As utility bills go up, more and more people in Colorado are thinking about switching to clean, sustainable solar energy. ARE Solar, one of the leading solar providers, supplies high-grade solar panel installation services in Denver, CO. Today, the company’s experts answer common questions about going solar in Colorado.
How Much Do Solar Panels Save on Electricity Bills?
Homeowners who consider going solar look at two primary factors: long-term energy savings (i.e., how much money the solar system will generate over its lifetime) and the immediate benefits of a reduced energy bill.
The average monthly electricity bill in Colorado is $146. Of course, this number may vary by season, household energy consumption, and other factors. Households with solar energy systems enjoy an instant dip in electricity costs and protection against future utility company price hikes.
How much energy a solar system generates daily depends on the amount of sunshine in the area, the time of year, and the number of panels. While some households will use more electricity than their PV system generates, others will produce surplus energy and may even sell it back to the grid through a net metering program.
Do Solar Panels Break in Hail Storms?
As residents of the infamous “Hail Alley,” Coloradoans may naturally ask whether their solar panels will endure the state’s severe hailstorms.
Here’s the good news: modern solar panels made by quality manufacturers are highly durable. Solar panels undergo rigorous testing to assert and improve their resistance to hail damage and other extreme weather events.
In 2017, a vicious hailstorm ravaged Denver, denting roofs and shattering vehicle windows. However, only one of the 3,000 solar panels at the local NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) was damaged by hail.
Can I Clean Solar Panels Myself?
Dust, dirt, and grime may reduce the efficiency of solar panels. While rain will naturally clean panels, homeowners should keep their solar panels clean for optimal performance during Colorado’s dry spells.
Depending on the solar panel placement and accessibility, many homeowners may safely and effectively clean their own panels with simple tools like a garden hose, a sponge or squeegee, and a soft brush. If in doubt, ARE Solar recommends that Denver homeowners contact their solar provider for reliable instructions on solar panel cleaning and upkeep.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
With today’s advanced solar technology, homeowners may expect their solar system to last and perform at full capacity for at least 25 years. A solar panel’s output decreases by about 0.5% a year on average, so a 20-year-old system should still generate 90% of its initial production. Quality installation and regular upkeep will help solar systems last longer.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Colorado?
With nearly 300 sunny days a year in the Denver metro area and attractive solar incentives in Colorado, going solar in the Centennial State is a wise choice with a solid future vision. The average Colorado solar system will generate over $14,000 in savings during its lifetime.
Homeowners who install a home PV system should go with reliable and experienced solar panel installation services in Denver.
Doug Mosteller, an ARE Solar client, writes in his Google review: “Great pricing, great products, great communication, great company. Very pleased with the whole process and experience. I only wish I had done it sooner.”
ARE Solar installed Doug’s home solar system in early June, after which the household’s meter started going negative. In Doug’s own words, he now enjoys “free AC, even with recent record high temperatures.”
Like Doug, many homeowners in and around Denver have instantly eliminated or reduced ongoing electricity costs and raised their property’s value by installing an ARE Solar PV system.
ARE Solar: Top-Quality Residential Solar Panel Installation Company, Denver, CO
ARE Solar helps homeowners in and around Denver harness the power of solar energy with top-rated solar panel installation services in Denver, CO. With ARE Solar’s home PV systems, Coloradoans can fight rising energy bills, improve their property’s value, and reduce their carbon footprint.
To get a quick solar estimate in Denver, CO, or to learn more about ARE Solar, call (720) 706-2773 or contact the company online.