Are you considering solar in Arlington, Texas?
With over 3 million solar panel installations in the US, it’s easy to see there is a growing trend for solar energy. But if you’re new to solar, you might not know if it’s right for your home or what you need to consider.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for these 4 things to know when you’re thinking about Arlington solar.
- Is Your Roof Suitable?
For solar panels in Arlington TX, there are peak sunlight hours for a fixed tilt set up of 5.1 hours a day. For a 2-axis tilt, it’s 8.3 hours a day.
Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to function but they will generate more energy. And Arlington can provide that sunlight boost you need.
Your solar panels will work best on roofs that measure over 200 square feet. It must also be free from obstructions like chimneys, as well as trees that cast shadows onto it.
The ideal direction a house should face is south, southeast or southwest. These directions produce more solar energy, but it’s not a necessity for panels to work well.
- What’s the Initial Cost?
The initial cost of installing solar panels in Arlington can indeed be high. But, although it’s a high cost, the payback period is short because of the savings you make on energy bills.
There are also government incentives to make use of which we will discuss further down. Another bonus is buyers find homes that already have solar panels more desirable. As such, they command higher prices on the housing market.
With advances in technology and solar becoming more popular, prices have decreased. In Arlington, TX this puts the average cost of a solar installation at between $11,348 and $15,352.
- What Government Incentives Are There?
The first incentive is that you can claim a federal tax credit of up to 26% of the installation cost in 2020-2022. By 2023, this goes down to 22%. This means a dollar-to-dollar reduction in your income tax.
There are some state credits and incentives to make use of too. In the state of Texas alone, there are 123 policies and incentives for renewable energy in place. Check the Database of State Incentives to see what you can get for your Arlington solar project.
- What Maintenance Do They Need?
How much maintenance do they need? Well, once installed, they need almost no maintenance at all. All you need to do is make sure they stay clean, and nothing obstructs them with shade.
If you have a system on a tilted roof it will need less cleaning, the rain helps to wash off any dirt and debris. Another good thing is solar panels have a long lifespan. They can last between 25-40 years.
- Did You Shop Around?
Before you sign up with anyone, make sure you’ve researched the company and shopped around. It might be tempting to pick the first company you see, to start rolling in the savings, but it’s not a good idea.
Look around and always consider a local solar provider. As they work in a community they live in, they’re more likely to do a great job and maintain a good reputation. But you still want to look at online reviews and ask for testimonials from previous clients.
At the very least, you want to speak with 3 contractors. Compare reviews, prices, and how they make you feel as you speak with them. At the end of the day, you should only pick a provider who makes you comfortable.
Arlington Solar: All You Need to Know
So, there you have it! Now you know these 5 things to consider about Arlington solar energy, you can decide if it’s suitable for you.
Consider your roof type and house orientation. You also need to think of the initial cost, even with incentives compared to the savings you can make on bills. If it all checks out, then get out there and find your perfect Arlington solar provider.
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