Homeowners enjoy both short- and long-term benefits when they invest in solar roofing. The choice to switch to advanced solar technology leads to decreased energy expenses. Plus, it contributes to home value, tax benefits and energy independence. Further, solar energy is a safe, clean, reliable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like gas and coal.
If you’re ready to explore solar power for your house, keep reading this guide to solar roofing learn more about the benefits you’ll enjoy.
How Do Solar Roofs Work?
A solar roof supplies energy to your home via the sun. The system involves various parts, working to power your electricity, heating and cooling. Because the sun usually shines for several hours throughout the day, you can store additional energy to use in emergencies. There’s also a chance to sell that excess energy to your local power supplier in exchange for credits on your power bill.
Over time, solar panels will help you save money. This technology has improved leaps and bounds in the past few decades — but the way it works has remained the same. It’s a multi-step process with a few essential features to note.
1. The Solar Cells
Every solar panel has dozens of solar, or photovoltaic, cells within it. The solar cells in your solar panels absorb photons from sun rays. Those photons then release electrons from the atoms inside the solar cells, creating an electric flow. Each cell has a positive and negative layer. While the top layer has a negative charge from phosphorus, the bottom layer has a positive charge thanks to boron. These combined elements turn sun rays into a direct energy current as the energy flows from the panels to the inverter.
2. The Inverter
The inverter is a necessary component of solar energy technology. Once the electric current reaches the inverter, it becomes usable energy. The inverter converts the energy from a direct current to an alternating current. As the name suggests, direct current electricity flows in only one direction. Meanwhile, alternating current electricity flows in both directions and is the type of electricity homes and businesses use and the utility grid transports.
3. The Breaker Box
After the inverter has converted the energy into alternating current, it travels to your breaker box. From there, it can circulate through your home, powering your appliances and electronics. Any energy you don’t use will travel back to the utility meter, where it remains available. Depending on where you live, you may be able to return the unused energy to the electric grid, earning you credits on your next power bill through a process called net metering.
You can also store excess energy in a solar battery, which is helpful due to solar power’s nature. During the sunniest parts of the day, you may collect more energy needed. With a solar battery, you can use that energy while your panels can’t collect new energy, such as at night or on a rainy day.
Benefits of Switching to Solar Roofing
A switch to solar has many benefits for you, your community and the environment. This decision helps you financially in the long term, while also creating a more sustainable world.
If you’re considering making a change, you should think about the advantages.
1. Contributes to a Cleaner, Safer and Healthier Environment
You’ve likely heard before that alternative energy solutions will help create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. That’s because energy sources like solar reduce the harmful carbon and pollutants in the environment. These setups don’t emit greenhouse gases at all, so you can do your part to mitigate climate change. As a result, you help work toward a planet that’s healthier for all.
2. Offers the Best Long-Term Reliability
Compared to other alternative energy sources, you should note that solar may just be the most reliable. The power gained from the sun is more consistent and dependable than power from any other source. In fact, variations by location and season are slight. The U.S.’ southwest region receives about 5.75 kilowatt-hours per meter-squared of sun each day. The country’s northernmost areas receive the least sun, at about four kilowatt-hours per meter-squared daily.
In July, the U.S.’s sun exposure exceeds 5.75. In January, the amount is closer to four. Therefore, the greatest possible variation is only about two kilowatt-hours. As a result, residents will have access to the sun no matter where they live — and the sun isn’t going anywhere any time soon. It’s a finite resource.
3. Decreases Your Monthly Costs
A solar roof allows you to generate energy for your home, which will decrease your monthly electricity expenses. Keep in mind that how much you’ll save depends on how much energy your home uses and the demand on your local grid. Take a look at your electric bill. If you see a high number, you’ll likely enjoy more significant savings with solar panels.
4. Allows You to Earn Tax Credits and Other Incentives
A solar roof can allow you to earn federal tax credits, which can be a major financial benefit. Federal, state and local governments incentivize alternative energy use because it serves the environment and helps create a sustainable economy. Homeowners can enjoy these incentives, reducing the taxes they owe.
Check local and state laws to see if you qualify for any other incentive programs. In some states, you can enjoy further tax credits on your state taxes. Depending on where you live, you may also experience these other financial advantages:
- Solar renewable energy certificates (SERCs): In some states, utility companies have to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from solar power. They’ll buy the SERCs your system produces to count towards this requirement, helping you earn hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Performance-based incentives (PBIs): If you live in a state that offers PBIs, you can make money from each kilowatt-hour your solar system generates. This incentive will earn you a set amount since it doesn’t depend on a secondary market.
- Tax exemptions: In some areas, solar panels won’t count towards your property tax assessment. Though your property value increases thanks to your solar system, your property tax bill will stay the same. That’s true for North Carolina homeowners who use solar for residential purposes.
- Cash rebates: You may be able to claim cash rebates from your state, municipality, utility company or another organization. These rebates will reduce your solar system’s costs, maximizing your savings. Be careful about timing, as some companies offer rebates each year on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Investigate the legislation in your state and area while looking for rebate programs. If you enroll in several incentive programs, your solar investment will be more beneficial. Additionally, watch for any new federal legislation that may increase solar’s benefits for homeowners.
