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Why Choose Solar?
There are many reasons for choosing to Go Solar. Here are our top 6 reasons.
Reason #1 - Support renewable energy by reducing your carbon footprint
Solar is a renewable resource that is not going anywhere anytime soon, at least not as long as the sun is shining in the sky. Why should we be so reliant on dirty fossil fuels to power our homes? By reducing your dependence on fossil-fuel derived power sources, you can help lower the amount of CO2 that is released into our environment.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the EPA, 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produces 1.34 lbs of CO2. Installing a 5,000 watt solar array, according to PVWatts Calculator, would produce an estimated 5,742 watts of electricity each year (180 degree azimuth, 30 degree tilt). This amount of annual production could mean that you are preventing 7,694 pounds of CO2 pollution from going into the atmosphere, every year (5,742 x 1.34).
Reason #2 - Incentives......Incentives.......Incentives.....
Due to the incentives available, solar is actually a great investment opportunity.
Residential Solar:
Federal Tax Credit: 30%
Cash Incentives from Utilities may be available.
High incentives for low to moderate income families from both the Energy Trust of Oregon and Oregon Department of Energy.
Federal Tax Credit: 30%
MACRS depreciation over 6 years.
Cash Incentives from Utilities may be available.
Grant opportunities for rural businesses may be available.
Check out our FAQ section for more details.
Reason #3 - Low risk investment
There are virtually no risks and the rewards can be much greater than you will earn in conventional investment markets, at least if you purchase solar for the right price.
We use products that carry some of the best warranties in the industry. Solar modules last for several decades and most likely will outlast the warranties by many years. The available warranties are 25-30 years for modules and 10-12 years for the inverters (extended warranties for inverters are available 20-25 years).
Reason #4 - Immediate savings
Installing a solar system will immediately lower your monthly electric utility bill. You don't have to wait until the solar system is paid for to feel good about your investment, you will see your savings on your first electric bill.
Reason #5 - Hedging against utility inflation
When you install solar, you are hedging against increasing electric utility rates. Based on historical data, electric utility rates have increased at a rate up to three times the inflation rate. When you purchase a solar system, you are prepaying for the electricity you will be consuming in the future.
Reason #6 - Increase your home's value without increasing your property taxes
Investments in energy efficient home features, such as solar energy systems, may increase your home's value without increasing your property taxes. A study conducted by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and for 17% more money. This of course would be subject to the amount of life left in the solar system. For example, if a home sold ten years after installing solar vs. selling 24 years after installing solar. We conservatively estimate your home's value will increase by 60% of the system cost. This is a possible benefit, but not a guarantee and is dependent on what the real estate market is doing when you sell your home.