Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to save money on energy bills and reduce your home's carbon output, but some people worry about the hidden costs of going solar.
An expert from the clean energy marketplace EnergySage set the record straight about the upkeep required for rooftop solar panels.
The scoop
In a clip uploaded to EnergySage's Instagram account (@energysage_official), a spokesperson debunked the "biggest myth" about home solar systems: that they need tons of maintenance to work properly.
"It's just set it and forget it," the company representative said in the video.
"Truly, as long as your system is turned on and operating the right way at that moment, chances are it's going to stay that way," they added.
How it's helping
With how hectic most people's schedules are, no one wants another chore to worry about. Luckily, you won't have to fork over your hard-earned cash or deal with the hassle of calling contractors for solar panel maintenance.
Plus, installing solar panels can save you even more on electric bills. According to EnergySage, the average homeowner in the U.S. will save around $50,000 on energy bills over their solar system's lifetime.
The federal solar tax credit offered through the Inflation Reduction Act makes going solar even cheaper. Homeowners and businesses can claim 30% of solar system costs on their taxes, with no income limits. Some states offer additional rebates and incentives.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
However, IRA tax breaks may not be around forever, as President Donald Trump has threatened to repeal the law several times. Major changes would require an act of Congress, but it's worth claiming the potentially thousands of dollars in incentives while they're still available.
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If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Energy independence ⚡ If you want more information about home solar systems, consider exploring EnergySage's free tools to compare quotes from prescreened installers and calculate how much you could save on your energy bill.
What people are saying
In the r/solar subreddit, one would-be solar owner asked about the maintenance costs for solar, and many users said they spent little, if any, money on upkeep.
"I've had solar on my roof since 2014. I haven't spent a penny on maintenance," one person said. "I had one service issue - a single SolarEdge power optimizer failed. I didn't even notice, but my installer flagged it, and came to replace it at no cost to me."
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"Cleaning is going to be the only maintenance you as the homeowner should have to worry about, use a hose when the panels are cold to wash them off dirt, build up etc," another shared.
Another happy solar owner said: "Zero maintenance. Easiest no brainer purchase I have made in the past five years."
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