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Have you ever considered how the colder seasons, specifically winter and fall, could be the best times to opt for a solar installation? Solar energy installation may take a few months to complete after you initially reach out to a professional installer. If you dread those soaring electricity bills in summer, planning ahead and installing your solar panels during the off-peak winter season could be a cost-effective solution.
Considering a winter solar installation could ensure your system is fully functional and ready to produce electricity when the warmer months roll around. Not only does winter solar installation take advantage of cheaper labor rates, but it can also save you a significant amount on installation costs. Here’s why.
Lower Costs & Faster Solar Installation
During winter, installers are often facing a slow business period. The result? More willing to negotiate installation fees, resulting in a quicker, more cost-effective installation for you. Most homeowners shy away from solar installation in winter, concerned about the lack of sunshine and reduced electricity consumption. However, this misconception can work in your favor when negotiating with installers who would rather have some work than none at all. Additionally, the permit and approval process tends to be quicker due to the smaller number of people seeking approvals during the winter.
Be Summer-Ready
Are you a late bloomer when it comes to household planning? If you only start considering solar installation late in spring, chances are your solar system won’t be ready until late summer or even fall. Starting your solar journey in winter ensures that by the time the sunshine-filled summer season arrives, your home is already harnessing solar power.
Even though winter may not be ideal for energy production due to shorter days and cloudier skies, you will still generate some electricity. If your home relies on fossil fuels for heating, the excess electricity you produce could be fed back into the grid, earning you credits if you have access to net metering. These credits can come in handy during summer when electricity bills tend to skyrocket.
The Cost of Missed Opportunities
Opportunity cost is a term that emphasizes the potential benefits you might be missing out on by not choosing an alternative, in this case, the benefits of winter solar installation. Delaying your solar installation until summer could cost you in terms of savings and incentives.
Solar incentives vary greatly, making it a good strategy to lock in rates as early as possible to take advantage of benefits like state tax credits, federal incentives, and net metering. By installing solar panels earlier, you can reach your break-even point – when an investment starts to generate a positive return – much sooner. Waiting to install your solar system can only prolong this break-even point, which typically falls within 9 to 12 years.
Harness the Benefits of Winter Solar Installation
While it’s true that you can install solar panels at any time of the year, if you’re eager to reap all the benefits of solar power by summer, then winter installation makes perfect sense. Remember, if you inquire about solar installation at the start of the year and then delay until the end, you’ll be missing out on months of potential savings.
By installing solar panels early, especially during winter, you could save significantly not only on installation costs but also in the long-term. The process is likely to be smoother and faster due to fewer installations happening during this time.
Are you considering installing solar panels this winter? Or perhaps you’ve already embarked on your solar journey and would like to share your experiences? Leave a comment below. Your insights could help others make the move to a greener, more sustainable future.
