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Lawson Schaller
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Lawson works on the Central Coast as an analyst for residential renewable energy systems.

Energy Upgrade California

Solarponics

 

 

Solar Electric Systems by Lawson Schaller

Solar
Rooftop Solar

Top 5 Reasons to Put a Solar Electric System on Your Roof

  1. Saves you money
  2. Protects you against inflation
  3. Adds value to your home and property
  4. Protects our national security/natural resources
  5. Clean energy – cleaner air for our children and grandchildren

People can start saving money in the first month of installing a solar electric system.  Over time, the cost difference between paying PG&E and your solar electric system becomes even more significant.  This is why solar is an excellent investment. Many sources and studies show attractive pay back periods and return on investment with solar electric systems.  Paybacks are often in the five to seven year time frame.  Future payback/savings are even greater. Once installed, a solar electric system will reliably produce power for decades to come with inflation protection.

California electrical rates have increased approximately 6.7% over the last thirty years (much higher than the Consumer Price Index, which has been 3.5% annually).  At this approximate rate, your electrical charges will double every ten years.  A solar system acts as an excellent inflation hedge, and protects you from the ten year doubling of your monthly charges.   I think most adults would agree that ten years can pass rather quickly.

A solar electric system adds market value to your property yet, at the same time, is exempt from property tax increases in SLO County.  The system is a tangible fixed asset that makes it easier to sell your home when that time comes.  Many people are moving funds from paper assets (bond/stock market) that often return less than two percent per year, and, instead invest those funds in a solar electric system.  Many solar electric systems are showing ROI's (return on investment) of 10 to 20+ percent depending on your monthly electrical usage, type of mounting, and other details impacting the cost of the system.

By having a solar electric system on your property, you help protect our national security and our national natural resources.  By investing in solar, we can greatly reduce the demand on coal, foreign oil, natural gas, and nuclear generation facilities. 

Many studies show significant reduction in air pollution by utilizing solar electricity over fossil fuels.  One's carbon footprint is reduced by using solar electricity.  Regardless of one's view on global warming, it makes sense to keep our air clean.  It also helps keep our waters clean. Studies show the negative effect that fossil fuel burning has on our oceans and surface waters.  Clean energy makes sense, financially, and environmentally.

Now, if one does not have the funds to buy a solar electric system upfront, there are home equity lines of credit or a zero dollars upfront option.  These allow one to take advantage of all the reasons for going solar.  Solarponics is a well established local company that can help with these choices.  With no money down a homeowner can save money, add value to their home, protect against inflation, protect our national resources, our air and water quality.  It is a fairly straight forward choice.


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