Residential Solar Panels: What to Know About Solar Panels for Your Home

questions homeowner solar california

You may have heard a lot about residential solar panels over the past few years.  Shiny black panels have been popping up on rooftops in communities across the country over the past decade.  Here in California, homeowners are switching to solar power at an impressive rate as individuals and policy-makers alike opt for clean energy solutions.  While the idea of going green is appealing to most of us, the financial investment makes us want to take a closer look at what is really involved.  Is solar power all that it’s hyped up to be? 

5 Questions Solar Customers Ask

Do solar panels really pay for themselves?

Here’s good news: yes, they do!  What’s even better news: panels installed in Northern California pay for themselves faster than those in most other areas of the country.  PG&E rates rise dramatically each year.  This means that every moment that you are not using the grid, you keep money in your pocket.  That adds up very quickly in our sun-drenched region, which sees an average of 260 days of sunshine per year.  Local homeowners have seen their investment return between 7 and 13 years.

Will solar panels affect my real estate market value?

Rooftop solar installations can increase your home value significantly.  In 2019, Bay Area homes with solar panel systems sold for 4.4% more than those without.  Beginning in 2020, newly constructed homes were mandated by the state of California to include solar power, making solar panels a new standard. Having panels on your home can keep your home competitive when the time comes for you to sell.

Will I still be reliant on the public utility grid?

How much your home relies on the public grid is up to you.  While some households enjoy taking advantage of the savings generated by net-metering programs, others prefer to store their excess solar energy in battery back-up systems.  These batteries allow you to draw from stored energy after the sun has set.  Another major advantage is that your home becomes immune to emergency outages or blackouts.

How long will solar installation take? 

A good solar installation team (like the one at Synergy Power) will work with you during the design stage until you have settled on a solar panel system that will meet your energy goals.  After that, the actual construction takes only a few days from start to finish.  Having qualified installation technicians with roofing experience ensures that speed does not come at the expense of stability.

Does solar energy really make a difference?

The benefits are not limited to utility savings and increased property valuations.  The reality is that going solar doesn’t only improve your house or your standard of living; it also improves your community and the natural environment around you.  When you generate your own electricity, you stop contributing to the strain that is placed on your local public utility grid.  And reducing our reliance on fossil fuels has tremendous ecological benefits that stretch far into the future.

At Synergy, We’ve Got Answers

We have over 16 years of experience in solar installation and maintenance. We help our customers feel confident about making the switch to solar.  Our informative team prides itself on personal and professional customer service, making sure you have a positive experience from start to finish.  

Talk to us today. We’re ready to help answer any questions you have about a solar panel system, and find one that works for you.