Solar power is an increasingly popular way to cut electricity bills or unplug entirely from the grid. People often feel some apprehension about whether to move forward with home solar projects. By looking at these four factors, you can decide if solar is right for your location.

Electricity Costs

A major driver of solar power adoption is the cost of electricity. Especially as inflationary pressures are pushing on-grid electric bills up significantly, people are looking for ways to defray or lock in their costs. A solar setup allows you to either feed power back to the grid and reduce your bill or unplug from the grid entirely. While there are a few upfront costs, solar will allow you to lock them in.

You can calculate the benefits of solar by pulling out your current electrical bill and checking the rate. Project your long-term consumption and then divide your solar system's projected cost by that amount. You can then compare the two figures. If the one in the solar column is even close, there's a good chance future electricity price increases will make the grid the less appealing option.

Resilience

The American electrical grid is at increasing risk as it ages. Many people don't want to be dependent on the system for their energy needs. A solar contractor can install panels and battery storage to ensure you'll have sufficient power around the clock. Especially if you live in an area where storms or other events frequently knock down power lines or destroy electrical infrastructure, using solar power can ensure your home's energy system will be more resilient.

Availability

Some locations are simply better than others for solar. Regionally, areas in the American South and Southwest tend to do better than other regions. Likewise, there are strong local effects. If your house has an open view of the southern sky, for example, solar power may be a good option, even in a more northern environment. Trees and hills can work against you, but you could also install an array in an open area of the yard if your house's view is obstructed.

Ease of Installation

The installation process will vary in difficulty depending on the property, too. Some homes have perfectly sloped roofs that make for great solar power production. Other properties may require creative placement and wiring to get the most from solar. If you're unsure about your placement options, a solar contractor can study your location and propose a few choices.

For more information about solar power, reach out to a local service.