Pluses of Buying a Home with Solar Power
If you are in the market for a new home, and you come across one that already has an installed solar array, you should know that it will be highly cost effective — both in the short and long term. Also, your home will help the environment. This article discusses some of the benefits of buying a home with a solar power system.
Depending on when the solar energy system was installed, you may still have a considerable number of years left on the manufacturer’s warranty when you move in. This means that if you need maintenance or replacement done on your solar array, much or all of the cost may be absorbed by the installer.
Solar hot water heaters are just as reliable as the ones powered by gas or by traditional electricity. The current that powers them is just as efficient; if your home is plugged into the utility system’s power grid, you will still have a hot shower even if it’s been raining for two weeks, because the grid will back up your solar system.
Every kilowatt-hour that flows from your photovoltaic cells into your electrical system is one less that you are having to buy from the electric company. This means that you will be saving each month on your electric bill. In sunny months, you may generate so much energy that the utility will be sending you a check, instead of the other way around.
Once you have your solar panel array in place, you’ll want to contact your utility provider to let them know that you will be contributing power to the grid. They will likely send out an inspector to make sure that your system meets their requirements, and then you will be in business. In months when you generate more power than you use, the utility will buy your energy from you. Imagine getting a check in the mail from the electric company, instead of having to send them yet another one.
There’s no arguing with the fact that a solar energy array will bring immediate and significant improvement to your environment. Even if you have wind power or hydroelectric power coming from your electric company, the facility generating your power does have a carbon footprint. By adding a solar array to your roof, you are generating your electricity right where you live, and working toward independence from the utility’s supplies. For those who are not hooked up to clean power already, your solar energy will represent energy that is not coming from the shrinking supply of fossil fuels in the world. Rather than draining oil or burning coal, you are turning the sun’s rays into power — and there’s nothing cleaner than that.
Planning to buy a new home? Look into one that has a solar panel array on it. You’re not having to front the installation cost, although you can bet that the homeowner has figured it into his selling price. If you think it’s the right deal for you, though, you can help the environment — and save money too.
