The Case for Using Solar Power in Antioch?

Braden Gough, Diablo Solar Services

            In today’s world, most people know about solar power in Antioch and the Bay Area cities surrounding it.  In most cases, they understand what solar power does in a general sense – there are panels that sit in the sunlight that produce electrical power when it is wired into the house. The electrical power provides electricity for the home without using it from the local electric company’s power grid. As a homeowner, you may wonder if there are the advantages of using solar right now. Are there reasons why it would be better to wait? Is using photovoltaic (solar electric) panels worth the extra cost to install? In most cases, the answers to these questions are yes. Following are some reasons you may want to go solar at your home.

• A renewable, clean energy source

For those interested in protecting the environment, you can’t get a better, cleaner way to produce power. Solar energy technology has improved with most photovoltaic systems lasting for least 30 – 40 years, sometimes many years past that time. With proper care, they will continue to produce power during their functional lives. As an added benefit, solar panels will not produce emissions of any kind while converting the sun’s light to electricity to power your home. There are also no moving parts which mean there is little to maintain.

• See a reduction in utility bills

With solar panels, you are able to create electricity for your house and don’t need to use the electrical power from your local power company. An additional benefit is that most power companies will buy back excess power your solar energy system produces that your household does not immediately use. This will result in giving you a credit for those times of overproduction. Since you cannot expect your solar panels to produce electricity while it is dark or cloudy, you can use the credits to offset any electricity you use from the power company during those times.

• Receive financial incentives

The federal government is concerned with the environment and offers a 30% tax credit for anyone installing a new solar system. If you purchase a new solar system, you can claim 30% of the total cost of the system on your next tax return as a bottom line addition on your return. You do not have to qualify for this tax credit because it is not a tax deduction. Your income also has no effect on whether you can receive it. This amount is an addition to any tax rebate you receive or it will be taken off of the amount you owe the year’s federal government.

• Get a better price on better technology

Photovoltaic cells have improved over the years due to research and development efforts of solar cell manufacturers. They are more efficient than in the past and cost considerably less to produce. The homeowner benefits because installing a new solar energy system takes less out of your budget than ever before and the system will provide more energy than previous systems. These improvements allow you to recoup the cost of your investment quicker than you would have been able to in previous years.

• Receive lower interest rates

Solar power in Antioch is making waves in several industries including the financial sector. More banks, credit unions and financial brokers are loaning money for solar energy systems than ever before. Since more financing is available, homeowners are able receive low interest rates whether they choose to use an unsecured loan or borrow against their home’s equity. Rather than paying a large amount at installation for their solar system, homeowners can pay a monthly payment that is often less than what they were paying for their monthly electric payment. In some cases, you can also finance the cost so you do not pay upfront costs and have a great solar system without paying a down payment and still owe less each month than your prior electric bill.

More and more people are beginning to take advantage of financing for a new solar system. Diablo Solar Services sees people receive quicker payback for their investment with better technology than the past. They are also receiving more support from local power companies than in previous years. We can help you start producing electricity with your own solar system whether you want solar power in Antioch or Brentwood. An expertly installed solar system, that is also reasonably priced, can make your change to solar a pleasant experience. Diablo Solar Services has been installing solar electric systems for over 15 years. We understand what it takes to do the job quickly and will treat you professionally. Contact us at info@diablosolar.com or call us at 925-313-0600 to set up an appointment for a free estimate. We look forward to serving you.