With 2 million and counting residential solar systems already in place, you might think that solar roof panels technology is more or less set in stone. Yet, it’s not.
The latest in eco-friendly home design trends is solar shingles or solar panel roof tiles. While Elon Musk’s Tesla company introduced the most famous version of the technology, there are several brands available. The different brands offer different warranties, so you’ll want to read the fine print carefully.
If you’ve been on the fence about a solar panel roof, keep reading for five benefits of these new solar tiles.
1. More Sustainable Home
One of the key benefits of solar tiles is the same as traditional solar panels. You improve your home’s overall level of sustainability. The solar tiles limit the amount of fossil fuel or nuclear electrical power your home depends on.
While it’s a small reduction on the global scale, everything you do helps in the long run.
2. Reduced Costs
While you must make an up-front investment in the system, you also start seeing an immediate reduction in your overall utility costs. A solar system starts making electricity the minute the system goes active and gets some sunlight.
That means your use of grid-based electricity goes down at the exact same time.
3. Tax Incentives
Once you go through the finding solar companies near me process and get the system installed, you can largely ignore the system. They don’t take much in the way of maintenance. You shouldn’t forget the system entirely, though.
The federal Investment Tax Credit will let you write off 26% of the cost of the system for a project started before the end of 2022. You can also find many state-level programs that offer tax incentives for solar.
4. Design
For all their utility value, traditional solar panels don’t conform well with the traditional design of a house. Solar tiles much more closely mimic the look of asphalt tiles. That means you can enjoy the benefits of solar power and still maintain the look of your home.
This may prove a boon for homeowners dealing with an aggressive homeowner’s association.
5. Financial Benefits
For most homeowners, the reduction in utility costs is their primary financial motivation. If you live in an area with a lot of sunshine, though, you may produce more electricity than you use. While each state lays out its own rules, most utility companies will pay for the extra electricity.
You could get credits for the extra power on your account or even get a payment.
Solar Panel Roof Tiles and You
In the end, solar panel roof tiles offer you the same kinds of benefits that a traditional solar panel roof offers. You cut don’t on your environmental impact. Your home takes less of a hit every time the utility bill arrives.
You get an easy write-off for your taxes, at least for the next few years. You may even make a few bucks. If aesthetics matter to you, though, solar tiles offer a more traditional-looking roofing option.
Looking for more home tips? Check out our Home & Garden section for more posts.
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