Solar Power
Give us a call today: 937-466-2755
Solar power is a fantastic resource to have for your home. It’s essentially free and given on a daily basis, even on cloudy days. If you’re interested in upgrading your home comfort system to run on solar energy, then you only have to schedule an appointment with Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC in Hillsboro, OH. We can turn your home into a carbon-free powerhouse with sustainable energy for decades to come.
- Our services cost the lowest—guaranteed.
- Our employees have 200 hours of training each year.
- We bring unmatched service experience.
It’s not just about solar energy being carbon-free—it’s about saving you money on your electrical bills for the foreseeable future. Our team is dedicated to customer satisfaction, especially when it comes to planning for the years ahead.
Contact Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC, the solar experts in Hillsboro, OH. You are just one call away from the comfort and savings you deserve!
Is My Home Suitable For Solar Panels?
Switching to solar energy is an excellent way to reduce energy costs and minimize your environmental impact. However, not every home in Hillsboro, OH is well suited for solar panel installation. Before making the investment yourself, consider the following factors to determine if your home is a good candidate for solar panels.
Roof Condition
Your roof’s age, material, and structural integrity are critical. Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, so your roof should be in good condition and not require replacement during that time. Roofs made of asphalt shingles, metal, or tile are ideal for solar installations. Flat or highly sloped roofs may require additional adjustments, which could affect costs.
Remember, you want to maximize the lifespan of your solar panels to get the full benefit of your investment. If you’ve got an old or aging roof, you might want to get that replaced first before investing in rooftop solar panels. We can even install solar panels on your shed or garage if that is better situated for them.
Sunlight Exposure
The more sunlight your home receives, the more efficient your solar panels will be. South-facing roofs with minimal shade from trees, buildings, or other obstructions are ideal for solar energy production. Online tools and professional assessments can help calculate your home’s solar potential based on location and average sun exposure.
The good news is that even with all four seasons here in Hillsboro, OH, we still get prime access to the sun, enough to get great solar energy throughout the year. Make sure you work with a qualified professional to ensure that everything is prepared for installation. Some tree limbs may need to be cut or trimmed to maximize energy absorption.
Roof Size and Layout
Solar panels require adequate space to be installed effectively. A larger roof surface allows for more panels, increasing energy output. Obstructions like chimneys, vents, or skylights can limit the usable area, so it’s important to assess how much space is available for installation.
Local Climate
While solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days, homes in regions with abundant sunlight year-round will see the greatest benefits. If your area experiences long, harsh winters or frequently overcast skies, you may need a larger solar array to meet your energy needs.
This might affect the amount of solar panels required to power your entire home, but even a minor investment in solar panels for partial energy coverage can still be worth the cost.
Energy Needs
Analyze your household’s energy consumption to determine if solar energy can meet your demands. Review your energy bills and consider any changes in future energy use, such as adding electric vehicles or expanding your home.
If your home relies on gas heating, gas water heating, or a gas car, then you might not get the full benefits of a solar panel until you invest in some upgrades like an all-electric heat pump, EV, or electric water heater.
Local Regulations and Incentives
Check your area’s zoning laws, homeowner association (HOA) rules, and permit requirements for solar installations. Additionally, research available incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or net metering programs, which can offset upfront costs and improve the return on investment.
Consult a Professional
A professional solar contractor can evaluate your home’s unique characteristics and energy goals to determine if solar panels are a smart choice. They’ll consider all the factors above and provide guidance on system design, installation, and financing options.
Ready to go solar? Contact our team today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward clean, renewable energy for your home.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels
Solar panels are an increasingly popular investment for homeowners seeking to reduce energy costs and their environmental impact. While the advantages are compelling, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks to decide if solar panels are the right choice for your home.
Pros of Solar Panels
- Reduced Energy Bills. One of the biggest benefits of solar panels is the potential to save money on electricity. By generating your own power, you can significantly lower or even eliminate your monthly utility bills.
- Renewable Energy Source. Solar panels harness energy from the sun, which is a clean, renewable resource. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power doesn’t produce harmful emissions, making it an eco-friendly energy solution.
- Incentives and Tax Credits. There are some available financial incentives to encourage solar adoption. Tax credits, rebates, and net metering programs can make solar panels more affordable and help you recoup your investment faster.
