Understanding the basics of solar and if your home is a good candidate before you start talking to companies is a good way to streamline your solar process and be prepared to ask the right questions.
Congratulations, you’re interested in going solar! However, having an interest in moving your home or business to solar is only the first step. At Renova Energy, our Coachella Valley solar installation team believes it is important to ask yourself a few questions before deciding if solar panel installation is right for you. Ask yourself the following questions before deciding if solar is right for you and whether a purchase or lease option would be best:
- Does Southern California Edison or Imperial Irrigation District Provide Your Electricity?
Through their solar program, Southern California Edison (SCE) allows residents to save money on their electric bills when they switch to solar. However, Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) program is structured differently. Until IID changes its program policies, residents cannot save substantial money there.
The short answer: If you utilize Edison utilities, going solar can help you save money right away!
- How Long Will I Live in My Current Home?
If you do not plan to live in your current home for more than 10 years, it may be more advantageous for you to lease a system. If you plan to live in your home for more than 10 years, it would be wise to purchase a solar panel system. Your savings can pay for your entire system in five to eight years.
The short answer: Purchase a system if you will live in your home for at least 10 years. Lease a system if you plan to stay less than 10 years.
- Are My Bills High Enough to Justify Purchasing/Leasing a Solar Panel System?
If you pay an average of $125 or more per month on electrical utilities, solar can help you save you money right away. Of course, in the Coachella Valley, most residents’ utility bills well exceed the $125 monthly threshold due to scorching hot summers and chilly winters.
The short answer: Generally, moving to solar will help Coachella Valley residents save money.
- Do I Live in an HOA Community, and Do Other Homes in My Community Have Solar?
If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association, it is important to speak with your HOA board to discuss permissions for switching your home to solar. Next, if there are no other homes with solar, you still may be able to switch to solar, but you may need to involve your HOA board to discuss issues such as shared roofs, multi-story units, and roof warranty assigning.
The short answer: Speak with your HOA board about permissions for solar panel installation.
Renova Energy is Right for You
Not all solar companies and solar panels are the same. As most know, the Coachella Valley is a harsh environment, making it crucial to choose solar panels that can stand the heat, as well as a solar installation company that understands the various intricacies of solar panel placement and installation. Power. At Renova Energy, our solar installation team only use top-of-the-line products.
Renova Energy Use SunPower Panels for Maximum Efficiency
At Renova Energy, our Coachella Valley solar installation team installs SunPower panels for all our client’s homes and businesses. As an American company, SunPower panels are the most efficient panels in the industry, so our clients can purchase or lease fewer panels for maximum power.
With SunPower panels, electricity is conducted on the back of the panel with copper. Other less efficient panels conduct electricity on the front with a screen-printed metal paste that breaks down over time as it expands and contracts as it heats up and cools down.
You can compare warranties at this point as well, including details like parts, labor, and shipping in addition to the length of the warranty. Those details could matter down the road. Remember, it’s a decision that will be in effect for 20 years if you lease your system, and up to 40 years if you purchase a system, as that is the expected life of SunPower panels.
Ready to move your home to solar? Contact our Coachella Valley solar installation team today. We are ready to help you save today!
