A number of converging factors make the use of solar energy more popular than ever before. Advantages to residential solar energy systems appear in the areas of incentives, financing and technology:

Incentives — The Federal Stimulus Bill was passed by Congress in 2009. This legislation created a 30% Federal Tax Credit for property owners that install solar energy systems. The tax credit applies to the full cost of the system, including installation costs.

Thanks to both climate and a progressive government, California is at the forefront of residential solar in the United States. Although today’s solar cells can produce electricity even on cloudy days, sunlight is needed for optimum production. Many areas of the state are blessed with a high percentage of sunny days. The state has enacted the California Solar Initiative, which provides rebates to homeowners that embrace solar technology on their properties.

Various utilities also offer rebates on residential solar energy systems. As southern California’s #1 solar integrator, Verengo Solar has up-to-date information on the latest rebate offers.

Those investing in solar are better insulated against power outages. Excess power that is generated is not wasted. It is in fact sold back to the utility. When a property requires less energy than is being generated, the electric meter will actually run backwards.

Financing — Interest rates nationwide are at near-record low levels. This makes solar energy installations easier to finance. Solar technology is also now solid enough that financing and leasing companies are willing to participate.

For example, verengo solar company has teamed up with a leasing company to develop a $0 down program. A homeowner can enter into an 18 year lease with little or no initial cash outlay. The day that his/her solar system starts up is the day that reduced energy bills begin.

Verengo CEO Ken Button suggests that an investment in residential solar is like purchasing a bond that pays 18% in the first year. That is, the savings generated by a solar energy system essentially generate an 18% rate of return. As future utility rate hikes occur, the ‘rate of return’ gets even better. Consider that electricity already costs 30% more in California than it did in 2000. Future rate hikes seem close to inevitable.

Technology — The photovoltaic cells that comprise today’s solar panels are more efficient than ever in converting sunlight into electricity. Also, these cells are being manufactured in ever greater quantities. This reduces the cost per unit. The consistency of today’s cells is now very high. This is in part because of sophisticated testing carried out in UL rated labs.

Verengo has mastered the technology needed to monitor each system it installs in real time. This monitoring of a homeowner’s equipment assures that optimal power output is being maintained.

Companies that have specialized in residential solar have also developed the expertise to customize each installation. The angle at which solar panels are installed can be optimized for the best power production. The impact of current and future shadows cast along rooftops can be considered. Particular solar panel designs can be matched with the unique characteristics of each property to further improve production.

Excellence in system design may ultimately save additional thousands of dollars over the life of the system. A company like Verengo Solar offers no-obligation assistance via their site assessors that take measurements and develop various options for the homeowner.