Solar Power Made Simple: A Homeowner's Guide

Summer's here, and if you're anything like us, you want to make the most of these bright, sunshiny days. Spending time outdoors is a great way to do that, but if you really want to maximize the sun's benefits, there's one surefire thing you've got to do: Make the switch to solar.

More and more homes and businesses are powered by sustainable energy these days, and that number will keep growing as the technologies behind solar power continue to improve. It's also beneficial not just for the Earth, but for your bank account, too.

Have you considered going green? Here's a clear look at the pros and cons of making the switch to solar this summer.

Pro: You Can Start Saving For $0 Down
Once you've gone solar, you'll see an immediate decrease in your energy bills. You don't have to buy any potentially pricey equipment to take advantage of lower electricity costs, either. Horizon Solar Power, southern California's local leader in solar power energy, offers something called a power purchase agreement (PPA). This type of solar leasing agreement is set up so that you only pay for the energy produced by the panels and not for the actual equipment.

Con: None.
Horizon Solar Power offers no-cost panels and free installation, on top of free quotes for prospective customers.

Get Your Personalized Solar Quote

Pro: You'll Have Lower & More Predictable Bills
The higher energy costs are in your area, the more savings you'll see on your monthly electric bills. According to NerdWallet's estimates, the average solar residential solar panel system lowers the household's electric bill by $600 each year.

Plus, when you rely on the sun as a power source, you don't have to worry about unexpected price hikes and inflation the way you do with old-school fossil fuels. With most PPAs, you're locked in on a set price for somewhere between 10 and 25 years. That means even if natural gas or petroleum prices skyrocket, you'll still be paying the rate you agreed upon for solar energy.

Con: None.
Switching to solar allows you to plan ahead and accurately budget for upcoming bills. When you rely on fossil fuels, however, there's no way to predict how prices will fluctuate.

Pro: You'll Help Make The Golden State Greener.
Based on data through 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association ranked California the No. 1 solar state in the country. This has created an estimated 100,050 jobs — more than in any other state. According to the California Energy Commission, approximately 10.03 percent of the state's total electricity production came from solar PV and solar thermal power plants. Don't you want to be a good neighbor and see those numbers rise?

Con: None.
What's not to love about leading the way for other states in terms of sustainable energy?

Pro: You'll Increase The Value Of Your Home.
As research from the Department of Energy shows, having a solar panel system can increase your home's value and speed up the sale of it. Having a solar panel system in place can provide financial incentive for potential buyers even if you don't own the equipment outright. Under most common terms of a PPA, the owner can transfer the existing system to the buyer under the same terms when the house is sold. This means the new homeowners could also benefit from lower energy bills without having to purchase or install any new equipment.

Con: None.
We like to think there's some good karma involved in keeping things green for the next generation of homeowners.

Pro: The Government Will Pay You To Go Solar
If you purchase a solar system that's placed in service before the end of 2019, the federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit. That number goes down to a 26 percent rebate for systems installed through the end of 2020 and down to 22 percent for those installed through the end of 2021. Certain states, including California, provide additional credits or rebates for homeowners and small businesses making the switch to renewable energy.

Con: None.
We're pretty sure everyone would like to get some money back from Uncle Sam. If you're planning to purchase a solar power system, though, it's best to do it sooner than later before many of the current state-issued credits are phased out.

Ready to get started? See How Much You Can Save With Horizon Solar Power

Read more about solar power:

• 7 Things You Didn't Know About Solar Power
• How Much Can You Really Save By Going Solar
• Top 6 Solar-Powered Cities In California

First Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr