Benefits of going solar
First, let’s talk about why you should consider a solar-ready roof.
Cost savings on your energy bills
This is the biggest benefit. The cost savings is the reason why most MA homeowners decide to integrate a solar PV system. Exactly how much you will save will depend on many factors. This includes how many hours of direct sunlight your home receives daily, your family’s level of electricity consumption, purchase or lease agreement, size and angle of your roof, and local electricity rates.
An increase in your property value
Just like finishing your basement or renovating a kitchen, solar panels add to the overall value of your home. According to Market Watch, your home value increases by $20 for every $1 reduction in your annual energy bills. Let’s say your solar roof saves you $400 in a year; this means your home value would theoretically increase by $8,000.
You get tax credits
You may qualify for government tax credits with the installation of a solar panel system. Called the ITC, this federal income tax credit is available to Massachusetts residents and equals 30% of the total cost of your solar roofing system.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) that is generated by your roof will reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, as well as pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Because solar energy is a renewable energy source, it uses little to no water.
How does it work?
The primary technology called photovoltaics, or PV, harnesses the sun’s power and converts it into electricity for residential use. You are likely very familiar with these panels, which you may spot on anything from people’s homes to fields. As the UV rays from the sunshine on your solar panel roofing system, photons from that light get absorbed by the panel’s cells, resulting in an electric field across all layers and allowing electricity to flow, says Energy.gov.
They are a safe eco-friendly option for homeowners, as they meet international inspection and testing standards. A qualified installer must meet local building, electrical, and fire codes when hired. A certified electrician will have to perform a thorough inspection as part of the installation process.
How do you know what is right for you?
Solar panels, designed to work in all climates, make many homeowners good candidates for them. However, some rooftops are not suitable for solar roofing systems because of their age or excessive shade from tree cover. You also have to consider the size, shape, and slope of the roof. The panels work best when placed on south-facing roofs with a slope ranging from 15 to 40 degrees.
Here are some other factors that could determine whether or not you are a good candidate:
State of your roof
If your roof will need to be replaced in a few years, it’s not worth it to add solar. Installing solar panels on roofs in good condition is the best practice. If you have an older roof, partnering with a company like Golden Group Roofing is a wise idea because we approach solar energy with a roofer’s eye, integrating solar panels as part of the roofing system.
The typical amount of your energy bill
Your first question when considering solar panels will probably be: will this save me money? If your bill is under $75 a month, you may not see a return on investment, which would mean you aren’t saving money. If your bill is over that, or into the hundreds of dollars, solar makes excellent financial sense.
How to start the process
If you are interested in going solar, the next step is to reach out for a free estimate and on-site consultation. Our team will visit your home and do a thorough inspection of your roof to determine if it can handle the added weight. We don’t just give you a quote over the phone, as there are many parameters that go into this determination.
We would be happy to answer all your questions and walk you through what the solar roofing process will look like. In the meantime, check out this step-by-step guide to going solar in Massachusetts.
How to go solar with Golden Group Roofing: Get a free quote today
Golden Group Roofing created its sister company, Golden Group Solar, to integrate roofing and solar system installation as part of their green building efforts. To learn more about how we can help you go solar in Massachusetts, contact us for a solar installation quote today or call us at 508-873-1884. We’ll guide you through the process so you understand the benefits of this eco-friendly roofing option.
