Fear can be the driver of many decisions. Sometimes fear is our friend and plays the role of the voice of reason, reminding you of all the logical reasons why something is a bad idea. But sometimes fear can act like a blind spot, haplessly positioned right between you and your better interests.
Solar energy has gained a lot of popularity over the past several years, but there are still millions of homeowners across the U.S. who know little about it. Don’t let fear of the unknown prevent you from taking advantage of this unlimited natural resource. Sooner or later we will all be going solar because it is the way of the future. Many cities around the country and around the world have already committed to 50%, 75%, and even a 100% solar energy carve-out within the next decade and for good reason—solar is so much cheaper than fossil fuels and significantly better for the environment in the long-term.
For those trapped by their dependency of the utility company for electricity, fear can prevent them from a much better alternative that exists. Renewable energy has come a long way over the past 10–15 years, but homeowners still paying these old world companies to power their homes are often left in the dark about how easy and effective it would be to make the switch. Because of this, these fears are never addressed and this often leads to the delays—or worse—prevention of one of the most economical and eco-friendly decisions they’ll ever make.
Don’t let this happen to you. If you are a homeowner afraid of going solar, read on as I address some of the most common fears and concerns standing in the way of you and the switch to solar and why there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
“I don’t think I can afford it.”
This might just be the most common fear. What if I go solar and can’t afford the payments? Ironically, the fact that you can afford your utility bill alone is proof you can afford the payments, because the bulk of your utility costs will be replaced by the system cost. So how do you get electricity while you’re paying for the system? From the solar panels! That is the whole point! You are paying for the materials to produce energy for free that you can keep for decades.
“Will solar panels damage my roof?”
We never authorize an installation without first inspecting your roof. If your roof needs work, we do provide roofing services as well. Also note, the solar panels are protected by a 25 year warranty, and even the part of the roof that the panels are installed are covered for up to 5 years as well. How is that for peace of mind?
“I don’t want to change the look of my house.”
When we design your system, we need to account for how much sun you’re getting each day, the position of the home, and the amount of energy you’re going to need from the panels. Once these facts are on the table, we can discuss the best way to make solar work for you, based on your preferences. Some homeowners are loud and proud about their system and want it visible to the street, while others prefer to be more discreet. All options will be considered. We also provide ground mounts if you have ample room near the home for the installation.
“What if the system doesn’t work?”
As mentioned previously, all installations come with a solid 25 year warranty. They are also equipped with convenient 24/7 panel-to-panel monitoring so that you always stay on track with your energy production. If you ever have trouble or need assistance, our Customer Service Department is here during normal business hours to help you get everything back on track.
“As soon as I get solar, a better system will be available.”
Although it is true that technology is improving, these improvements can be tracked every couple of years, not every month. Technology doesn’t move that fast. Just think of your TV. Did it become obsolete once you bought it, or did you continue to use it for 5, 10, or 15 years before replacing it? Of course you kept using it, and it likely reserved most or all of its value even as you replaced it. Solar works in the same way, but only better. This is because unlike TVs, solar energy systems are designed to increase in value with time. When you pay off your balance, you’re left with virtually no cost month-to-month. You will only have to pay a meager fee for grid connectivity and whatever extra energy you take from the grid. So solar is the gift that keeps on giving. And the sooner you install, the sooner you will produce your own energy for free.
“What if I want to sell my house?”
A typical solar energy system will increase the value of your home by $15,000 or more. You can factor this into the cost of the transfer of title of the house. If you are still making payments on your system, you can either transfer the loan to the new homeowner, or keep paying it and make up the difference on the price of the property. Either way, your solar energy system holds residual value for at least the duration of the warranty which is 25 years.
“Will I be left without power?”
Your solar energy system will be designed to fulfill the average daily output of your electricity year-round. Because this amount is an average, some days you will overproduce and other days you will under-produce. For the days you overproduce, you will develop Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) which act as credit toward your next electricity bill. For months you under-produce, you will draw from the grid and only pay for that amount drawn. If you stocked up SRECs the month before, this will go against the cost you would owe for the electricity you draw from the grid. So the answer is you will never be left without power as long as the utility company is in business. Do be mindful of how much electricity you are using however. Remember, the system is designed to cover your average daily requirements. If you start using more and more electricity, you will have to take that excess from the grid, so go over your anticipated electricity needs with your Solar Consultant beforehand.
“Will the weather damage my solar panels?”
We use only the strongest and most durable solar products. They can survive a Canadian blizzard, being submerged in water, temperatures ranging from -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C (which include being hit by a flame-thrower), or even being run over by military trucks. Believe me—we got you covered with quality. Ask us about panel manufacturers and available products.
“How long before I receive a positive ROI?
Although this can vary as the sun is not equal everywhere and every utility company has its own rates, most homeowners will find their expenditure for electricity breaking even in 2–4 years, and from that point on save significantly. When you apply for a free solar quote, we will break down the cost and show you how you will save with solar over time.
“It sounds too good to be true.”
It might sound too good, but it’s certainly true! You can actually increase your home value, drastically cut electricity costs, and protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions at the same time! Not only this, but when you go solar with Green Solar Technologies, you are getting ultra-high quality materials and supporting American jobs. You have no reason to be afraid and every reason to be excited about what solar energy could do for you and your home.