The number of American homes that have solar panels is going to triple by 2030. That may get accelerated because of rising energy costs and inflation.
Solar panels can reduce the cost of your monthly energy bills, and even eliminate them altogether. A solar panel installation may seem like it’s an expensive proposition, but it can pay off sooner than you think.
One of the questions that homeowners have is how much they’ll save on utilities.
An energy report can tell you how much you can save. Read on to discover how you can get an energy report before you install solar panels.
What Is an Energy Report?
As you start to research solar panels, you want to know the cost to install them and how much you can save on utilities.
There are hundreds of calculators that will give you an estimate. These aren’t always accurate, especially if you don’t know how much power you really consume each month.
You might underestimate the number, which can completely throw off the calculations and your expectations.
Some solar companies offer a zero commitment savings report. This is more in-depth than an online calculator. Since you’re getting the energy report from a professional, it’s going to be more accurate.
They’ll ask you about your energy usage, look over the last few months of your energy bills, and give you a few options for solar panels.
These options will demonstrate how much you’ll save on utilities and how long it takes for solar panels to deliver an ROI. The installation estimates may or may not include tax credits and financial incentives.
Be sure to ask about that when you receive the energy report.
The energy report is usually provided for free by solar companies. It’s a starting point to help you decide if you want to move forward with solar panels or not.
Solar Panels Audit
If you decide to move forward with solar panels, the next step after the energy report is to have a solar panels audit. This is where a solar installation visits your home to determine if it’s a good candidate for solar panels.
They ask for more details about your energy usage and future requirements. They may inspect your appliances and HVAC system to make sure you have the most energy-efficient equipment in the house.
The most important aspect of the solar audit is the roof inspection. The roof has to have the right angle facing the sun and be able to hold the weight of solar panels.
That information lets an installer know how many solar panels can get installed, the energy they can produce, and potential savings.
Start With a Solar Energy Report
If you’re thinking about solar panels, the best place to start is to get an energy report. You’ll get a good idea as to how much you can save on utilities.
If the initial report looks good, get a home audit to make sure your home is a good fit for solar panels.
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