Solar Energy Is An Investment

We know what you might be thinking. Solar energy is wildly expensive. Concerns about price are something we hear a lot of when potential customers are on the fence about going solar. While the costs for a complete solar system may be discouraging for some, customers save money in the long run by becoming independent from big energy companies. On top of the independence, customers will receive a tax rebate based on the amount of energy that doesn’t get used. Before turning away from solar based on installation prices, read below to learn more about how a solar energy system saves you money.

Reduced Electric Bill

When you choose to invest in a solar system for your home or business, you are investing in the ability for your building to produce its own electricity. That means that you aren’t paying your energy provider for electricity since your system is providing it for you. Besides that, there are other money saving methods to consider when committing to solar energy. These two methods include net metering and solar tax rebates.

1. Net Metering

When you choose to invest in a solar system for your home or business, you are investing in the ability for your building to produce its own electricity. That means that you aren’t paying your energy provider for electricity since your system is providing it for you. Besides that, there are other money saving methods to consider when committing to solar energy. These two methods include net metering and solar tax rebates.

2. Tax Rebates

Tax rebates from our federal and state governments help encourage potential customers to invest in solar energy. Some customers are interested because of the carbon offset that solar energy systems produce, so when these customers hear about tax rebates, they learn that their environmental efforts get rewarded. Our federal government currently gives solar customers a 26% tax credit for installations until the end of 2022. Once 2023 comes around, the tax credit percentage decreases to 22%. State tax rebates are unique to each state. In North Carolina, a homeowner receives $0.40/Watt for systems up to 10kW (kilowatts), meaning a homeowner with an 8kW system can receive up to $3,200. Non residential customers receive $0.30/kW with a $30,000 maximum rebate, and non-profit customers receive $0.75/kW with a $75,000 maximum rebate. South Carolina homeowners receive a 26% tax credit with a max state tax reduction of $3,500.

Increased Property Value 

Besides saving you money on your power bill each month, a solar energy system also increases your property value. The reason why your home’s value increases is because solar energy saves you money as time goes on. If you were to sell your home, then the next homeowner would be able to receive the benefits of solar energy without making the initial investment. Researchers from The National Renewable Energy Laboratory learned that each dollar saved using solar energy increases a home’s listing price by $20. Data from Zillow shows that homes with solar energy systems sell 4% higher than homes without solar. This percentage equates to a price increase of over $9,200.

In Conclusion

Like with any large investment you make, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Pros and cons tend to be unique to each customer’s situation, but one thing customers can count on is a return on their investment when going solar. Combining state and federal tax rebates along with net metering makes for an electric bill that customers don’t mind seeing each month. Once solar energy systems are installed, that customer’s home goes up in its price. When considering solar energy, don’t get too focused on installation prices. If Renu installs it, the savings will come.

Why Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Are a Great Investment

If you’ve ever considered converting to solar energy but don’t have any viable roof space, ground-mounted solar panels are an excellent alternative! Ground-mounted solar panels are exactly what they sound like: mounted on the ground as opposed to on a roof. This is a great option for those whose roofs are obstructed from sunlight or aren’t equipped to hold panels. 

Making the change to renewable energy is a no-brainer — the reduction utility costs and carbon footprints alone is enough to make anyone see the sense in it. Unfortunately, not every roof is capable of housing solar panels, which is why ground-mounted solar is such a great innovation. It has been the alternative option that people have turned to when roof-mounted panels haven’t panned out for them, creating more opportunities for everyone to go solar! 

In this blog, we’ll cover all the benefits of ground-mounted solar panels and how they can help you. 

Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Before you install solar panels on your property, you should know about all of the benefits you’ll be reaping.

1. They offer the perfect alignment with the sun, giving you maximum exposure. 

This is arguably the most attractive feature of ground-mounted solar panels, and the entire reason they even exist. For many homeowners, their roofs are shaded or otherwise obstructed from the sun’s view, rendering roof-mounted panels pretty useless. Because of this, ground-mounted solar panels became a sensible alternative; they can be placed directly facing the sun, wherever they are on your property, so that you get maximum sun exposure and maximum energy production. 

2. They can be placed anywhere on your property. 

Due to their flexibility in comparison to roof-mounted solar, ground-mounted solar panels can be placed anywhere on your property, they’re not just limited to one space. If you happen to have a strict HOA that restricts certain home improvements, this is the answer to your problem. You may not be able to alter the appearance of the front of your home or the roof, but you can place ground-mounted solar panels in the backyard or the side yard to fit with your neighborhood’s regulations. 

3. You have the potential to produce more energy. 

Because ground-mounted solar panels are not limited to the size of a roof, you can install larger arrays. With more panels, you’ll be able to produce more and more energy, further reducing your electricity bills. This is especially useful for large homes or businesses looking to rely solely on solar energy but can’t devote the roof space; as long as you have the room on your property, you can install as many solar panels as you see fit. 

Additionally, you will be able to add more panels in the future, should you decide you need more energy to power your home or business. Limited roof space may stop you from adding more in the future, but ground-mounted solar arrays can always be added to if there’s still room on the property. 

4. You don’t need to make changes to your home’s infrastructure. 

In some cases, weak roofing needs reinforcement before solar panels can be installed. Because installing solar panels requires drilling holes in the roof, it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the changes to the infrastructure and the added weight. For those who don’t wish to make structural repairs, ground-mounted solar panels allow you to opt out. 

