Fear can be the driver of many decisions. Sometimes fear is our friend and plays the role of the voice of reason, reminding you of all the logical reasons why something is a bad idea. But sometimes fear can act like a blind spot, haplessly positioned right between you and your better interests.
For those trapped by their dependency of the utility company for electricity, fear can prevent them from a much better alternative that exists. Renewable energy has come a long way over the past 10–15 years, but homeowners still paying these old world companies to power their homes are often left in the dark about how easy and effective it would be to make the switch. Because of this, these fears are never addressed and this often leads to the delays—or worse—prevention of one of the most economical and eco-friendly decisions they’ll ever make.
Don’t let this happen to you. If you are a homeowner afraid of going solar, read on as I address some of the most common fears and concerns standing in the way of you and energy independence.
“I don’t think I can afford it.”
This might just be the most common fear. What if I go solar and can’t afford the payments? Ironically, the fact that you can afford your utility bill alone is proof you can afford the payments, because the bulk of your utility costs will be replaced by the system cost. So how do you get electricity while you’re paying for the system? From the solar panels! That is the whole point! You are paying for the materials to produce energy for free that you can keep for decades.
“Will solar panels damage my roof?”
We never authorize an installation without first inspecting your roof. If your roof needs work, we do provide roofing services as well. Also note, the solar panels are protected by a 25 year warranty, and even the part of the roof that the panels are installed are covered for up to 5 years as well. How is that for peace of mind?
“I don’t want to change the look of my house.”
When we design your system, we need to account for how much sun you’re getting each day, the position of the home, and the amount of energy you’re going to need from the panels. Once these facts are on the table, we can discuss the best way to make solar work for you, based on your preferences. Some homeowners are loud and proud about their system and want it visible to the street, while others prefer to be more discreet. All options will be considered. We also provide ground mounts if you have ample room near the home for the installation.
“What if the system doesn’t work?”
As mentioned previously, all installations come with a solid 25 year warranty. They are also equipped with convenient 24/7 panel-to-panel monitoring so that you always stay on track with your energy production. If you ever have trouble or need assistance, our Customer Service Department is here during normal business hours to help you get everything back on track.
“As soon as I get solar, a better system will be available.”
Although it is true that technology is improving, these improvements can be tracked every couple of years, not every month. Technology doesn’t move that fast. Just think of your TV. Did it become obsolete once you bought it, or did you continue to use it for 5, 10, or 15 years before replacing it? Of course you kept using it, and it likely reserved most or all of its value even as you replaced it. Solar works in the same way, but only better. This is because unlike TVs, solar energy systems are designed to increase in value with time. When you pay off your balance, you’re left with virtually no cost month-to-month. You will only have to pay a meager fee for grid connectivity and whatever extra energy you take from the grid. So solar is the gift that keeps on giving. And the sooner you install, the sooner you will produce your own energy for free.
See Part 2 of "Addressing Fears of Going Solar" here.
by Ged Friedman