Get matched with top solar panel pros in Crouse, NC

Solar batteries can be a great investment to help maximize your solar savings and make your system and home more valuable, but they’re most beneficial to customers who don’t have access to net metering. If your state or energy provider doesn’t provide net metering, batteries can be a great way to offset consumption even when your panels aren’t producing power. They also come with the added benefit of providing electricity through blackouts, so they’re valuable in areas prone to severe weather that could cause frequent blackouts. Your installer can help you decide if batteries are worthwhile.

Learn about common solar blockers in your area to determine how often you should wash solar panels and the best cleaning method:

• Soot: If you have a fireplace, soot can disperse and accumulate on the solar panels.

• Debris, dirt, and leaves: These natural elements require light cleaning. Being close to trees or living in a desert area can cause more of these to accumulate.

• Pollen: Areas with a high pollen count require more frequent solar panel cleaning, and sticky plant material requires a deeper cleaning.

• Bird droppings: Bird droppings are binding and more difficult to remove. Keep this in mind if you live near a lot of surrounding trees. 

The average cost to install solar panels is around $27,000, with most homeowners paying between $4,500 and $54,000. These prices don’t consider the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which can reduce costs by up to 30%. The final price depends on several factors, including the size of the system needed to offset your energy consumption, the amount of sunlight your home receives, your geographical location, the type and brand of panels, labor costs, and any add-on products like solar batteries or electric vehicle (EV) chargers. It is recommended to get price quotes from at least three solar companies in your area to find the best deal.

The best solar-panel mounting system will depend on your property layout, but you’ll typically want to try for south-facing panels to get the most sun. Roof mounting and wall mounting are both popular, but if your well setup is far away from buildings and other structures you can also set up a freestanding aluminum frame to mount your panels.