Reduce Energy Usage and Create a Greener Home

Those of you with existing home solar systems know the benefits they bring. From lower energy bills to reducing your home's carbon footprint and reliance on the power grid, there's no going back once you've used green energy to power your home. It's like listening to your favorite song from high-fidelity speakers for the first time. Once you experience it, hearing it any other way pales in comparison. And so it is with solar systems and green energy.

Like everything, however, these systems wear out. While a solar panel's lifespan may reach 25 years or more, its efficiency varies as time goes on, depending on the manufacturer and other variables. Here, we'll explore the signs that suggest you need an upgrade and the regulations that can help you obtain one. 

SEE ALSO: Redefine the Way You Power Your Home with a Battery Installation

Signs Suggesting Your Solar System Needs an Upgrade

While solar panels can last a quarter of a decade, their exact lifespan can be affected by several factors, including the installation, temperature, quality of materials, and extent of ongoing maintenance. If your system is nearing a 10 to 15-year lifespan, consider exploring its performance indicators. Several signs can help you determine if it's time for an upgrade. 

• Increasing Electric Bills: As the solar panels fail, more energy is derived from the grid, resulting in increasing energy bills. If you see a consistent increase even though the sun is shining, it may be time for an upgrade.

• Lower Energy Production: A sure sign it's time to look into your system is if it's not producing the same amount of energy as when it was installed.

• Changing Electrical Needs: Whether installing new appliances, adding new family members, or updating security or home entertainment systems, homes tend to require more electricity over time. Supporting these advancements and changes may require increasing electricity production.

• Looking to Reduce Energy Consumption: If you want to further reduce energy consumption and reliance on the grid, consider upgrading to a more efficient, larger system.

Benefiting from New Regulations 

As more states and nations look to protect the planet and people from environmental changes, bills designed to support green energy are becoming more prevalent. One of these, Title 24, California's Solar Mandate, requires solar power in all newly built homes. While Title 24 recommends a minimum solar system size, the experts at Summit Technology Group have found that the minimum size typically does not provide enough energy to cover the home's usage.  It is important to evaluate all options, including battery storage systems that help offset energy bills even more. 

The Federal Solar Tax Credit helps you with this purchase, enabling homeowners to claim a 30% tax credit on the purchase of their solar system. Additionally, in California, solar energy systems installed before 2025 gain exemption from property taxes. 

Are you ready to upgrade your solar system and restore optimal performance? At Summit Technology Group, we've been installing solar energy systems for over 20 years. Our in-house experts consist of programmers, electricians, and engineers, ensuring a team that provides the complete picture: home automation, renewable energy, and electrical infrastructure. 

To learn more about solar panel lifespans and determine if an upgrade is warranted, contact Summit Technology Group today.