Return on investment (ROI) is a critical consideration in any investment decision. When it comes to solar panels, a key component in the calculation of ROI is the question: “How long will my solar panels last?”
Return on investment (ROI) is a critical consideration in any investment decision. When it comes to solar panels, a key component in the calculation of ROI is the question: “How long will my solar panels last?”
Tags: How Long Do Solar Panels Last, In the news, photovoltaic panels
While an estimated immediate 20% savings on your electric bill is good for you, installing solar panels on your home also allows you to be good to the environment. Keep reading to learn more about the green side of this win-win proposition.
Tags: Climate Change, environment, Green Energy
A multi-institutional research team of scientists at the Department of Energy Berkeley National Laboratory utilized cost estimates, income estimates and side-by-side comparisons to similar non-solar homes to conduct an evaluation of whether rooftop solar panel systems increased home value. Their finding? Based on their research, solar panels that were owned by a homeowner did boost value.
The team compared approximately 4,000 solar rooftop homes in eight states and 12 years to approximately 19,000 comparable non-solar homes. They found that buyers were generally willing to pay around $15,000 more for an average 3.6kW host-owned solar system house than a comparable non-solar home.
FHA and Fannie Mae agree with this assessment. If you own a home with a solar system, the FHA requires that the value be assessed and added to the total appraisal value of your home when you want to sell it. Likewise, Fannie Mae has indicated that your solar energy system’s value may be included in an assessment of your home if you are the owners of the system.
This is big news to the burgeoning number of homeowners with solar panels. In 2016, America reached the milestone of 1 million solar systems nationwide. While it took 40 years to get to 1 million, experts estimate that it will take only 2 years to get to the next 1 million systems.
The utilization of solar panels on homes is clearly on the rise driving by their environmentally-friendly nature, efficiency and now perceived extra value you may received when it is time to sell your home.
With Vinyasun, homeowners have the option to switch to solar energy for zero down. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and receive a completely optimized quote and proposal for going solar and owning your own system.
Tags: Solar Home Value, In the news, Solar Energy Systems, Solar Panels Increase Value
Florida and coastal communities occasionally experience significant and possibly life threatening conditions during named and unnamed storms. During these times we see a significant uptick in concerns and questions regarding preparation of rooftop solar electric systems. According to the Florida Public Service Commission, there are currently there are around 16,000 customer owned solar energy systems connected to the grid in Florida. This does not include the well over 1 million solar panels installed and owned by Florida utilities.
Tags: hurricane matthew, Climate Change, hurricane irma, solar electric system
Top Misconceptions About Rooftop Solar Panels
Tags: Industry News, Myths, Solar Panels
Wondering which glittering Hollywood A-Listers are soaking up the sun for their energy? Read on to get the celeb scoop on who has gone solar.
Tags: Celebrities, Home Solar Energy Systems, In the news, Solar Panels
You’ve heard about “walking on sunshine”, but what about “driving on sunshine”? Why not use rooftop solar panels to charge your Tesla? Up your green game by doubling down on your fight against climate change and rising retail energy prices. Plus charging your Tesla with solar is much cleaner than charging it with natural gas or coal. It’s clearly a concept that Tesla founder Elon Musk is embracing with Tesla’s acquisition of largest U.S. solar installer.
Tags: In the news, Solar Energy, Solar Power, Tesla Model S
The world watched as the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics kicked off reminding the world that the lungs of the earth are being suffocated with carbon dioxide. Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest -- the world's largest air purifier -- ratified its position to the 3.3 billion viewers of the Rio opening ceremony.
PACE Financing may see its day in the sun after all - providing solar for all. The Obama administration along with The Housing and Urban Development, The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued new, expanded guidance aimed at providing solar access to millions of homeowners. The Clean Energy for All Initiative expands access to clean energy to more homeowners than ever before. Middle class families, Veterans and Low-Income homeowners through Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE). PACE already provides homeowners in California access to reliable and affordable financing. Now, PACE is beginning to expand to Florida homeowners. Eligible home improvements include rooftop home solar panels, impact windows, HVAC systems and other hurricane fortification.
Tags: Industry News, PACE Financing
In Hawaii, Aloha means hello and goodbye. Hawaii Utility Regulators (HPUC) issued an order on Friday that outright rejected Florida Power & Light (FPL) parent company Nextera Energy’s bid to buy Hawaii Electric Industries (HEI), Hawaii’s largest utility. The long awaited decision affirms Hawaii’s commitment to customer choice and clean energy. While Nextera will forfeit $90 million exiting the deal plus an additional $5 million in expense reimbursements. The biggest loss -- Pride.
Tags: Industry News, utility rates