Why Solar

Solar is a good financial investment

Solar prices have dropped dramatically, the federal tax credit pays 30% of the cost, and electricity rates continue to rise. These factors all add up to make solar a good investment. A typical 12-year payback period is the equivalent of an 8.3% return on investment. That’s higher than returns on other investment opportunities like the S&P 500 index or intermediate-term bond funds. When you combine all of this with the fact that solar increases the value of your home, the case for solar gets even better.

Questions about solar?

Good! We have answers! Download the Essential Home Solar Buying Guide and get straightforward answers to the most important questions everyone should ask when considering home solar. Learn how much solar costs, how much you can save, if your house is a good match for solar, and what the next steps are to go solar.

Be informed, not sold. That’s part of the Namasté way!

Help reduce the #1 source of air pollution

Electricity production is the #1 source of greenhouse gases. It contributes to unhealthy smog and toxic buildups in our air and water more than all driving and flying combined. Switching to clean solar energy is a positive change you can make at home today. It’s a benefit of solar that doesn’t show up when calculating savings and return on investment: the benefit of knowing we did something to leave our planet a better place for future generations.

Gain independence from rising energy costs

By switching to clean solar energy, you own your energy production instead of renting it from the utility. Energy costs continue to go up and utility regulations can change with the political winds. When you own your source of power generation, your cost is locked in at the lower rate. Plus, since solar power is often more affordable than electricity from the utility when you go solar you generate your own power for less, saving you money on your electric bill from day one.

How Solar Works

Step 1

Your solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. 

Your solar panels convert solar energy into electricity. Every panel is made up of many individual solar cells, which are linked together to increase their power-producing potential. Watch a video about solar electricity to learn more.

Step 2

Your inverter converts solar power to electricity for your home. 

Electricity flows from your solar cells to your inverter, which converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity which your home and the electrical grid can use.

Step 3

Any excess power feeds back into the grid and gets credited on your utility bill.

The power your solar panels produce will feed the electrical demand in your home. Any excess electricity produced by your panels during the day will feed back into the utility grid and you’ll receive credit from the utility to offset your future demand.

Step 4

Your home pulls power from the electric grid when the sun isn’t shining. 

When your panels aren’t producing power, your home pulls electricity from the grid. At the end of the month, your utility bill will reflect the net electric usage. Any excess electricity credit will carry over to the following month.

Questions?

How much does the average solar system cost? What’s the payback? Can solar panels withstand hail storms? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.