Sponsored Content

This sponsored guest post comes from Akil Marsh from Solar States, who discusses solar energy advantages with more energy than a Lady Gaga concert.

Solar panels are increasingly popular as we can see them pop up on rooftops and sides of businesses. But it’s not for you, right? The advantages of solar energy may convert you to a new look for your home or business.

Solar energy doesn’t seem convenient – In fact, it’s the punching bag of right-wing political pundits. Are you even able to afford solar panels on your roof?

Here’s the 5 biggest lies (and advantages!) of solar energy:

1. The solar industry is floundering: Although there’s some truth to this statement, the solar industry’s stiff competition has actually benefitted consumers. The installed cost of solar modules (the equipment that turns the sunlight into electricity) has dropped significantly over the last few years. Some solar module manufacturers have failed, but those that remain can supply affordable, high quality solar equipment. Ultimately, the lower cost of solar equipment will be passed on to you, the consumers.

2. Solar is expensive: This statement is misleading. We’ll try to keep the boring math lesson short but if you live in the Philadelphia area you probably pay about $0.15/kwh for electricity.  According to Philadelphia based installer Solar States, if you take the upfront cost of the average home solar system after tax incentives ($10,000-15,000) and divided it by the system output, the price of electricity a home has locked in is $0.09-0.11/kwh. It’s important to note that solar systems are guaranteed by warranty to operate for 25 years.

Of course, if you want to see actual numbers applied to your home you can get a free quote from an installer (virtually all installers will give you one for free)

3. Solar is expensive (again!): Can’t fork over the upfront cash? There are affordable financing options to make solar worth a consideration:

• Loan: In addition to home equity loans, some banks offer 0% interest loans for 18 months coupled with a long-term loan. A consumer can put as little as zero money down and pay off the 18 month loan with tax credit and state grants. Often, the long-term loan payments are less than the savings a solar systems provides from a lower electric bill. Or let’s put it this way: You’re able to pay the loan off with electric bill savings and still have extra savings left over.
• Lease: Similar to a loan, you can put zero money down and save money on your electric bill from day 1.

4. There are only environmental benefits to solar. Solar obviously reduces one’s carbon footprint but also supports local jobs. Fossil fuel-based power supports jobs outside of Philadelphia which means less money spent at our local businesses.

5. Other things to Consider:

Although solar has an upfront cost, there’s other solar energy advantages to make it worthwhile. 

A few more solar energy advantages:

• Federal tax credits and state grants: Depending on where you live this can lower the upfront cost by up to 50%.
• Investment: With a solar system, you’re making an investment in your home and generating your own electricity. You are saving cash throughout the year, and it’s likely to increase your home value.
• Fixed prices: Sick of trying to lock in energy rates? Hate PECO’s rising bills? With a solar system you no longer have to worry about the risk of rising utility rates.
• Long term: Solar panels generally have a warranty of 20-25 years. You don’t have to worry about them breaking or storms.

Want to learn more about how solar systems can work to your advantage? Solar States will give you a free quote and how to customize a plan in your price range.

Photo: Wikimedia

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher