are solar panels worth it?? answering ALL your questions (cost, tax credits, savings)

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  • čas přidán 12. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 103

  • @zoeyblu8790
    @zoeyblu8790 Před rokem +149

    Just a tip! Something I found out with having solar panels is that critter guards are not always suggested/offered. We had a squirrel chew a wire and build a nest under our solar panels and our house caught fire. We bought the house with the panels already installed so we will now have critter guards installed to help prevent this from happening again in the future.

    • @Recoveringred
      @Recoveringred Před rokem +14

      Oh no! Everyone was ok? That sounds so scary. Thanks for this comment. We have some and I will look into this now!

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +42

      ooh good point! haven't had an issues with that but I keep a close eye on production so if I need to in the future I'll keep you updated!

    • @samanthalavoie101
      @samanthalavoie101 Před rokem +13

      This happened to my neighbor as well! The squirrel was SO confused and now the neighbors have the guards too! Thanks for mentioning this.

    • @paigalina129
      @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

      Typically it is called “pest abatement” and the solar provider may or may not include in the installation. There are 3rd party companies that can install it for you. Make sure they are licensed and sometimes they are cheaper than the provider. Ask what materials they use sometimes its just chicken wire just an fyi

  • @emilyf1013
    @emilyf1013 Před rokem +81

    We had a consult a few years ago when we were exploring getting solar panels and the company told us that it wouldn't be worth it for us. With the direction our house faces, large mature trees that shade our house, etc. that it wouldn't generate enough to justify. We were obviously disappointed, but respected the company for being honest about that. Just another angle to consider 🙂

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +29

      I'm so glad they were honest with you tho!! Some brands aren't so honest ya know.

    • @emilyf1013
      @emilyf1013 Před rokem +6

      @@Shelbizleee oh absolutely! It's sad how many shady companies there are.

    • @baotruong248
      @baotruong248 Před rokem +4

      They also told my boyfriend that as well. I was so sad because charging my EV racks up the energy bill. :(

    • @ethernetgirl2001
      @ethernetgirl2001 Před rokem

      @@baotruong248 have you looked into wind power?

    • @ghoultooth
      @ghoultooth Před 11 měsíci

      @@ethernetgirl2001I second this! You can buy small turbines that generate quite a bit of electricity in the right climate

  • @tiffanymayville3924
    @tiffanymayville3924 Před rokem +24

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Shelbi! Congrats on getting a dream checked off! For those curious, the selling electricity to the grid and buying electricity when you're not producing is called net-metering. And what you produce with your panels is called behind the meter. Important to know because, quite unfortunately, some areas do not allow for net-metering, so always be sure to check local ordinances. And get involved locally to push for better allowance of residential solar programs (which is what getting solar on your house is referred to as).

  • @Daniel-iy4zy
    @Daniel-iy4zy Před rokem +31

    I’ve heard that one big thing to keep in mind is not getting more solar than you need, so ppl should consider doing energy audits (especially if you have an older home) and checking for holes in insulation, purchasing more efficient electronics, etc. thank you for this video!

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +12

      for sure! but if you're going with a reputable company they should be able to do energy audits for you! Sunpower is a very close partner in our city & the city also offers free audits so check for this for anyone else!

    • @lestranged
      @lestranged Před rokem +9

      I got more than I need on purpose because I tend to conserve energy (and I'm just one person living here) but if the house was ever sold to an average family, they would use a lot more energy than I do. So I made sure the panels could cover average usage rather than just my current usage. In the meantime, I sell electricity back to the grid.

  • @juanitaoliva3978
    @juanitaoliva3978 Před rokem +8

    Yall, make sure your home insurance covers them as well. Here are 2 examples:
    There's a hail storm and they get damaged..who will pay for the replacement or removal and storage of the panels.
    Ex 2: You need to replace the roof. Again who is going to remove, store and install panels back again.
    Sometimes the roofing company will provide these servcies, but just something to ask when shopping around. 😉

  • @persephone213
    @persephone213 Před rokem +12

    Unfortunately, we got scammed by Pink Energy when we got solar panels put onto our house. We have since sold the house and just paid them off but I’m now considering eventually putting solar panels on our RV but a, kind of scared to now. 😱 Thanks for sharing this helpful information, Shelbi.

  • @christinelo8068
    @christinelo8068 Před rokem +7

    I live in NYS and got a 30% federal rebate in addition to a 25% state rebate on my taxes. So more than half of it was covered. Because govt funds were used, the company was not allowed to put an array on my house that was larger than 125% of my annual usage. They were able to go above the normal 100% limit of my annual usage because I had plans to add a plug in car to my household. I love my solar. Best decision I've made as a homeowner. Also...I had a pergola built off the back of my house to hold my panels. So I dont have to worry about my roof which I knew needed replacement soon.

    • @haleymist09
      @haleymist09 Před rokem

      Wow, that's really interesting to hear about in NY state! It'll wondered how much sun you can get there vs Texas - long winter, overcast, etc. Sounds like you have a great set up - house position, angle, other things. Thanks for sharing!

  • @ooooo3131
    @ooooo3131 Před rokem +6

    Living in Alabama is rough. we have to still pay a monthly fee to Alabama power even if we are generating 100% of our own power unless we disconnect from their grid. We don't get rebates or anything either as well. I wish there was a way to take down the Alabama power monopoly.

  • @mariellelorentz
    @mariellelorentz Před rokem +8

    This is the most digestible content I've seen on solar so THANK YOU!!! Hoping to get my house solar ASAP !

  • @croakiex9873
    @croakiex9873 Před rokem +26

    I wish I had waited until you had yours done, before we did ours.
    The entire process was a NIGHTMARE with the company we used, and I just found out today (while watching this video) that our state attorney general is suing them for their business practices.
    We are also a little underwhelmed with our production. I feel like it was misleading, and we aren't making as much as we were told - but I'd have to review the info they gave us because maybe I was misunderstanding.

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +8

      I've heard this so much about other door-to-door type brands :/ I'm so sorry!

    • @persephone213
      @persephone213 Před rokem

      Ugh, our experience was a nightmare, too. Who did you go with? Pink Energy totally screwed us over.

    • @andipearl15
      @andipearl15 Před rokem +1

      We also aren’t generating what we were proposed- like 10-18% less than quoted. Our company is still working on how to resolve this issue- hoping they’ll come back with a reasonable suggestion on how they’ll make it right for us!

    • @persephone213
      @persephone213 Před rokem

      @@andipearl15 I hope so, too!

    • @croakiex9873
      @croakiex9873 Před rokem

      @@persephone213 SmartGreen Solar

  • @pianopalooza
    @pianopalooza Před 8 měsíci +1

    I dont plan to get them on our current house because we want to move onto a farm within the next 10 years, but the second we buy that property, I will be running to this video to use this company for our farm’s solar!

  • @StephieOmbre
    @StephieOmbre Před rokem +6

    Even tho not buying a home anytime soon this really great to learn something about the economics and ethics about stuff you put on the home

  • @MusicSparkleStar09
    @MusicSparkleStar09 Před rokem +2

    For those who can't afford to buy, some companies are pretty good about lease/rental agreements too! They own the panels but you benefit from the lower power bills - we've found that the cost of lease/rental monthly is still way less than a typical energy bill. If we were to sell the house, the lease/rental agreement could be transferred to the new owner if they were interested, or the company would come to collect the panels & system back if not.

  • @CatherineKlein94
    @CatherineKlein94 Před rokem +8

    Omg Shelbi I’m listening to this on my way to work (I sell solar!) and I hope I meet someone like you today! You are the perfect solar candidate lol

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    9:34 also this is clutch, check your energy provider for rebates, incentives are per state. It’s also important to note that you will still be connected to the utility grid and typically there is a grid fee because as it stands in most states it is illegal to be off grid.

  • @jennyhammond9261
    @jennyhammond9261 Před rokem +3

    I've always wondered how in the world you replace your roof!? I guess they have to remove the panels and reinstall them. I just hope they don't charge a complete install fee.

    • @nataliaportal5346
      @nataliaportal5346 Před 11 měsíci

      This is the main reason my mom won’t even consider solar.

  • @sierralavender6892
    @sierralavender6892 Před rokem +17

    When I get that Adult Money I'll be getting some solar panels:)

    • @justinweatherford8129
      @justinweatherford8129 Před rokem +3

      If you’re a homeowner, then you may qualify to get solar panels installed on your home for free. Basically they are renting space on your roof for their solar panels, and you are paid for allowing them to do so in the form of electricity.

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    Regarding battery depending on your system you can retro-fit a battery. Good point

  • @odalyshernandez5626
    @odalyshernandez5626 Před rokem +3

    Thank you for making this video Shelbi! I love that you simplified the process for us so we can understand 😊 much appreciated 🤍

  • @SamR-zm3rn
    @SamR-zm3rn Před 5 měsíci

    I just found your channel, this is the first vid I'm watching since I want to get solar set on ny gf's house, and the anxiety relief I felt when I realized you were in the same state we are and this info is extra helpful and relevant to us. 😂 Thank you for sharing! ☀️

  • @lestranged
    @lestranged Před rokem +5

    I have solar panels that I got in 2016. I've been very happy with them but I have a few worries. 1. I have heard things about homeowners insurance dropping people with solar panels. I don't know how widespread that is but they go on google earth to spy in your backyard and stuff and also see who has solar on the roof. In california, insurance companies are looking for any excuse to get out of homeowners policies even if you are not in a fire risk zone and have never made a claim. 2. My neighborhood is mostly one story homes. A few of them have second story additions. If my neighbor ever sold her house and the new owners decided to build a second story addition, it would block a lot of sun from reaching my roof. I don't know what legal protection I have for that.

    • @lestranged
      @lestranged Před rokem +2

      Also, I produce a surplus of electricity at the moment which I sell back to the grid. I just got my yearly check (true-up) and it was about $400. I got more panels than I needed so that there was room for expansion later, such as: an electric vehicle charging station, a larger, less conserving family to buy the house, or converting my current natural gas furnace and water heater to electric (which is being mandated by California in the next few years). All of those things would increase my home's need for electricity.

  • @anotheramy71
    @anotheramy71 Před rokem +2

    As a fellow granolatreehugger Texan, I adore the way you simultaneously love and hate where you live. 😄

  • @janetcaceres9270
    @janetcaceres9270 Před rokem +2

    Love the way you simplify the solar process 💕💕💕💕

  • @Swimdeep
    @Swimdeep Před rokem +5

    Good video. Important and helpful info. ☀️🔋🌿

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    7:13 The utility bills are critical and a year’s worth gives the best estimate of yearly usage. Also tell your rep if you plan on having kids or someone is moving in as this affects your usage.

  • @NGHCRKD
    @NGHCRKD Před 10 měsíci

    someone else named shelbi was impressed with you lolll I love that

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    10:55 it depends, a paid off system is a selling point when you sell your home. However if your system is financed or leased and not paid off the buyer will have to assume the loan and need a 650 score or higher after they have had their credit ran for pre-approvals for a home loan. Something to consider. If you plan on living in the home for 5+ years imo I would invest in solar

  • @thatjillgirl
    @thatjillgirl Před rokem +1

    So timely! We just had a solar panel company come out to our house today to give us an estimate. XD (Costs more than I was expecting. They are super not cheap. But we still plan to do it.)

  • @patriciapalaroan1074
    @patriciapalaroan1074 Před rokem +3

    I would think it’s best to also not need a new roof anytime soon.

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +1

      Ideally, yes. But they can certainly bc removed if needed for that.

  • @tracyhuckaby5876
    @tracyhuckaby5876 Před rokem +2

    Great information. I was wondering what happens when you need to have your shingles replaced?

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +4

      your solar company would come to remove the panels then replace them after roof replacement.

  • @alisoncorbett8470
    @alisoncorbett8470 Před rokem

    Thank you for making this video. I'm building a home in Costa Rica and while our energy is green here, I'm still looking at solar as our grid here really is getting stretched and energy costs are rising!

  • @chloeb1642
    @chloeb1642 Před rokem +1

    I can't imagine buying batteries for a house. We live on a sailboat, and we cover 100% of our power with 400W of solar and 400 Ah of batteries. It's more than enough for the summer, but we will be adding more solar in the future so we can add a few conveniences and replace the diesel engine with an electric engine. But man, those batteries for our tiny power consumption were EXPENSIVE.

  • @Saiyuna
    @Saiyuna Před rokem +1

    *watches video**sees incentives and utility credits offered in Texas**cries in Louisiana*😭

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    14:57 this is called net metering credits.

  • @nellien4802
    @nellien4802 Před rokem +1

    I’d love a video for people who live in places where solar isn’t an option! I called sunpower but they said we had too many trees (a great problem to have)

    • @ghoultooth
      @ghoultooth Před 11 měsíci

      Very much a great problem to have, an unfortunately diminishing thing :(

  • @Gumbi4ever
    @Gumbi4ever Před rokem

    Really interesting about your buy back rate. Here in VT it's way less (1c / kW), but it applies to all generation, not just overproduction. Understandable, clear incentive to reinforce the grid on your end and the investment in real time monitoring in the city's end is great. Another point about grid stability with these large investments is EV charging, which is highly incentivized toward off peak hours. I get charged 25% less during off peak and get FULL credit back for all my EV charging, which translates to a net credit for charging my EV.

  • @samanthajean808
    @samanthajean808 Před rokem +2

    My question was about proactive maintenance like a cooling system. No matter the kind of panel you have, if they get too hot they convert less solar into energy. Generally it's good to keep them between 60 and 95F, and I've been to Austin; 10a and already 94? Craziness. Some use a partial underground hydroponic system to cool panels and water plants.

  • @MMHay16
    @MMHay16 Před rokem

    My parents have solar on their house (in Arizona) and they've mentioned that, while they were grandfathered in and can (and do) get to the point where their energy bill is zero, people with newly installed solar still have to pay a flat rate on their energy bill for general grid maintenance regardless of how much they generate. Something to consider as well, I guess.
    Really hoping my household is in a good place to consider solar soon. From what I know about our house it would produce really well, but we don't live in an area that is quite so sunny year-round.

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci

    16:29 you will need to rise off your panels biannually is sooo important for best production

  • @sunny4jenny
    @sunny4jenny Před rokem

    Thank you so much! Great information! Getting the best education from you! Thanks for all you do. I’m all abt solar power too!

  • @estiejoy4854
    @estiejoy4854 Před rokem +4

    This is so sick!! I live in London (uk) in a middle level flat, and I've considered getting mini solar panels that hang in you windows to charge up a battery to use around your home, but I'm not sure if it's worth it or a gimmick.
    I'd be really interested to know if there are good alternatives for people without gardens/roofs to generate their own energy somewhat, if you know anything about that? Is it all or nothing? xxx

  • @slaymaster01
    @slaymaster01 Před 5 měsíci

    thank you for sharing!

  • @alexaa928
    @alexaa928 Před 11 měsíci +1

    0:00: 🌞 The video is about the installation of solar panels and answering questions about solar energy.
    2:58: 💡 The video discusses five important factors to consider when choosing a solar power service provider.
    5:45: 🌞 SunPower maintains a national network of recyclers for their solar panels, reducing emissions and ensuring longevity.
    7:59: 💰 The video discusses the different ways to pay for solar panels and the financial benefits of solar energy.
    10:32: 🌞 Adding solar to your home increases its value and provides peace of mind for future retirement.
    13:19: ! The speaker is considering adding a battery to their solar panel system in the future to increase its capacity and help support the grid's energy needs.
    16:31: 🔋 Solar panels are relatively maintenance-free, but may require cleaning if dust or soil accumulates.
    Recap by Tammy AI

  • @paigalina129
    @paigalina129 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Really informative video @shelbizleee I added comments due to working in solar, hope that is ok 😊 you simplified the solar process really well ❤

  • @amapinup
    @amapinup Před rokem +1

    I got too excited when we got ours and unfortunately went with a company that came to our door. They're okay but I should've researched more. With anything home related I will now get no less than three quotes.

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +3

      I'm so glad it worked out for you!! I've heard so many horror stories so that makes me so happy for you!

  • @cassb4678
    @cassb4678 Před rokem +3

    If you ever were to move do you take your panels with you or are they part of the house?

    • @courtneybarrett9893
      @courtneybarrett9893 Před rokem

      I'm pretty sure they get sold with the house

    • @jolienvandamme2909
      @jolienvandamme2909 Před rokem +2

      They are part of the house that’s why most people wait until they have a “forever home”

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +1

      typically you include them in the home sale but idk if moving them is an option or not? Mostly bc every home has different requirements.

    • @thatjillgirl
      @thatjillgirl Před rokem

      The company that we just consulted with will move them if you want to take them with you. They do one free removal and re-installation (which can be for moving houses or for replacing a roof or whatever), and then after that you would just pay a fee if you wanted it done again. But you could also just factor them into the price of the house and sell them with the house.

  • @theuniquerina
    @theuniquerina Před rokem +1

    We have a problem in Denmark, where the government has put so many taxes on solarpanels for our own houses, that the ordinary Dane cannot afford to have them. It is cheaper with an oil boiler.... This is to make most Danes use state-owned energy sources, but there are simply not enough windturbines and solar panels to cover Denmark's consumption. The goverment have made sustaniable energy as pure source to earn money.....

  • @courtneybarrett9893
    @courtneybarrett9893 Před rokem

    Thanks for this video, love!

  • @marzettik
    @marzettik Před rokem

    Interesting video, thanks for sharing.

  • @chelseyaustin6015
    @chelseyaustin6015 Před rokem +2

    My concern is it being so humid here and causing my roof to grow mold. Also, how do I re shingle? And what if there is a hurricane? Is it covered by the solar company or hoi

  • @kalliemj
    @kalliemj Před rokem

    does sunpower do the solar panels that look like roof shingles? i know tesla does tiles but I also found a local company that makes it look like a metal roof. I know this is only an option if you are just getting a house built so you wouldn't have used that option but I'm just curious if you know

  • @sionv2009
    @sionv2009 Před rokem

    This is so cool!

  • @veroniquenollet5062
    @veroniquenollet5062 Před rokem +1

    You said to clap 👏👏👏👏👏 youre so fkg relevant!!

  • @avacurtis2729
    @avacurtis2729 Před rokem +1

    What happens if you have to sell your home before they are paid off?

    • @SulcataGrove
      @SulcataGrove Před 4 měsíci

      It’s best not to finance solar imo. I have Tesla Solar panels and they pay for themselves in 6 years - and I don’t qualify for any incentives or tax credits. I paid $20k for 11kw system.

  • @foodnwords
    @foodnwords Před rokem

    *sees the title* fuck yes ok I have been wondering if i should or shouldn't :sob:

  • @kericombs
    @kericombs Před rokem

    💙💙

  • @ema-b1h
    @ema-b1h Před rokem +5

    I totally seport what you are doing - but there is a lack of transparency when you call a video in general solar panels- but in most of it you advertise a certain company- even if its great - it needs to be more transparent - also there is allot of info about the topic in general here- it is very advertise focus.

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +6

      What is more transparent than telling my experience & stating it is sponsored & why I chose the company I did? What more could I possibly do?

  • @horseluv723
    @horseluv723 Před rokem

    I’m interested in solar panels but what about emfs?

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +6

      According to the CDC this is a myth and non-issue

  • @squenneville1
    @squenneville1 Před rokem +1

    My environmental scientist son tells me it’s not any better environmentally to put in solar panels when our power is already hydroelectric, once you factor in mining of rare earth minerals and disposal of the panels after their lifetime of use. 🤷🏻‍♀️

    • @Shelbizleee
      @Shelbizleee  Před rokem +2

      Ooh yeah if you’re not running on fossil fuels the comparison is very different!

  • @teas.9566
    @teas.9566 Před rokem +1

    Tesla

  • @AyceMcGee
    @AyceMcGee Před rokem

    If for some reason SunPower has to come out, like if one of the panels isn't working properly, do they charge for that or is it fully included in the warranty? Does SunPower clean the panels or do you hire elsewhere?