5. Contributes to Your Home Value
A solar roof is a desirable and sought-after feature for home buyers. Investing in solar contributes to your home’s value the same way adding a pool, granite countertops or stainless steel appliances does. Solar panels are significant home upgrades, and buyers are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars in premiums for a home with a solar system.
Houses with solar panels also sell faster than those without them. That’s a major benefit, as sitting with a home on the market can be a huge financial and practical burden for a homeowner. A quicker sale means you can move on to the next chapter in your life. If you want to resell your home someday, consider investing in a solar roof. This move will attract more buyers, positioning your home to leave the market faster for a great price.
Solar is one of the best home upgrades you can choose, especially since it’ll never go out of style.
6. Allows for Energy Independence
One of the most significant benefits of solar roofs is energy independence. Every home needs a source of energy, and that energy usually comes from the grid. Your home can create its own power with solar panels, meaning you may need little or no energy from the grid. If you use a solar battery, you can also store electricity to use during low generation periods or blackouts. That’s added protection against natural disasters and market fluctuations.
Creating energy independence is beneficial for national security, as well. Energy generated within the U.S. means less reliance on imports, especially oil and petroleum. This process has meaningful, wide-scale implications. It means more substantial economic and political stability, and that the federal government can be more flexible during international relations.
When you join the solar market, your energy independence also helps other homeowners. Energy prices fluctuate with demand. During periods of high interest, like the hottest and coldest parts of the year, prices increase for everyone. Since your home creates its own energy, you decrease widespread demand. That concept can lead to lower energy prices for your neighbors, too.
7. Improves Financial Predictability
Energy independence through solar panels also improves financial predictability. When you buy solar panels, you can sign on for fixed loan rates, rather than paying fluctuating energy costs through the utility company. The cost of traditional electricity is unpredictable from year to year, depending on many different factors.
Some factors that affect traditional energy prices include:
- Unforeseen disruptions: In the fossil fuel and natural gas industry, unexpected disruptions can happen, including mining issues, transport accidents or natural disasters. When these events occur, supply diminishes, driving up costs.
- Political situations: Because these energy sources often come from overseas, complicated political conditions affect their availability. When political situations arise, prices can increase.
- High demand: Energy demand varies depending on factors like temperature. During a heatwave or cold front, homes require more energy to keep indoor temperatures stable. Increased demand across a state or region can also boost energy prices.
These are just a few of the reasons energy prices may spike without warning. When your home generates its own energy supply, you’re much less reliant on unpredictable prices, which can increase your financial stability. Homeowners benefit from knowing how much they’ll pay month-to-month and year-to-year. That’s especially true for those who want to engage in accurate long-term financial planning, which is challenging if you rely on traditional energy sources.
8. Lasts With Quality Installation and Warranty Coverage
Solar is a long-term investment that increases financial benefits over time. That’s why a high-quality installation is worth choosing. With professional installation and warranty coverage, your solar roof will last for many years to come. Panels that adhere to the roof deck prevent water leakage, so they’ll last through years of snow and rain.
Choose an installation company utilizing the most advanced solar panel technology and offering a dependable warranty. It’s also important to consider future roof repairs and replacements.
Is Getting a Solar Roof Worth It?
With so many advantages, a solar roof is worth the investment for homeowners. The benefits of solar roofs are multifaceted and complicated, depending on where you live, how you use energy and when you choose to invest. It’ll take a little math to see what solar can do for you.
Take the following questions into consideration:
- How do you use energy? Your current electric bill is the first place to look. The more you’re spending on energy consumption right now, the more you’ll save when you invest in solar. This number will determine how fast your solar investment will pay for itself.
- What incentives are available? Take a close look at any federal, state, local or utility company incentives you might enjoy. Search for tax credits and exemptions, SERCs, PBIs and rebates. See what financial incentives you can pursue — policies affecting these incentives vary, so keep an eye out.
- How much sunlight hits your roof? Think about the region you live in and the availability of sunlight on your roof. Partial shade is not a problem, but if tall trees surround your home, you may want to make changes before investing in solar. If your roof is bathing in sunlight, solar panels are a great option!
A solar roof is worth the investment, but some homeowners will see greater rewards than others. Do some research to see what a solar roof can do for you. Those who consume a lot of energy, are eligible for the best incentives and have sun-bathed roofs will benefit the most from a solar investment.
Learn About Our Solar Roofing Services
Installing a solar roof is a worthwhile investment for a homeowner, offering many short and long-term benefits. Solar roofs provide notable financial advantages, thanks to incentive programs, energy independence and increased home value. Solar power is also a clean, reliable and unlimited energy source. It’s a fantastic way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and contribute to increased national security. Its costs have better predictability from month to month and year to year, making financial planning easier.
If the benefits of a solar roof sound enticing to you, consider Scro’s Roofing. At Scro’s Roofing, we partner with GAF energy for the most advanced solar panel technology. GAF solar panels are direct-to-deck, creating a seamless, watertight effect. We also provide the best quality professional installation services, along with dependable warranty coverage. We’ll perform solar shingle repairs and replacements when needed.
To learn more about our solar roofing services, contact us today.
