When Is the Best Time to Buy Residential Solar Power?
If you have recently made the decision to go solar, then congratulations are in order. Soon you’ll be able to say goodbye to hefty energy bills and hello to reliable, clean, and sustainable energy. Your next step is probably to decide whether to have your system installed in the summer or winter.
There are pros and cons to each season, so this guide will lay everything out for you. After reading, you will know what to expect moving forward and that will better help you choose the right season for your residential solar power installation.
Pros and Cons of Buying Solar Power in the Summer
Summer is the season that is most aligned with solar power for a very simple reason – it’s hot, sunny, and the daylight hours are at their longest. This makes solar installers very busy this time of year. But there are actually a few good reasons why you might want to buy your solar system in the summer.
For instance, if you want to experience lower energy bills immediately, then installing your system in the summer will allow you to hit the ground running. From the moment your system is turned on, your reliance on the grid will be sufficiently reduced and you will notice lower bills as soon as your next bill.
Summer is also an ideal season for your installation if you have children because the last thing you want to have to deal with when you’re trying to get your children ready for school is a home renovation project.
But of course, because solar is so popular in the summer, this can lead to longer than expected wait times to have your system installed. Delays can come from anything ranging from installer availability to extreme summer storms to delays in getting permits approved. As a result, if you want an early summer installation, then you might actually want to start looking to buy your system in winter or spring at the latest.
Pros and Cons of Buying Solar Power in the Winter
Buying your residential solar power system in the winter offers a few distinct advantages over buying it in summer. For starters, solar installers won’t be as busy, so your project will be more likely to be started and finished on time. You may also be able to take advantage of certain price breaks and installer specials as installers typically offer them during their “slower” season.
Since your installers won’t be battling the heat and conflicting schedules, your installation will be completed quicker, and you’ll receive more personal attention.
On the downside, winter’s unpredictable weather can stop an installation in its tracks when it gets bad enough. If your installation is scheduled to occur around the time of year where your area regularly sees bad weather roll in, then be prepared to see your project delayed until calmer weather returns.
There’s No Bad Season to Buy Solar
Solar power provides such benefits to a household that the truth is there is no “bad” season to buy it. Spring, summer, fall, or winter – solar works! All you really need to keep in mind are the special considerations that come with each of the seasons and how they affect your expectations.
Regardless of which time of year you choose to buy your residential solar power system, you can be sure that you will love how it provides you with reliable, clean energy day in and day out just as much as you love getting the lowest energy bills you’ve ever seen.