Homeowners across America are moving away from the electrical grid toward sustainable solutions like solar panels. However, many people have genuine questions about the efficacy of solar panels. Read on to discover some answers about homeowner’s insurance and the value of solar power—here’s what homeowners should know about solar panels.
A Safe Investment
The most important question to cover is: are solar panels worth the investment? For the vast majority of people, the answer is a resounding yes. The average American household pays off their solar panel purchase within a decade, and those solar panels can last at least another decade after that.
You can rest assured knowing your panels will stay in good shape for a while because they typically come with a 25-year warranty. If your solar installer doesn’t provide an equal or better warranty, find another installer; this shouldn’t be difficult to do since 25 years is a standard offering.
Low Maintenance
People also want to know whether they’re signing up for a maintenance headache when they have solar panels installed. Fortunately, that is not the case. You should plan to clear any accumulated dust and debris off your panels every few months, and occasionally wipe them down with lukewarm water. Other than that, you shouldn’t need to worry about the maintenance aspect.
Homeowner’s Insurance
The good news is that most homeowner insurance policies include solar panel insurance. However, you should verify this with your insurance provider before making any final decisions with a solar installer. In general, though, insurance companies consider solar panels to be roughly equivalent to a patio or security system—a permanent attachment to your home.
In addition, even though solar panels increase your property value, governmental incentives will keep your property taxes from going up.
Now that you understand what homeowners should know about solar panels, you can determine whether they’re a good investment for you. If you decide to move forward, you will enjoy reduced-cost electricity for decades to come.
