Does a solar panel investment add value to my home?

solar panel investment

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Homeowners considering a solar panel investment frequently wonder if it’s going to be worth it if they ever have to sell their home. The energy benefits and financial benefits are quite apparent when you’re living in the home and using the power, but what happens when you need to sell, are you then out the cost of your solar system? On the contrary, investing wisely in a robust solar installation can add considerable value to the resale value of your home.

Solar Panel Investment Is A Smart Move

A study from real estate data giant Zillow that ran from March 2018 through February 2019 showed that solar panel investment has a definite impact on the average sale price of the home. Aggregating data from listings during that period, Zillow found that homes with solar power systems sold for an average of about 4% more than comparable homes without solar panels. For the average home, this can mean a difference of $10,000 or more on the final price of a home, roughly equal to the average real estate agent’s commission.

Why Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

In most locations, especially in states such as Kansas and Missouri, the options for municipal power utilities are incredibly limited. Frequently, residents only have a single option for providing power to their home and property, often in the form of an electric cooperative or a large power utility company. Not only does this mean there is little to no competition for rates, but it also means you are stuck with whatever policies and services that the company has in place.

Homes that have an established solar power system can remain relatively independent from the grid, often generating all the power the home needs during the day. Those without battery storage will often revert to grid power overnight while the panels aren’t producing, and those with battery integration can store excess power for times when it’s needed. This choice of greener and more readily available electricity can be a powerful factor potential buyers consider, and it can demand a premium price when the time comes to eventually sell the home.

Solar Power Can Insulate Your Home From Energy Cost Inflation

Just like with everything else, the power that your home rents from the grid gets more expensive with each passing year. While some years energy costs can remain relatively steady, or increase only marginally, there are times when your energy costs will spike. This can happen seasonally in some areas, or simply as a matter of doing business with giant energy corporations.

By investing in your home’s ability to generate most or all of the power it needs daily, you help take that power of influence away from the power companies. You no longer rely on them to give you what you need at a price you’re more or less “stuck” paying since you’ve made a smart investment in solar energy.

You Don’t Need To Pay For Your Investment All At Once

Many homeowners are nervous about moving to solar power because they envision a monumental installation and setup cost. In most cases, however, the homeowner can finance the cost of their solar system over terms that range from 5 years up to 30 years. Often, this factor alone is enough to show the average homeowner that becoming more energy-independent doesn’t have to devastate their finances.

Barrett Solar Can Help You With Your Solar Panel Investment

If you feel like it might be time to cut ties with the grid, or just take the first step toward cheaper power for your home, contact Barrett Solar for a free quote. They can help ensure that you make the right solar panel investment to add value and functionality to your home, both now and long into the future.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels. You can let the rain or snow take care of that for you. If something does happen, you will have manufacturer warranties on all equipment installed by Barrett Solar.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Kansas?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Kansas the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. If you are a business in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Missouri?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Missouri the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. Evergy in Missouri, Columbia power and Ameren have notable rebates available. If you are a business owner in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What are my solar financing options?

Barrett Solar offers two options to finance your solar panel system. You can purchase your system in cash or take advantage of our zero down, low APR financing options. We have a lot of different options to choose from. 

What happens if my solar panels are damaged with hail or by a large storm?

Generally it takes very large hail or a major storm to damage your solar panel system. After you go solar you will want to make sure your homeowners insurance policy has enough coverage to replace any of your panels that may be damaged in a heavy storm.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of a solar panel system will depend on many factors, including the size of the system, the equipment, and the financing method. A solar panel system should be viewed as a major home upgrade, and because every home is different it is never good to base an idea of what something should cost off a ballpark figure found on the internet. Barrett Solar offers completely free no obligation solar proposals, and in most cases we can give you an accurate quote with just your historical energy usage data.

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Tyler Blanchard

Founder & CEO

Tyler is the CEO of Barrett Solar.

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