Switching to solar energy is an excellent way to reduce your energy bills and make a positive impact on the environment. However, understanding the cost of installing a solar system can seem daunting.
Before switching to solar, you should consider energy efficiency changes that you can make to reduce your home’s energy use. This will enable you to choose a smaller system if you can reduce energy use. An energy audit, including a blower door test, provides data to help determine what energy efficiency measures will be most cost effective. Once this is complete,
Most solar installers will ask for recent electric bills to determine your energy use and properly size your system. Once they have this information, they can design a system that meets your needs and should provide you with details of the energy produced by the system along with your return on investment.
Many solar systems pay for themselves within 5-10 years, especially when factoring in the state and federal incentives currently available to help pay for the costs of these systems. Today’s solar panels can last for 25 years or more, and your energy cost savings will continue as long as the panels are functioning.
Check the Illinois Solar Education Association’s website for a list of qualified installers, and much more information about solar energy.
