The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that less than 1% of Pennsylvania homes have solar panels installed on their roofs. Unfortunately, not enough Pennsylvanians have embraced the idea of installing solar panels.
If your home still lacks solar panels, consider installing them soon. Before you do, learn the pros and cons of solar panel installation.
The Pros of Installing Solar Panels
Putting solar panels on your home’s roof offers many short- and long-term benefits. Let’s start by reading through some of the biggest advantages of investing in solar panels for your home in Pittsburgh.
Lower Energy Bills
You might not immediately eliminate your energy bills by installing solar panels, but you will bring them down significantly. Your solar panels will generate enough electricity each month to make a noticeable dent in your expenses.
The energy savings you experience can make these panels well worth the investment.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
If reducing your home’s carbon footprint is important to you, installing solar panels is a simple way to do it. When you have these solar panels strategically positioned on your roof, they’ll generate solar power and reduce your home’s reliance on your local electric company.
It may even inspire you to take other dramatic steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency and minimize its environmental impact.
Higher Home Value
Studies have suggested that solar panel installation has the potential to skyrocket a home’s value. They’ve shown that solar panels will increase the value of a home by about 5% on average.
You will think the upfront installation costs of solar panels are well worth it when you see what they do for your home’s value. You will also appreciate that they may make your home more desirable when you sell it one day.
The Cons of Installing Solar Panels
Generally speaking, putting solar panels on your roof is a great idea. However, there are a few downsides that may come with doing it. Here are some cons to consider.
Expensive Installation Costs
The average cost to install solar panels in Pennsylvania ranges from $12,000 to $18,000, which is a sizeable investment. Solar panel efficiency should eventually help you recover your upfront installation costs by reducing your reliance on the local power company, but it may take some time.
Aesthetic Issues
Solar panels will likely be among the first things people see when they pull up in front of your home, which may impact your home’s curb appeal.
Some homeowners might not mind trading a little curb appeal for the energy savings they’ll experience, but others won’t love the look of solar panels.
Unnecessary Roof Damage
Before installing solar panels on your roof, a company should test their roof compatibility to ensure they will work with its design. Otherwise, solar panels could damage your home’s structure and force you to make costly repairs.
You might also have to deal with roof repairs if you hire an inexperienced solar panel company to install them.
Contact Us for Your Roof Repair Needs
Would you like to repair your roof before installing solar panels on it? Do you need to fix a few shingles after a solar panel installation?
Either way, you can count on our team at Gotcha Covered Contracting to extend the necessary roof repair services. We will bring your roof back to life and make it look new. You can also rely on us for new roof installations if you’re ready to upgrade your home.
Give us a call at (724) 581-8147 to schedule a roof inspection. We can also supply siding and gutter services to Pittsburgh homeowners.
