Solar

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6 Reasons Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Solar

When solar panels first entered the market, they were astronomically expensive and difficult to get and install, but we’ve come a long way and the situation is totally different now.  Solar energy is more accessible than ever, the technology has improved, the adoption is getting strong governmental support, and the current electricity costs are getting the interest of more families looking to save money long-term.  If you’re still hesitant about getting solar panels, keep reading to learn why the best time to go solar is now. 1 – The Costs Are Dropping As of 2023, solar panels cost 94% less than in the 1980s. Technological improvements, increased offer and competition, and economies of scale have made solar panels more affordable. Installing solar panels now can provide a solid return on investment over the long term. 2 – Technology Has Improved Solar technology is evolving consistently and has become more efficient and productive. Modern solar panels can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight and have improved aesthetics. Going solar now allows you to take advantage of these advancements and benefit from the latest innovations. 3 – Governments Are Encouraging Solar Adoption Many governments and local authorities offer attractive financial incentives to stimulate solar adoption. These incentives include tax credits, grants, rebates, and net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell the energy they don’t use back to the grid and lower their utility bills via credits. Taking advantage of these incentives can significantly reduce your upfront costs and will accelerate the payback period. 4 – Pay Less in Bills  In an economic scenario where the average cost of living has increased substantially, finding ways to save money has become more relevant than ever. By producing your own electricity with solar energy, you can compensate for a significant portion of your energy consumption from the grid, reducing your reliance on utility companies. As electricity prices continue to rise, the savings from solar become increasingly valuable. You probably are wondering by now, “How much can I save?” The answer will depend on your specific energy consumption, the orientation of your roof and shading, among other factors that need a customized estimate of potential savings. If you want to know how much money you can save with a solar system, book a consultation, and we will assess your case for free. 5 – Increased Home Value It is no secret that the Canadian real estate market has been under pressure recently.  Homeowners with plans to sell soon are looking for ways of preserving or enhancing their property value when the time to list it on the market comes.  Solar panels are a proven way of increasing a home’s value, as they are seen as a desirable feature, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking long-term energy savings willing to pay a higher price than for a non-solar home. 6 – You Help the Planet If you’re conscious of your environmental impact, getting solar panels is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, because they don’t produce CO2 emissions or air pollution during operation. Using solar energy is a positive step towards fighting climate change and safeguarding the environment for the next generations. Take Action Today As demand for renewable energy increases and technology improves, there’s never been a better time to switch to a solar-powered home. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll be equally eager to put solar panels on your roof and start saving money while inspiring your family and friends to do the same. 

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Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof? Here’s the Definitive Answer

One of the most common concerns homeowners have when considering getting solar panels is if installing them on their roof will damage it. The short answer is no, but some key factors are involved and make this topic more nuanced. We will cover everything you need to know about installing solar panels on your roof and how we ensure it doesn’t get damaged. First, Assess Your Roof’s Current Condition Installing solar panels on a roof that is already in poor condition can worsen things. A professional installer will be able to determine if your roof can bear the solar panel racking once installed, but these are some aspects you need to keep in mind: Roofs with asphalt shingles (also known as composition shingles) are the best candidates for solar panels. They are made of a mix of fiberglass or cellulose, asphalt, and other mineral granules, which makes them very flexible, resistant, and durable. This type of shingles also has the best solar reflectance among the solar-approved shingles. Other suitable roofing shingle materials for solar panels are some types of metal, tar and gravel. On the other hand, if your roof has shingles of any of these materials, solar panels may not be ideal: Get Your Roof Solar-Ready If the assessment determines that your roof’s current condition is not ready for solar panels. Here are some things you can do: What About Ground-Mounted Solar Panels? You may want solar panels, but if you’re not ready to invest in extra roof prep, ground-mounted solar panels can be an option to consider. However, this option works best on farms or properties further away from urban areas because the extra buildings often bring extra shade.  Solar Panels Won’t Damage Your Roof If They’re Properly Installed Now you know that solar panels shouldn’t cause any damage to your roof; however, a good roof inspection and the advice of a professional installer are essential to go solar successfully.  Working with a seasoned solar company will give you the peace of mind that you’re getting sound advice, that your home’s integrity is being taken care of, and that you’ll have support when you need it after getting your solar system. If you’re ready to go solar and want to know your roof’s condition, contact us for your free assessment.