General

The Pros and Cons of Solar Panels for Your Indiana House

You’re keen to start moving towards renewable energy options. Where better to start than your own home? But there are so many options when it comes to power, it can be hard to start.

One option is to get solar panels installed to boost the power coming from your home’s electricity supply. Solar power is one of the cleanest, most efficient, and most affordable sources of energy available. And as the price of panels continues to drop, going solar is within the reach of more and more folks.

We think this is a great idea and we’re going to show you the reasons why. But we’re also going to show you the downsides so you can make the best choice for yourself. We’re going to show you the pros and cons of solar power for your Indiana house.

Let’s jump in!

Reducing Energy Bills

Solar panels help reduce energy bills in your home in Indiana by allowing you to produce your own energy and securely store excess energy. The first step in reducing energy bills in your home in Indiana is to do a solar energy assessment. An energy assessment evaluates the energy performance of your home and evaluates its energy efficiency as well as its eligibility for solar installation.

This assessment is useful to size the solar system for your home. Solar panel installation involves mounting the panels on the roof and connecting them to the inverter, where the generated power is converted from DC to AC. After installation, you need to apply for a net metering plan from your utility provider.

Net metering is where unused electricity is sent to the grid, and in turn, you get credit for it. With solar panels, you will produce your own energy, use your own energy, and send excess energy to the grid.

Appliances That Can Hook Up to the System

With advances in solar technology, there are now a variety of appliances and mechanical systems that can be powered using solar energy. An example of appliances you can use together and hook up to the solar power system is a water heater, a fan, a fridge, and a washer and dryer.

A solar-powered water heater utilizes the power of the sun to absorb heat from the environment and then transfers it to the water inside the tank, allowing you to enjoy hot showers at any time. A solar-powered fan provides an energy-efficient way to cool down on hot summer days.

A solar-powered fridge utilizes the power of the sun to keep the food fresh and cool in the fridge. A solar-powered washer and dryer allow you to do your laundry without wasting money on electricity bills.

Solar Power System with Built-in Battery

Installing a solar power system with a built-in battery is an increasingly popular way to store energy for cloudy and rainy days. Here are the basic steps to use such a system.

Mount the solar device onto your roof in an area exposed to the sun. Then, link the device to an appropriate-sized battery bank, and finally connect it to an inverter. This will ensure the greatest amount of energy is being stored in the battery.

It’s important to use a specialized battery designed for a solar power setup. After following these steps, you should now be set for no sunny days, and your solar power system with its built-in battery will be providing your home with energy much faster than the traditional electric grid.

Increase Property Values

Reduction in Air Pollution and Carbon Emissions

Installing solar panels on the roof of your home can provide clean and renewable energy which is one of its pros. To reduce dependence on polluting forms of electricity, such as coal-fired power plants that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

This form of energy is abundant and naturally renews every day, meaning that it is pollution free and emits no harmful substances into the air. Solar panels do not need fuel sources, such as natural gas and oil, which further reduces air pollution.

Incentives and Tax Credits

In Indiana, taking advantage of solar panels can help you maximize Incentives and Tax Credits. One of the best ways to start is by researching state and federal tax credits.

There are several steps you can take to find an installer for solar panels in Indiana. First, research the Indianapolis Solar Initiative (ISI), which provides incentives to reduce the cost of installing solar panels in the city.

Second, search for local solar panel installation companies in Indiana. Inquire about the potential solar panel installation process and obtain several solar panel installation estimates. Compare the estimates and select the preferred installer. Blue Raven Solar can help you comply with Incentives and Tax Credits and will work with you to design solar panel solutions for your home.

Long Life

The installation of solar panels in an Indiana house is an excellent investment. Solar panels have a long life of over 25 to 30 years and are designed to withstand extreme climatic conditions, making them ideal for Indiana’s hot and cold climates. The panels are easy to install and don’t require any extra maintenance other than occasional cleaning.

Climate

The climate is one of the cons of installing solar panels in your house in Indiana. Indiana has an average of 32 sunny days each year, which is much lower than many other states.

To make solar work in the state, homeowners need to invest in high-efficiency, reliable solar panels. Houses in Indiana need to take into account how the climate will affect the performance of solar panels. Snow and ice can lead to decreased efficiency and require more maintenance and repair.

Some steps needed to account for the climate in Indiana include: sealing off the solar panels to prevent the accumulation of snow, purchasing micro-inverters, and using a thermal imaging camera to locate heat-loss areas. Keeping an eye on the weather to forecast major snow and ice accumulations is also important to help prepare for any damage.

Expensive Initial Cost

One of the cons of installing solar panels in your house in Indiana is the expensive initial cost. It can cost thousands of dollars to install a home solar power system, depending on the size needed. The cost includes financing, equipment, and installation.

There are maintenance and insurance costs that are associated with solar panels. Before deciding to buy solar panels for your home, make sure to do your research to understand the long-term costs associated with installation.

Esthetic Disruption

Another con of installing solar panels in your house in Indiana involves the interruption of the original esthetic of your home. You should research what types of solar panels are available in your area and consider options that are tailored to your home’s exterior.

Next, consider color options to ensure that the panels do not take away from the interior and exterior design of your home. Select solar panel models that match the shape of your roof so that the panels blend in with the rest of your home.

Special Permit if You’re Living in a Historic Area

If you are living in a historic area and are considering installing solar panels in your home in Indiana, you may need to obtain a special permit. In Indiana, the permit can come from either the state’s Department of Natural Resources or from the local office of the Indiana Department of Parks and Historic Preservations.

When applying for a special permit for solar panels, you must submit a landscape plan and a structure and materials description. You may also need to provide photos and drawings of the installation’s proposed location, historic district, and current buildings. The cost of the permit varies depending on your area and local government regulations.

Your Indiana House Needs Solar Energy

Installing solar energy panels on your Indiana House is an affordable and impactful decision that can save on energy costs and simultaneously help the planet. Make the switch today and enjoy sustainable and renewable energy in your home.

Contact your local solar energy company and switch today!

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