There is no doubt installing solar is not for everybody. It really comes down to your location, income and lifestyle, but for those individuals or companies, which fit the “solar profile,” the current savings can be extraordinary.
Between Federal Tax Credits and state and local incentive programs, it is not uncommon to off-set solar installation costs by 50% or more.
So why should you install solar? Well, sooner or later, you will have free energy, or substantially reduced energy costs, and with energy costs rising, such a saving is no small matter. You can also sell any excess solar energy back into the power grid.
It is worth noting... solar energy also provides energy backup during brown-outs and power outages. Just think, you can have the whole neighborhood over enjoying your cool house during a summer power outage.
For DIY kind of people, solar is a natural. You will have to get a local building permit, and get a licensed electrician to tie into your meter (power grid), but solar panels and equipment are not all that hard to install. An experienced carpenter, for example, can mount panels and auxiliary equipment (e.g. inverter) with ease, and leave the wiring to a professional solar installer.
As for financial timing, solar products are at, or near, the rock-bottom price. This is a fact and not sales hype. Likewise, energy prices remain relatively low, for now, but can rapidly escalate.
Energy, overall, really depends on the price of oil, so make your own judgment. If oil, and thus energy, goes through the ceiling, so will solar pricing. It is just a simple matter of economics.
Furthermore, understand state tax incentive programs, for solar, are rapidly decreasing with the current pressure on state budgets.
Another issue concerning solar incentives is income. You have to have the income to enjoy the current, solar tax incentives. Please keep this in mind if you are near retirement and planning to install solar in the future.
I recommend ground mounting, if you have the outside space, in contrast to roof mounting. This allows for quick panel service, and easy monthly cleaning; a must if you want to maintain good solar panel efficiency.
My home owner’s insurance covers solar panel replacement in case of damage, particularly from hail. I recommend you check your home owner’s policy for this same benefit.
As a final note… you want to buy only quality solar equipment with a good warranty. Currently, a top solar panel will guarantee 90% rated output up to 12 years and 80% output from 12 to 25 years. Likewise, good inverters carry a substantial warranty varying from 2 to 5 years. Be sure to check warranties before you buy any solar products.
Last, be sure to use a reputable, solar professional, to service your solar needs. If you do not know of such a person, in your area, please contact jim@unitysolar.net. I can provide you with licensing, references, pictures and testimonials on a professional solar installer where you live.