- Increased Property Value. Homes with solar panels are often more attractive to buyers and can command higher property values. Studies suggest that solar-equipped homes sell faster and at a premium compared to non-solar homes.
- Energy Independence. Solar panels reduce your reliance on the electrical grid, providing a reliable source of power. Paired with battery storage, they can even keep your home powered during outages.
Cons of Solar Panels
- High Upfront Costs. Solar panels require a significant initial investment for equipment, installation, and any additional components like inverters or batteries. While costs have decreased over time, they may still be prohibitive for some homeowners.
- Weather Dependency. Solar panels produce less energy on cloudy days and none at night, making them dependent on sunlight. While battery systems can store excess power, they add to the overall expense.
- Roof Requirements. Not every roof is suitable for solar panels. Factors like roof size, shading, and structural integrity can limit the feasibility of an installation.
- Maintenance and Repairs. While solar panels require minimal upkeep, components like inverters and batteries may need periodic maintenance or replacement, adding to long-term costs.
- Long Payback Period. A solar panel won’t pay for itself immediately. It can take years to recoup the initial investment through energy savings, particularly in regions with lower sunlight or less favorable energy rates.
Solar panels offer significant benefits, including energy savings, environmental impact reduction, and increased property value. However, the upfront cost and system limitations should be carefully considered. For tailored advice and professional installation, contact our team today to explore how solar power can work for you!
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels are known for their durability and long lifespan, making them a reliable investment for homeowners and businesses. On average, solar panels last 25 to 30 years. This does not mean they stop working entirely after this time, but their efficiency typically decreases to a level where replacement may be beneficial.
Solar Panel Degradation
Solar panels experience a small reduction in efficiency each year, known as the degradation rate. Most high-quality panels lose about 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency annually. After 25 years, this means they still operate at approximately 75% to 85% of their original capacity.
Here’s why you might want to get them replaced.
- Significant Efficiency Loss: If your energy production drops noticeably and lowers your energy savings, it may be time for a replacement.
- Physical Damage: Cracks, broken glass, or weather-related damage can compromise performance and safety.
- Advances in Technology: Newer panels may offer significantly better efficiency, making an upgrade worthwhile.
Our team offers professional inspections which can assess your solar panel system’s performance and recommend repair, maintenance, or replacement options. Just schedule an appointment so you can get your solar panels assessed, repaired, or even replaced.
If your solar panels are nearing the end of their lifespan, contact our team in Hillsboro, OH today for an evaluation and guidance on upgrading to newer, more efficient technology!
Cost Benefits of Home Solar Panels
If one of the main selling points of a solar panel system is to save money, then why invest more money into the setup? That’s what a cost-benefit analysis seeks to show, and it’s the only way a solar panel investment makes sense.
Think about it this way: your solar panels will yield results after a long period of time. Even just after a year of powering your home appliances or HVAC system, your solar panels will have likely saved you a huge amount of money. You might need to run them for a few years to truly recoup the costs of installation, but they’re almost always worth the investment.
Our team also uses financing options for customers that might almost have enough to pay for solar panels, but could be a little short. Since these investments are great, long-term ways to save money, financing for solar panels can be a wonderful tool that you can use to get the benefits now while paying for them later.
Solar Energy Is Free
Another reason to invest in solar panels is how free and available this energy is. Very few things in life can be gained without expending energy, but solar energy is one of them. Solar panels get natural access to sunlight on a regular basis that can then be harnessed to power your appliances or HVAC system. They even operate in the middle of the winter!
While solar panels might cost money, the energy they provide is free. After just a few years, the benefits will have well outweighed the costs.
Just remember—even if your solar panels can’t completely run your home’s energy grid, even minor contributions can save you money because the contributions are basically free. This is how they save money over the long-term.
The Choice Is Obvious
When it comes to free, sustainable, and effective energy for your home, solar panels are an obvious choice. They’re a practical and environmentally friendly option for homeowners who rely on electricity every day.
We’ve only touched on the economic benefits of a solar panel system, but there are a slew of great environmental reasons to use them. They’re great at preserving the local environment since they limit your carbon footprint and power needs. They also fit in seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic, only requiring a small amount of access to sunlight.
Interested in a solar panel system? Schedule an appointment with our team of expert technicians in Hillsboro, OH.
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