Upfront Information To Know Before Going Solar

Well, it looks like the New Year is well under way because, believe it or not, February is almost over! Here at Alt E Wind & Solar the phones have been ringing off the hook since many incentives offered by utility companies have renewed. One of the things we love best about our jobs here is the opportunity to educate our prospective clients about everything involved in “going solar” so they are well equipped to make the decision that best suits their needs and, therefore, successfully fulfill their goals. In the process of fielding all these calls with so many great questions, we have come to see a general pattern in the things that people tend to ask, or want to discuss as they are getting started with the process. Below is a list of things to ask yourself, or consider if you are seriously thinking about taking the plunge. Once you have a handle on these preliminary questions and topics, then it will be easy to get the ball rolling!

1. Are you looking to fully eliminate your electricity bill or just offset it?
2. What is the last 12 months of kWh (kilowatt-hour) usage for your home? You have to get this information from the last 12 months of your electric bill or simply call your utility service provider.
3. What is your budget? Financing can be an option.
4. Does your roof have good southern exposure?
5. Do you have any open land for a ground mount system if your roof is not optimal?
6. Do you have a lot of mature trees that may obstruct the sun? Shade is the enemy of optimally functioning solar panels.
7. What incentives or rebates does your utility company offer? If you forgot to ask them this question when you had them on the phone, don’t worry, Alt E has a great handle on most utility programs and can answer that question when you call.
8. Did you know the Federal government will provide a 26% tax credit (as of Jan. 1st, 2020) for the cost of you solar system? This is a dollar for dollar reduction to your Federal tax liability, which means that the IRS essentially pays for 26% of your solar system!
9. Did you know 95% of today’s solar systems are tied to the electric grid? Alt E, however, can design either an off grid OR hybrid system with battery backup. Both of these are a more expensive option but new technology coming in the near future promises to bring these prices down.
10. Important to know that your installation company should take care of all necessary design requirements, engineering and permitting requirements as well as all required electric utility paperwork.
11. Did you know the state of Colorado prohibits homeowner’s associations from restricting the installation of solar panels? CLICK HERE if you would like to review the state statute.
12. Did you know solar panels can withstand high winds and hail very well and also come with a 25 year warranty?
13. Were you aware that solar panels require little to no maintenance?
14. And….last but not least, a new solar system will generate a risk free, average annual return on investment of 10-20% over the lifetime of the system!

Again, these are just preliminary questions and topics but doing some research and finding more in-depth information will help a great deal in making your decision and then moving forward. We would, however, love to hear from you should you have any more questions or would like general pricing information over the phone. Should you have further interest, the next step would be for us to set up a sight analysis and then put together a proposal with all the specific information you would need in order to get the job done. We are always here to help so please, don’t hesitate to give us a call today and see what we can do for you!

Please check out our website at www.altewindandsolar.com and our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alt-E-Wind-Solar-Ltd/196202797091314 or give us a call at 970.482.SOLAR (7652).