In the Midwest, especially right here in the tri-state area, we are no stranger to hot and humid summers. For many homeowners, the summer is often the most expensive time of the year in terms of electricity bills. Days are longer, the weather is warmer, kids are out of school, and many of us are still working from home. This has increased our overall usage and has made air conditioning more essential to our daily lives.
Luckily, it’s 2021 and you no longer have to forgo comfort for cost. Solar energy turns your roof into your own emissions-free power plant allowing you to go green – and save green. There are other home energy efficiency projects that can save you a few pennies here or there, but with the federal solar tax credit still at 26% until 2023 – none of those projects will come close to the savings you can achieve by going solar. Here are a few reasons why going solar before the end of summer makes more sense.
Take advantage of the Sun and reap your savings faster
Along with the increased number of sunny days in the summertime, the days are also longer meaning more hours of sunlight per day.
Longer summer days means more time for your solar panels to absorb sunlight and produce electricity. And that means more money in your pocket.
In addition, many utility companies will buy back the excess energy your system produces in exchange for ‘credits’ on your electric bill. This is called net metering. If you get installed before the end of summer, you have more opportunity to collect credits which can help offset your bill during the less sunny months.
And you’ll also save long term.
The demand for electricity increases in the summer… and so do your rates. Instead of being subjected to volatile, rising electricity rates with your utility company – you can own your power. The future of the electric grid is uncertain, but we do know the sun will continue to rise every day.
When you consider how much you will spend on electricity with your utility company in the future, going solar is a no-brainer.
Peak Installation Time
As the demand for solar continues to grow each year, solar companies and utility companies alike are having troubles keeping pace. For solar companies, that means longer install times due to busy schedules; and for utility companies, that means it is taking longer for to get interconnection approval.
On top of interconnection with your utility company, we will most likely need to get permits with your city and/or county to be able to install. Depending on where you live, the time this takes can vary from as little as a few days to a few months (you can contact us to find out more about the process in your area).
All-in-all, there is no ‘bad’ time of the year to go solar, but if there is a best time it is NOW. You’ll begin to reap the benefits of producing your own energy regardless of the time of year you are installed. Although, as previously mentioned, it is important to keep in mind that increasing demand often means longer installation timelines. With the federal tax credit set to expire at the end of 2023 – this is not a project you’ll want to put off. Call our office today to speak with one of our solar experts and see how much you can save.