People love the fact that they gain energy independence from their utility. While their neighbors continue to receive rate increases, owners of solar do not. When a utility raises their rates, you just save even more! It\u2019s a great feeling to know you are not contributing to our carbon emission epidemic, but rather, you are using the latest clean energy technology to produce your power.<\/p>\n
2. Solar Tax Credits.<\/span><\/p>\n The Federal Government offers a 30% federal solar tax credit for any residential solar panel system installed. This program has been extended until December 31, 2020. If you pay taxes, you qualify for this program, and your net cost for solar is 30% less. If you lease, the leasing company receives this credit and often uses it to reduce your monthly lease payment. Either way, you benefit.<\/p>\n 3. Solar is More Affordable than Ever.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The average cost for solar from all installers in California in 2010 was just under $10.00 per watt. By the end of 2013, the average cost per 4. Net Metering.<\/span><\/p>\n After solar is installed and turned on, any power you generate that you do not use in your home or business flows into the grid, and you receive a credit from your utility for that power. This is called net metering. Without solar, if you are on vacation, your electric bill would be lower because you were not home using things requiring power. With solar, even when you are on vacation, you generate power and build credits. You never lose the value of the power your solar system generates.<\/p>\n 5. Little or No Solar Panel Maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n Repairs are covered by manufacturer\u2019s warranties. Maintenance is minimal; consisting of keeping the panels free of dirt and debris. This is done by rinsing the panels with water as needed, usually about two times a year.<\/p>\n 6. Solar Will Not Increase Your Property Taxes.<\/span><\/p>\n In July 2014, California Governor Brown signed SB 871 which extends the existing solar property tax exclusion until January 1, 2025. In California, the continuation of this policy will allow homeowners to install solar energy without a reassessment of their property taxes.<\/p>\n 7. Solar Adds Value to Your Home.<\/span><\/p>\n Research by the U.S Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds strong evidence that homes with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sell for a premium over homes without solar systems. When selling your home, the value of your home increases by the cost of your solar system.<\/p>\n Over the next 25 years, an average home system will save the equivalent of 120 tons of greenhouse emissions, driving a car 218,182 miles less, and absorbing CO2 by planting 4,800 trees.<\/p>\n![\"electric-vs-solar-bill.png\"](\"https:\/\/assets.solar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog_Images\/electric-vs-solar-bill.png\")
watt was $5.05, and today you will find the cost at $3.85 per watt very common. It is cheaper to go solar today than it has ever been.<\/p>\n8. Lower Your Carbon Emissions.<\/h2>\n