By far this is the biggest reason people who should go solar, hold off. They think that solar is strictly for a long-term play but that's just not the case. When you move, it's not necessary to pay off the system. You can simply transfer your current payments to the new homebuyer.
This could happen but it's less likely than you think. Instead of thinking in terms of whether or not they want solar panels, think in terms of whether or not they want to pay a lower fixed payment for energy (which solar offers) or a higher rate that increases over time. Which would you prefer? Putting solar on your home is about saving money, not about glass panels on the roof. This is why independent information will show that solar increases your home equity.
Any time there is drilling into your roof, there is risk associated with it. Ten years ago, roof leaks were more common than today. The best installers offer roof penetration warranties, and we recommend finding a contractor that warranties your rooftop for no less than ten years. Generally speaking, if the holes they drill are not sealed properly, you'll know in the first ten years. Some installers offer even longer roof penetration warranties and those are probably more confidant installers.
Solar production is strongest without clouds but still will produce on a cloudy day. In regions like Seattle your estimated production will be much less than it would be in Tucson Arizona. Solar installation companies utilize software that projects your system production based on historical sun hours in your area. So your annual system performance allocates for as many cloudy days as are standard in your region. Some years your system will produce more than in other years.
Rest assured, your system still produces under the clouds and over time is still saving you money.
Outside of a system failure or an event that could cover up your panels such as a tree branch falling on your panels; there is no maintenance required. You could have your solar panels cleaned or you can spray a water hose up on the roof if you want, but generally speaking it's not required.
If for any reason your system stops operating, you're still tied into your energy company and they'll act as your back-up power source without you needing to hit any switches or make any calls. On a side note, a good installation company will offer monitoring and they'll know as well if your system is down.
There is typically a connection fee that ranges from $20-$40 per month depending on your energy provider. So you would pay this service fee along with your solar monthly if you did not buy your system cash. In nearly every situation, your solar payment and connection fee will be less than your energy cost would have been without solar.
For people in their 70's or older, this is often a concern. The fact is that energy costs more without solar than it does with solar. The goal of solar isn't necessarily to pay it off, but it's more so to utilize it as a more affordable option. So if you are 70 years of age or older, why not take a discount for as long as you are in that home. Once you're gone the new homeonwer can simply take over the more affordable payment plan that you put into place.
All of the above concerns arise out of misunderstanding. You see, if people understood solar factually, they would realize that none of the above concerns are valid but instead, they are born of lack of understanding.
How can you be too old to go solar when you're not too old to buy energy? You don't go solar to pay it off, you go solar to control your energy costs and any pay off should it happen, would be a "cherry on top".
If your energy bills aren't that bad, a solar payment would be even less and there would never be rate increases. Don't want to go into debt? You're already in debt to your energy provider at a rate that you don't know. What sounds better? A guaranteed and locked in lower rate moving forward, or an ever-increasing rate that you can't control?
If you truly understood solar for your home, your only concern would be how quickly you can get it installed. This is a fact.
To learn more about the pros and cons of solar you can click here.
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