There are many alternatives to paying for solar panel panels. Sunrun, a free solar panel program, offers free panels. This program has many drawbacks, however, and you should be wary of them. The first is that you don't get the system. Second, it doesn't increase the value of your home.
Sunrun offers solar panels for free
While other solar leasing companies offer a low monthly payment, Sunrun offers a free solar panel service that comes with a variety of perks. This service includes bumper-to-bumper system warranty, active monitoring, and 10 years of free equipment replacement. You will also receive a comprehensive insurance policy for your solar panels.
The company provides solar panels for free and also offers customizable solar energy solutions. They can install and maintain your solar system for you. Sunrun also offers ownership options in some states. These include purchasing options, leases and Power Purchase Agreements.
There is no free program.
You won't find any government programs advertised online for "free solar panel". Instead, they are sales pitches intended to steal your information and make it available to as many companies as possible. You are not actually receiving free solar panels; you are only receiving a power purchase agreement or solar lease.
The government will often promote the no cost solar program as a way to get solar panels for free. However, many "free" solar programs are actually soar leasing or power purchase agreements. This means that the solar company installs solar panel on your roof and you agree to buy power for 20-years. In fact Tesla/SolarCity's CEO attempted to present their product as free in a Fox interview.
You don't own the system
You don't own a solar panel system if you lease it. If you decide to sell your home in the future, you can transfer your lease to a new owner. But, the cost of buying out the lease could be prohibitive and can reduce your energy savings. Also, a solar lease doesn't qualify for the federal investment tax credit, commonly known as the Solar Tax Credit.
Some solar lease companies offer $0 down financing options. These programs are advantageous because they allow you enjoy the benefits associated with system ownership. Companies such as SunPower, Freedom Forever, and Trinity Solar offer solar leases. Before you sign a lease, it's a good idea discuss your options with a qualified solar professional. An online directory such as EcoWatch can help you locate an installer.
It doesn't add value to your home
A solar panel is a great way of increasing your savings. Solar energy is free and can be used to power your appliances throughout the day. You can also store excess energy in a battery for nighttime and overcast days. Your utility provider may even offer solar panels that have batteries to help you make money. You can earn money from your utility provider through programs like net metering or SRECs.
A 2015 study concluded that value of solar-powered U.S. homes did not rise in recent years. This is because the study didn't use any relevant home sales data in order to calculate value. Also, the study focused only on six states, which included California, Oregon Maryland and Florida. To analyze the results, seven appraisers and researchers at Berkeley Lab collaborated.
It's a fraud
There are many solar scams that claim to provide free solar panels for homes. However, it is important to avoid these scams. Although there are legitimate companies out there, most solar scams offer substandard products for free. The best way to avoid a scam is to do your research online. Unexpected contact from companies should also be avoided.
Do not accept offers to pay money or press you into signing up immediately. To verify legitimacy, ask for contact details of the company and make sure you are comfortable with them. If the company is too eager to sign you up, it is probably a scam.