Drive around any neighborhood in South Jersey and you’re bound to notice more and more homes with solar panels installed on the roof. And with the vast benefits, such as no up-front costs and reduced electric bills along with increasing your home’s value while also reducing your carbon footprint, it’s easy to see why making the switch to solar energy has become such a popular choice.
But with so much competition in the marketplace, it’s important for homeowners to know that not all solar companies are created equal. Poor planning, shoddy execution and other issues can turn a dream scenario into a nightmare quickly.
Luckily, AllSeason Solar is not only lauded for its quality work, but also for a high level of customer service. Known for its free, no pressure, informational consultations, the team at AllSeason Solar guides customers through every step of the process and presents detailed proposals using state-of-the-art design technology that helps put homeowners at ease knowing all bases are being covered.
After a free solar consultation and an agreement is signed, AllSeason Solar conducts a site audit and system design to present to the customer. Once the panels are installed and activated, it is estimated that homeowners can save an average of $50,000 over a 25-year period and slash their electric costs by as much as 45%.
While the benefits of solar energy have been touted for years, some folks remain unsure if it’s the right decision for them. To answer some of the more common questions and concerns, we spoke with Chris DeMasi, president of AllSeason Solar, to get a better sense of why solar is the right choice for your home
Is it better to own the solar panels vs. leasing them?
One is not better than the other, it depends on the individual’s situations. With owning the solar system, you will save the most money over the long run but you have to be able to utilize the 30% federal tax credit you receive to help offset the cost of the system. If you do not have a tax liability or are paying a very minimum amount, leasing will probably be better option for you as the leasing company utilizes the 30% federal tax credit and passes the savings along to you in a lease payment that is less than your current electric bill. Also, leasing can be a better option for retirees or someone looking for a totally hands-off solution because the leasing handles all the maintenance and monitoring of the system.
What about the tax incentives that are available and how do they help make solar energy even more affordable?
Everybody in the U.S. receives a 30% federal tax credit against the solar system cost (with tax liability). New Jersey residents receive a renewable energy credit for every 1,000 kWh they produce worth $85 for each credit. Also, New Jersey residents receive a property tax exemption for the value of the solar systems. This means that your solar system cannot increase your property tax amount.
What kind of things should a homeowner be wary of when considering which solar company is right for them?
Homeowners should do their due diligence when choosing a solar company. Something to look for is how long a company has been in business. Do they have all the required licenses to install solar or do they subcontract all or a portion of the work out? What insurance coverage do they have on their workers compensation and liability insurance so you know that you are protected while they are working in your home? Go to their offices to see their operation or go to some of the previous installs. Ask for references and check their reviews online.
Does you offer a warranty on the installation and is that something that all companies offer?
AllSeason Solar offers a 25-year workmanship warranty through the manufacturer that includes the parts and labor for the solar panels, inverters and racking as well as a 25-year roof leak guarantee through the manufacturer. Most companies don’t offer components with labor warranties and their roof leak guarantee is usually 5 to 10 years through them, the contractor.
All our warranties are through the manufacturer.
AllSeason Solar
(888) 832-5050
AllSeasonSolar.net
Facebook.com/AllSeasonSolar
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 12.
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