March 19, 2025
March 12, 2025
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Solar panels are becoming more common than ever.
In August 2024, utility-scale solar power generation in the Lower 48 states averaged 63.1 gigawatt-hours per day between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.—a 36% jump from the same period in August 2023.
The growing appeal of solar is easy to understand: lower energy bills, greater energy independence, and a cleaner power source. But before making the switch, it’s essential to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks. While solar panels can save money and reduce your carbon footprint, they also come with upfront costs and logistical challenges.
To help you make an informed decision, our Reno roofing contractors break down the pros and cons of solar roofs.
Solar panels have quickly moved from a niche option to mainstream home improvement. But beyond the hype, what are the real solar panel roof benefits?
Let’s find out.
One of the biggest reasons people switch to solar is to save money. Once your Reno solar panels are up and running, they generate electricity from the sun—completely free. The less energy you pull from the grid, the lower your electric bill will be.
Many homeowners also take advantage of net metering, a solar system that lets you sell excess energy back to the grid. Depending on your location, this could lead to significant credits on your bill, further reducing your costs.
Government incentives and tax credits make solar even more affordable. In the U.S., federal, state, and local programs offer rebates or deductions to help offset the initial investment.
Solar energy is clean, renewable, and doesn’t produce harmful emissions. If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, installing solar panels on your Sparks roofing is one of the best ways to do it.
Unlike fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change, solar power generates electricity without pollution. Over the lifespan of your system, you could prevent tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, solar panels can make your property more attractive to buyers. A 2024 SolarReviews study found that homes with solar panels sold for 6.8% more than homes without them.
With more people looking for eco-friendly housing, solar-equipped homes stand out in the market. Buyers appreciate the potential for lower energy bills and the added efficiency that solar panels bring.
Utility rates are unpredictable, but solar energy gives homeowners more control over their electricity costs. By generating your own power, you’re less impacted by rising energy prices and unexpected rate hikes.
Pairing your solar roof installation with battery storage takes energy security a step further. A battery allows you to store excess energy for use at night or during outages, reducing your dependence on the grid.
While solar panels come with plenty of benefits, they aren’t the perfect solution for every home. Consider these potential solar panel cons before making a call.
A solar panel installation can save you money in the long run, but the initial investment can be steep.
The total price depends on factors like system size, installation complexity, and whether you opt for battery storage. Even with tax credits and rebates, the cost of purchasing and installing a solar system can be in the thousands.
Plus, the return on investment (ROI) takes time. Most homeowners don’t see full savings until 6 to 12 years after installation. As a result, solar panels may not be ideal if you plan on moving soon.
Because solar panel systems rely on sunlight, their efficiency drops in cloudy, snowy, or rainy conditions. If you live in a region with frequent overcast skies or long winters, your system won’t generate as much solar energy.
Performance also depends on location and climate. Homes in sunny states like Nevada, Arizona, Florida, and California tend to get the most out of renewable energy. In contrast, those in cloudier regions may need additional energy sources to cover their needs.
Not every home is a good candidate for solar panels. Roof angles, shading from trees or nearby buildings, and structural limitations can all affect how much energy your system produces.
For solar panels in Reno, NV, to work efficiently, your roof should have enough unobstructed space with direct sunlight. If your home is heavily shaded or has an irregular roof layout, solar panels might not be the best fit.
Although solar panel systems are generally low maintenance, they do require some upkeep. Dust, dirt, and debris on the panels can reduce their efficiency. In some areas, occasional cleaning may be necessary to keep them operating at peak performance. Additionally, if you opt for battery storage, you’ll need to factor in extra costs.
To confirm if you should invest in solar panels, think about these key factors.
Your home’s location plays a big role in how much energy production your solar panels can generate. If you live in a sunny region, solar is usually a no-brainer.
However, if your area gets frequent cloud cover, long winters, or heavy shading from trees or buildings, your panels may not produce energy or make the investment worthwhile.
The more electricity you use, the more you stand to save with solar. If your monthly energy bill is high, solar panels can provide significant long-term savings. On the other hand, if you don’t use much power, the return on investment may be lower.
To get a rough estimate of your potential savings, check your average electricity usage (in kilowatt-hours) on your electricity bill and compare it to how much energy a solar system could generate in your area.
Solar panels can be expensive upfront, but there are several ways to pay for them. You can:
In case the upfront cost is a concern, check for local incentives, rebates, and financing options to help reduce expenses.
Community solar lets you benefit from solar energy without installing anything on your own roof. With this model, you buy or lease solar panels located off-site and receive credits on your energy bill.
Another option is solar leasing or power purchase agreements. With this arrangement, a solar provider installs panels on your home at no upfront cost. Instead, you pay a fixed monthly fee for electricity generated by the system.
At the end of the day, solar power is an exciting technology that’s getting more affordable every year. Whether now is the right time for you depends on your budget, your energy needs, and your long-term plans.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you’re getting the full picture—because the last thing you want is to get stuck with a system that doesn’t deliver the savings you expected.
Ready to see if solar is right for you? At Mountain Vista Roof Systems, we’ll evaluate your home, explain your options, and give you honest guidance to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
If you decide to move forward, our expert team will handle the installation quickly and efficiently. Contact us today!