5. They are easy to maintain. 

Solar panels in general are a very low-maintenance investment, but to get the most energy production possible, you should make sure your panels are kept clean. Dust, dirt, and other debris can obstruct the photovoltaic cells within the panels from absorbing the sun’s rays, so washing them is much easier when they’re on the ground than when on top of a roof. 

How to Know if it’s Right for You

You may be wondering, “How do I know if ground-mounted solar panels are right for me?” as opposed to going with the more traditional roof panels. Many home and business owners have been able to utilize solar energy by choosing what fits them best, and we understand that no two projects are the same. What works for some might not work for others, but if any of these apply to you, you should consider solar on the ground:

• You have large open spaces on your property that would allow you to add more panels later on if necessary
• Your neighborhood has strict HOA regulations that won’t allow you to install panels on the roof or alter the appearance of your home 
• Your roof is shaded or not facing the sun
• You want to be able to adjust the placement of your panels when necessary
• Your roof is older or damaged and you don’t want to reinforce it before installing roof-mounted panels

Converting to Solar Energy with Renu

If you’re interested in solar energy for your home or business but your roof isn’t suitable for panels, consider utilizing ground-mounted solar panels instead. This innovation has allowed thousands of customers all across the country to meet their energy needs without being restricted by their inadequate roofing space, HOA regulations, or obstructed views of the sun. 

Going solar is easier than ever with Renu Energy Solutions. Since 2010, we have installed over 3,000 residential and commercial solar projects in the Carolinas, making us industry experts. For more information on installing ground-mounted solar panels, set up a free consultation with one of our energy consultants. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about converting to renewable energy and how we can help you achieve energy independence!

Benefits of Solar Energy Systems

There are many benefits of solar that far outweigh those of traditional energy sources like coal, oil, or natural gas — all of which have become more costly than renewable energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The greatest issue with these sources of energy is that they are limited; the Earth will eventually run out of its supply and we will be left with lasting damage to the environment. Solar, however, is a renewable energy source that will always replenish (as long as the Sun doesn’t go anywhere!)

If you’ve been considering converting to renewable energy and want to learn more about the benefits of solar systems, you’ve come to the right place. 

6 Benefits of Solar for Your Home or Business

There are several great reasons why you should think about installing a solar system for your home or business, and here are just a few of the benefits you’ll reap:

1. You will save money by reducing your utility bill.

Arguably the most attractive reason to go solar is to save money, and both homeowners and business owners who install solar panels will see a return on investment right away. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels save thousands of dollars for decades to come, as solar systems are built to last around 25 years. When going solar in North and South Carolina, duke energy homeowners save around $68 monthly in their first year.

2. There are incentives to assist with payment options.

One major player in solar energy is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. As of 2020, the Solar Tax Credit is 26% — meaning you would be getting 26% of your total solar system cost back.

Combined with other state incentives, such as the South Carolina Solar Tax Incentives of 25%, homeowners in the Carolinas can save up to 51% in tax credits, making solar systems financially accessible for thousands of potential customers. 

3. You will make a positive impact on the environment.

We understand that the majority of homeowners choose to go solar because it makes sense from a financial standpoint, but there are many benefits of solar for the environment, too.

Traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas are causing damage to our air, water, and ecosystems as the burning of fossil fuels pollutes our atmosphere. In addition to contributing to pollution when actually burned, these sources cause damage to the environment when they are harnessed; coal mining and oil drilling and fracking have had untold negative effects on the communities and ecosystems near their sites. To top it all off, all of these energy sources are nonrenewable, meaning that eventually we’ll run out anyway. 

With renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water, there is little to no pollution, and the sources never deplete. You’ll be able to power your home or business knowing that you are making a commitment to protecting your local environment and becoming an example for others in your community looking to make the change as well. The office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy released a study explaining the benefits of Wind and Solar Power in regards to Climate and Air Quality. 

4. You can reduce your reliance on utility energy.

Another great benefit of solar is that you don’t have to rely on utility companies or the grid for your energy. By creating energy independence, you are breaking free from unpredictable utility bills and taking control of your energy. In addition to the personal benefits of reducing reliance on utility companies, becoming energy independent also helps reduce petroleum imports from foreign energy providers.

For more information on energy independence and not relying on the grid, check out our blog “Benefits of a Solar Battery Backup System.”

5. There are relatively low maintenance costs.

Besides keeping the panels clean, going solar requires very little maintenance for the homeowner, allowing you to enjoy the perks of their system without worrying about upkeep. 

6. Solar panels increase the value of your home. 

Not only will going solar save you money on utility costs, you will also see this investment pay for itself when you’re ready to sell your home. In fact, a recent study done by Berkeley Lab found that people were willing to pay an extra $15,000 for homes that include mid-sized solar arrays! Solar panels are an attractive feature that potential homebuyers will love to see, as they can look forward to their own monthly savings, too. 

Become Energy Independent with Renu Energy Solutions!

There are so many benefits of solar that make it a no-brainer to leave traditional energy sources in the past! At Renu, we understand that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing your utility and electric bills, so we will work with each and every customer to find a solution that’s best for them. We are here today because of our commitment to our customers, communities, and our passion for bringing energy independence to the Carolinas.

If you’re ready to go solar, give us a call for a free consultation. We’re always happy to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through this process from start to finish!

This blog was originally published on June 23, 2015 and refreshed on October 14, 2020.