The high price of solar panels leads many New Hampshire residents to ask us, “Is solar worth it?”. On one hand, solar energy requires certain conditions to perform at its best. Many people ask us questions like “Do solar lights need direct sunlight?”, and “Do solar panels work in snow?”. On the other hand, there are many economic benefits of solar energy, including New Hampshire solar incentives.
It’s smart to sort out the pros and cons of any big investment. There are many less-than-stellar companies that latch onto trends and use them to promote scams. By staying aware of these, it’s easier to make a well-informed decision that results in a solar system that gives you a return on your investment.
The Cause of Solar Skepticism: Shady Marketing Tactics
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, are not free. Too many scams out there are promising instant tax rebates and offering free solar panels as a way to pressure potential customers. Tax credits vary from state to state and require evaluation to see if you qualify.
Any company that has to heavily convince people to use their product (whether it exists or not) is not one to be trusted. Always avoid companies that come to your door or call you out of the blue persuading you to buy something.
Other solar marketing practices can condescend and turn people off. For example, a Solon ad from 10 years ago used the phrase “Don’t leave the planet to the stupid”. They quickly retracted that campaign, likely because it was a little rude to their prospective customers.
Make sure to research any solar company you’re working with before you give them your money to avoid scams. There are plenty of great solar companies out there, and becoming an educated consumer will help you find them.
Is Solar Worth It?
Solar is definitely worth it if you treat it as an investment. Try not to go for the cheapest option that sounds too good to be true. Keep in mind that solar panels require care and maintenance. If you skimp on that maintenance, solar panels may not work the way you want them to.
There are plenty of reputable solar installers in New Hampshire. We here at Energy Shield have been in the business for over 40 years, and we focus on creating energy-efficient homes that remain high-performance for decades.
If your home is in the right environment for solar panels, they will provide more than enough power. You might even generate excess power, allowing you to use net metering programs to save on energy bills. When you work with a reputable solar installer, they’ll inspect your home and estimate the panel quantity and placement needed for maximum energy.
Do Solar Panels Work in Snow?
Winters in New Hampshire are bitterly cold. What happens if the solar panels are covered in snow and the shorter days allow for less sunlight? Do solar panels work in snow? Don’t worry- even if you utilize PV energy in the cold, you’ll have enough energy.
This is because snow melts more quickly on panels, and the sun still shines through any remaining snow. Winter sunshine is equally as bright as summer sunlight, and the colder temperatures actually assist it in capturing enough energy to compensate for the lost light hours. In the cold, electrons have lesser energy, and high-energy sunshine causes a big fluctuation in voltage, which kickstarts even more power.
Do Solar Lights Need Direct Sunlight?
Solar batteries also store their energy as they collect it. When sunlight is lacking, they can use what’s in store. That is how solar energy works even when the sun goes down.
Many people ask us, “Do solar lights need direct sunlight?” If you’ve got solar-powered lights, they should work on their stored energy. They need direct sunlight to charge up, but once charged, they’ll work in the dark or in the light. Indirect sunlight or shady areas can still collect energy, but not as much as direct light, so keep that in mind as you power up your solar lights.
Economic Benefits of Solar Energy
The expense of going solar is a major deterrent for many people. When you’re on a budget and unclear about the return on your investment, a PV system might be difficult to justify.
Many companies provide solar energy system financing, which may make the initial cost more manageable. PV system owners often receive a return on their investment in two to three years. The solar investment usually pays for itself by the seventh year. This can accumulate with lower energy costs, net metering programs, and solar panel tax credits.
PV systems also raise the value of a home. According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, your home would likely sell for almost $14,000 more with solar panels. Your home will be more appealing because the next residents will benefit from the same savings that you did with good solar panels.
New Hampshire Solar Incentives
If you want to quickly qualify for New Hampshire solar incentives, engage with a reputable company so you can apply and get authorized for everything before the installation begins. Keep in mind that tax breaks can expire, so always stay updated and be realistic on what you’ll qualify for year to year.
Solar panel tax credits and New Hampshire solar incentives come in a variety of forms. The Investment Tax Credit might help you save up to 26% on the initial cost of your PV system. You can save 30% on your energy costs, or $200 per kilowatt up to $1,000 with the Residential Renewable Electrical Generation Rebate Program. You’ll also save money on property taxes in over 80 New Hampshire communities since you won’t have to pay for the value your PV system adds to your home.
So is solar worth it? It’s up to you! If you want to be more eco-friendly, start a relationship with a trusted solar service, and make an investment now to save in the long run, a PV system may be your best choice.
