermostat – how much is this going to cost me? With solar, I just make sure that our family is comfortable.” ~Linda C. Clovis, California, Customer since 2009

 

So check it out if you are interested in hearing about going solar and how much it might save on your electricity bills.  Just think, with the money you save on these bills you might be able to schedule in a trip this year or purchase a new household item you have had your eye on.

 

We have a special offer for dandelion moms readers. If you go solar with Sunrun before Nov. 30, you’ll get a $500 VISA® Prepaid Card. (Conditions apply.) Get a free solar quote here.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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