Are Solar Panels Worth it?
Vineyards decorate the landscape as you step outside your new home to another perfect day. The sun is shinning and there is so much to do.
Welcome to Napa.
Making the move to this region is a big step in your life.
Movers Napa CA dropped you and your belongings at your new home, and you are settling in. Things are going great. Now, there is one more step to embracing this area of the country and helping save energy and the Earth at the same time.
Solar panels have been the hot thing for businesses to install these days, as the price per kilowatt-hour is now cost-effective. But homeowners are getting in on solar energy now, too.
Not only can you save money on your monthly electric bill, but you will be lowering your carbon footprint in a state that has its fair share of vehicles on the road.
Solar power is booming right now with many colleges across the nation switching to this eco-friendly energy source to power their buildings.
But in Napa, the big attraction for homeowners is that the cost-per-panel has dipped tremendously in the last few years.
Here is a look at some tips to see if installing solar panels in your new home is worth the cost:
THE AVERAGE PRICE
The average cost to install solar panels in the United States is about $12,000, after federal tax incentives, according to consumeraffairs.com
There are cheaper systems for about $5,000 and top models for about $40,000.
So the question is, what is right for you?
Looking at your electrical needs, the mid-range might be your best choice. Not only can you save more than $400 a year on your bill, but many panels have a long warranty. Now, you should keep in mind that only about a quarter of the price is the cost of the panels. The rest of the cost is for installation and parts.
FEDERAL AND STATE INCENTIVES
The Federal Solar Tax Credit is good for 26% of the system costs. But the time to get this tax credit is right now. By 2023, the credit dips to 22%.
In California, there are areas of the state that have their own tax incentives for installing a solar panel system.
SHOULD I INSTALL SOLAR PLANELS FOR MY NAPA HOME
With so much sun in this wine country region, it makes sense to install solar panels if you plan to live in the area for a number of years. Installing panels can add value to your home, too, which is always a plus!
Most American homes need about 30 panels to supply 100% of the energy they will need. Most panels are 5.5 feet by 3 feet, so consider the size of your roof when figuring out how many you will need, unless you’re intending on a yard installation.
Bottom line is this—there are three things to consider when thinking about taking the leap into solar panels:
1. The length of time you will stay in the area
2. What your current financial situation is
3. Where you live
But with Napa getting so much of that California sun, it probably makes sense to do the installation soon.
THE COST
The average 6-kilowat per hour system in California costs $15,240, with an average cost of $2.68 per watt for installation. The Federal Tax Credit is $3,825 for this system, according to comsumeraffairs.com.
On average, it will take between 9 and 12 years for the solar panels to pay for themselves.
CHOOSING THE BEST MOVER FOR YOU
If you are planning a move to the Napa area, the first thing you’ll want to do is hire the right moving services in Napa CA. Belfor Moving is a professional and reputable Napa moving company, ready to help you with your moving needs. Belfor is one of the top movers in Napa CA, and have been moving customers in the North Bay area for four decades. Click here for your free moving quote or give them a call at 415-892-1001. Because we are a partner of National Van Lines, we also offer long-distance moving options for most relocations!
Looking for more home improvement tips? Visit our partners at A2B Moving & Storage to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes at your new home!