Frequently Asked Questions
Most people have a lot of questions when it comes to solar. We've attempted to answer some of the most common questions here below. However, we recommend writing as many questions down as you can think of relating to solar and being as detailed as possible. Then, when your local solar professional comes to your home for your solar consultation, ask away.
When does the Federal Solar Tax Credit expire?
Can installing a solar system increase the value of my home?
Will installing a solar power system save me money?
Can solar power my entire home?
Can solar power run my air conditioner?
The 26% federal solar tax credit is available for home solar systems installed by December 31, 2022. In 2023 the residential tax credit will step down step down to 22%. In 2024, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
Installing a solar system in your home or business is an investment for the future. In addition to the federal solar tax credit, you may also qualify for state and local tax breaks and cash incentives. Talk to one of our solar professional partners and ask about state and local incentives.
Yes. Installing a 5kW solar system can add $30,000 or more to the value of your home. The U.S. average is a 4.1% increase in home value a 5kW solar electric system.
The short answer is, yes.
To understand why, though, takes a little bit more analysis. The thing about solar is that it’s a long-term investment. It’s like you’re pre-paying your electricity costs all upfront and then you’re reaping the benefits for years to come.
With solar, you purchase a system that is capable of generating the electricity you use (or at least a percentage of what you use). That portion of your electric bill is then taken care of for at least the next 25 years and most likely 30 or 40 years.
Yes! One of the common misconceptions about solar power is that you run only certain items with the power that is produced.
While this may be the case with off-grid systems, grid-tied systems, like the ones Simple Solar installs, do not provide power to specific devices. Instead, it simply a percentage of the electricity that your entire house uses.
For example, you could offset 10%, 50% or even 100% of your monthly electrical usage.
The solar system ties into your home’s electrical system and simply provides power as it is produced. The amount of your usage that can be offset by solar depends on the size and angle of your roof, as well as your budget. Many customers do offset their entire electric bills with solar.
Air conditioning is often the biggest electrical load that most homes have.
During the summer, homeowner’s electric bills are usually higher than at any other time of the year. This is because of the big electrical demand that a regular air conditioning unit requires.
So can solar power provide enough electricity to run your air conditioner?
Solar power can provide whatever electrical load you have, provided you have a big enough solar system.
Talk to your local solar professional about this, and they should be able to recommend a system to cover all your potential energy needs.