With an increasing desire for renewable energy, many California residents are asking if they should switch to solar energy to save on electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. But solar panel price in California is often an intimidating proposition, as the cost to install / purchase varies from home to home. Lucky for you, there are a few ways to lower these costs and still benefit from the generation of solar over the long term. Here are seven unexpected ways you can save on the solar panels cost in California.
1. Take Advantage of State Incentives and Rebates
California has a reputation for being a strong renewable energy advocate. There are plenty of financial incentives to install solar panels for a household. Both the California Solar Initiative (CSI) and federal offers are among the most recognizable incentives. These incentives can offset a substantial portion of the price of solar in CA and drive down your total out-of-pocket cost for a system. And make sure to explore programs and apply for rebates that can help reduce your upfront costs.
2. Opt for a Solar Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
If you can’t afford to buy a home solar panel set-up outright, also try a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). These give you the ability to put up solar with minimal or no up-front investment because either you lease your system from a company or enter into an agreement to purchase that power at a fixed rate. You won’t own the system in these instances, but it can be a way to get solar panel cosin t in California down without sacrificing your access to solar energy.
3. Shop Around for Multiple Quotes
Solar installers do not all charge the same rates, and comparing estimates from a few different companies can help you find the best deal. Some may discount or have pricing systems that are more friendly to your budget. When you are reviewing quotes, ask about the efficiency of the system, how long the warranty is on both labor and equipment, as well as any other costs that may be included. When you compare providers, you’re able to not only find an installer with value for money, but also someone who has the best products in your price range.
4. Choose the Right Size System for Your Home
One way you can keep your solar panel cost in California reasonable is by determining a system size that’s the right fit for your home’s energy requirements. Although it may be tempting to put in a larger system, a smaller system can efficiently power all the electricity you require for your home at a lower cost overall. Also, look at how much power you use around the house . Make sure you buy a system that covers your needs, not one that is more than they need and want to wear blindage.
5. Install Solar Panels During the Off-Season
Solar panel rates are subject to change during the year and are more cost-effective in the off-season, when demands tend to be a lot less. Solar usually reaches its high season during the spring and summer in California. By looking into your house solar panel installations over the fall or winter, you could potentially find discounts or lower installation costs.
6. Financing Options Can Lower Your Upfront Cost
There are a number of solar providers with flexible financing options, such as low-interest loans and no-money-down plans. Solar panel cost in California does not have to be a difficult thing to afford, especially when you can finance your solar panel cost over time, thus easing and spreading this solar power upfront payment out. With financing, yo u can divide up the installation cost to assist with immediate savings on your electricity bills.
Simply Solar provides multiple financing options, so homeowners can make the switch to solar without breaking the bank. Their stakeholder seal with clients to get the best financing options for their pocket.
7. Maximize Your Energy Efficiency Before Installing
Before buying a solar panel for your home, it may be worth your time to think about making your home more energy efficient overall. Adding energy-efficient appliances, better insulation, and draft sealing can lower the amount of power you need to begin with, so you’ll need fewer panels. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com By lowering your house’s need for energy, you will decrease the size of the system and save on solar panel costs in California.
Conclusion
The price of solar panels in California may sound like a lot, but there are several ways to lower the upfront investment in order to make solar more affordable. By taking advantage of state-based incentives, shopping around for multiple quotes, and exploring financing options, you can greatly reduce these costs. What’s more, selecting the correct system size, installing your solar during an off-season period, a nd making your home more energy efficient can all help make your solar installation more affordable. You can’t transition to clean if you take the right approach.
