Consumer Reports: Now Is Time To Go Solar!

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

Originally published on Solar Love.

Consumer Reports says, “There has probably never been a better time to switch to solar.” That’s because the cost of a residential solar system today is about the same as purchasing an economy car. Just as that car can help “pay for itself” because of lower operating costs, a residential system can also “pay for itself” by lowering utility bills over its useful life.

Residential Solar System

Chip in a few dollars a month to help support independent cleantech coverage that helps to accelerate the cleantech revolution!

In the United States today, there is a federal tax incentive in place. It is a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of the system. Various state and local incentives may apply as well. However, they vary widely across the country, with California offering the highest and some states like Rhode Island offering none.

Then there are utility and regulatory policies to consider as well. In some parts of the country, homeowners can sell their excess electricity back to the local grid at market rates. In others, the so-called “net metering” rate is quite a bit less. In still other jurisdictions, there isn’t a requirement for utilities to pay anything for the excess power.

Overall, residential solar power is on the rise, growing 60% in 2015. There is now one new domestic solar installation in America every 100 seconds.

Consumer Reports urges people not to wait. Right now may be the sweet spot for customers who want to add a solar system to their homes. While the cost of photovoltaic panels has come down dramatically in recent years, that trend is flattening out. Some state and local incentives are set to expire soon, and the utility industry is actively trying to limit the amount it pays for rooftop solar energy. People who act now will likely be grandfathered in if changes occur.

Where to begin? Consumer Reports recommends buying rather than leasing a system, to save the most money. Interested homeowners can go to various free online services, like Cost of Solar and EnergySage, to get cost estimates and savings estimates, and then get connected with local installers in their area.

Up until now, people who waited to get rooftop solar have saved a little money by doing so. But the window of opportunity may be closing. When Consumer Reports says the time to take action is now, it is not just sales hype. Check out the sites above today to find out how much you could save with a residential solar system.

Best States for solar power
Consumers Reports says the 31 states shown in white are the ones where residents should definitely consider a home solar system now.

Related:

What Is The Current Cost Of Solar Panels?

Solar & Wind Power Prices Often Lower Than Fossil Fuel Power Prices

Is This The Best Solar Chart Yet?

Solar Power Prices Already Low — Are Breakthroughs Even Needed?

Solar Power Pros And Cons: Is Solar Power Worth It?

Images by Consumer Reports


Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest CleanTechnica TV Video


Advertisement
 
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.

Steve Hanley

Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Florida or anywhere else The Force may lead him. He is proud to be "woke" and doesn't really give a damn why the glass broke. He believes passionately in what Socrates said 3000 years ago: "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new." You can follow him on Substack and LinkedIn but not on Fakebook or any social media platforms controlled by narcissistic yahoos.

Steve Hanley has 5456 posts and counting. See all posts by Steve Hanley