Swiss Solar Tech Ltd.

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you immediately save money on your electricity bills, and protect yourself from rising electricity rates in the future. Going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Going solar also results in fewer air pollutants which can cause health problems.

Net metering is a system in which you sign a contract with your electricity provider that enables the utility to credit you for any excess power that your solar panels produce. The excess electricity you generate is “banked” for your future use. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity you use beyond what your solar panels can generate.

Studies have shown that, especially with the rising electricity costs, homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without solar, and that going solar may increase property values more than a kitchen renovation.

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill, you can afford to go solar. Today’s solar panels are more efficient and less expensive than they were five years ago. When you buy a solar system, you stop paying rent to your electricity provider and start paying yourself. Installing a solar power system is like investing in your own energy plant.

32 panels x 310 watt = 9.9 kW system

Output: 11,500 kWh/year at a cost of $22,500

Payback: with a 4.5% increase in electricity rates = < 10 years

Every household is unique, but as an example:

2,400 square foot home (all electric, no gas)

Electricity consumption/year: 12,500 kW

Cost of electricity per year: $1,850

10 years plus 4.5% electricity rate increases per year = $25,604

Solar investment of $22,500 will produce 11,500 kW/year

Solar panels can be installed on nearly every roof, from metal to asphalt to tile. Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installation. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. For example, a pole-mounted system might be a better fit.

If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you install a solar system. Solar energy systems can be costly to remove and reinstall if you need to replace your roof.

Add up a year’s worth of your electricity bills. This will tell you how much electricity you consume and will be a guide for how much solar power you need to offset those bills.  The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live.

Your system should continue to generate electricity for 45 to 60 years. However, inverters may need to be replaced over the life of your system. In general, solar panels are durable and can withstand snow, wind and hail.