Though many people want to power their homes with solar energy to save money and reduce their environmental impact, the upfront cost can be prohibitive.
Fortunately, both homeowners and renters are finding alternative solar solutions to be considerably more affordable than rooftop panels. BrightSaver recently published a paper titled "Democratizing Solar," which explained how 60 million Americans are embracing the plug-in solar trend.
The paper includes real-world testimonials from solar customers, such as Sean, who had a plug-in system installed in April. Sean rents his home in Concord, California.
"I tried to convince my landlord to get rooftop solar, but he didn't want to do it," Sean shared. "During the middle of a summertime, our monthly PG&E bill is near $400. It's ridiculous. We tried to keep the AC off as much as possible, but we both work from home and it gets hot. So I did the quick math and figured that at least for the summer, it becomes worth it."
Such testimonials offer hope and encouragement to others, including those for whom rooftop panels aren't in the budget. Plug-in panels are viable alternatives, offering affordability and accessibility because of their lower upfront investment cost.
You can learn more about your options through TCD's Solar Explorer. The helpful resource can connect you with trusted partners including Palmetto, which offers no-money-down subscription options for leasing solar panels rather than buying them. Leasing panels can help you save up to 20% on your utility rate. If you decide you're ready to buy, another TCD partner, EnergySage, can help you find a local installer at a competitive price.
"Like rooftop solar, plug-in solar supplies power to traditional grid-connected homes, but their small size, affordability, and ability to be self-installed make them accessible to a new subset of the U.S. population," according to BrightSaver. "Plug-in systems are currently 80-97% cheaper than rooftop arrays ($600-5,000, depending on size and battery storage capacity."
When you pair your new solar setup with electric appliances such as a heat pump, you can further reduce your utility costs. TCD's HVAC Explorer is a great starting point for upgrading your system to work with solar.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
Depending on where you live and your home, plug-in panels may be a viable option to help you live more affordably and sustainably. No matter which upgrade you're interested in, Palmetto's free app can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on energy-efficient home renovations.
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If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
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