Solar Scams
Why Your Home Might Not Be a Good Fit for Solar—An Honest Discussion
We’re passionate about solar energy and the benefits it can bring to homeowners. However, we believe that honesty and transparency are key. While solar may be an excellent investment for many, it’s not the right choice for every home—and we’re not afraid to tell you that.
Many solar companies push their products without considering whether it’s truly the right fit for your home, leading to skepticism and frustration. There’s a stigma around the industry—often seen as pushy, with salespeople who are more interested in closing deals than ensuring the best outcomes for homeowners.
At ARC, we’re changing that narrative. We prioritize honesty and transparency in every interaction, and we take the time to evaluate your home and energy needs before recommending a solar solution. Our goal is to make sure solar works for you, not just sell you a system. We’re here to build trust and provide solutions that make sense for your home and your budget.
Is Solar Right for My Home?
The simple answer: it depends. Solar is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it requires the right conditions to be effective. Here are some common reasons why your home may not be a good fit for solar:
Roof Size and Condition:
Solar systems require a decent amount of space on your roof. If your roof is too small, damaged, or poorly positioned (i.e., too much shade from trees or nearby buildings), it may not be suitable for solar panels. A healthy roof is essential for long-term performance, so if your roof needs major repairs or is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s better to address that first.Shading and Sun Exposure:
Solar panels need direct sunlight to work effectively. If your roof is shaded for much of the day, it can significantly impact the performance of a solar system. While we can sometimes work around partial shading, consistent, heavy shading makes it less likely to be a good investment.Energy Usage:
Solar works best when it can help offset your electricity costs. If your home uses a lot of energy but your roof can’t support enough panels to offset that energy consumption, the return on investment might not make sense. That’s why we conduct a thorough evaluation of your energy usage before making a recommendation. We believe in matching you with the right system, not pushing an overly expensive option that doesn’t offer meaningful savings.Roof Age and Structural Integrity:
If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life or has structural issues, it may not be the right time to install solar. We want your investment in solar to last for years, which means your roof should be in good shape to support it for at least 25 years.Financial Considerations:
Solar can be an excellent financial investment, but it requires a long-term commitment. If the monthly cost of your system and energy savings doesn’t balance out, we won’t recommend solar. Our goal is always to save you money, not cost you more.
How Solar Saves Money (Simply Explained)
Solar works by turning sunlight into electricity, which reduces your reliance on the grid and lowers your monthly energy bill. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Solar Panels absorb sunlight and convert it into energy for your home.
- Net Metering allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid, which can offset your electric bill.
- Over time, the energy savings outpace the cost of installing the system, making it a smart investment that pays off.
In short, solar panels help you generate your own electricity, lowering your energy bills. After you pay for the system (either upfront or through financing), your electricity costs are lower, and you’re no longer relying on the utility company. The longer you have solar, the more money you save.
Note: Net metering is available in most states, but some states have limits on how much energy can be offset or offer different credit rates. Some states also have caps on the total amount of energy that can be sold back to the grid by solar customers, while others may offer alternative programs like community solar if net metering isn’t available.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Solar Panels
Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance. With no moving parts, there’s limited opportunity for issues throughout the lifespan of your panels. Here’s what you can expect:
Durability and Warranty: Modern solar panels are built to last for 25-30 years or more. Most reputable manufacturers offer warranties that guarantee the panels will maintain at least 80% efficiency over the lifespan.
Minimal Maintenance: Solar systems are relatively low-maintenance. Occasionally, dirt or debris might accumulate on the panels, but they’re usually self-cleaning when it rains. If you live in an area with heavy dust or snow, you may need to clean the panels once or twice a year.
System Monitoring: Many solar systems come with remote monitoring capabilities. This allows you (and us) to track the performance of your system and catch any issues early on. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your system keeps performing optimally.
Understanding Solar Financing and the True Cost of Solar
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners considering solar is the upfront cost. While it’s true that solar can be a significant investment, there are now more affordable ways to go solar than ever before. The key to making solar financially accessible lies in a variety of financing options and incentives that can help lower the initial cost.
The most common financing option for solar is solar loans, which allow homeowners to borrow the money needed to install a solar system and pay it off over time. These loans often come with low-interest rates, and depending on your credit score and the size of the system, payments can be very manageable. In many cases, the monthly loan payment is lower than the savings you’ll see on your electricity bill, meaning you could start saving money immediately after installation.
If upfront costs are still a concern, solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are also popular alternatives. With a solar lease, you pay a monthly fee to use the system, while the provider owns the panels and takes care of maintenance and repairs. This option usually requires little to no upfront investment, and you only pay for the energy the system produces. PPAs work similarly, except instead of paying a fixed monthly fee, you pay for the electricity the system generates at a set rate, which is often lower than your current utility rate. While both of these options mean you don’t own the system, they allow you to benefit from clean, renewable energy without the upfront cost.
In addition to financing options, federal and state incentives significantly reduce the cost of solar installation. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is one of the most impactful incentives available, allowing you to claim 26% of the cost of your solar system as a tax credit (this percentage is set to decrease in the coming years). Many states, including Illinois, offer local rebates and performance-based incentives (such as Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs), which further reduce the cost of installation. These incentives can make solar much more affordable and increase your return on investment.
When considering financing options, it’s important to also think about the payback period—the time it takes for your energy savings to cover the cost of the solar system. For most homeowners, the payback period is around 5 to 10 years. After the system is paid off, you can continue to enjoy free or significantly reduced energy costs for the remaining life of the system, which can be 25 years or more. Over time, these savings add up, and after the initial investment, you’ll be paying much less for your electricity.
The beauty of solar is that it is a long-term investment that starts paying off right away. With affordable financing options and available incentives, you can go solar without breaking the bank and begin saving money from day one.
Myths About Solar
There are several myths and misconceptions about solar that can discourage homeowners from making the switch. Let’s set the record straight:
“Solar is too expensive.” With tax credits, rebates, and financing options, solar is more affordable than ever. The savings you get over time often outweigh the initial cost, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
“Solar doesn’t work in cloudy areas.” Solar panels still work on cloudy days, though they might not generate as much electricity as they would under full sun. Even in cloudy climates, solar panels can produce plenty of power for your home.
“Solar is only for new homes.” Older homes can benefit from solar too! As long as your roof is in good shape and can support the panels, solar can work for homes of all ages.
“Solar is hard to maintain.” Solar systems are low-maintenance and require minimal upkeep. With a reliable warranty and remote monitoring, you can rest assured that your system will continue working efficiently.
Common Questions
“How much will solar cost me?”
The initial cost of installation can vary, but most homeowners see a return on investment within a few years due to energy savings. We offer affordable financing options to help make solar more accessible.“Do I need to worry about maintenance?”
Once your system is installed, we handle all maintenance and repairs. You won’t have to worry about anything—your solar system will be covered for its lifetime.“How long does it take to see savings?”
Many homeowners begin to see savings immediately. As your solar system starts generating electricity, your energy costs drop, and you start saving money. Full savings can often be realized once the system is fully paid off.
We’re committed to ensuring that solar is the right choice for your home. We don’t push a sale—we evaluate your property, assess your energy needs, and then provide solutions that make sense for your situation. If we determine that solar is not a good fit, we’ll be upfront about it. We’re here to make sure you make an informed decision that benefits your home and your wallet in the long run.
If you’re ready to explore solar or have questions about whether it’s right for your home, contact us today. We’re happy to help you understand your options and take the next steps—whether that’s installing solar or finding another way to reduce your energy costs.