Despite the larger initial investment, the lifetime costs of solar power systems make them very cost-effective choices for home energy needs.
Solar power systems offer many advantages for the Los Angeles-area homeowner. Sunshine, their main source of energy, is plentiful, freely available and constantly renewable.
Solar power is also clean and environmentally friendly. It reduces your reliance on the general power grid and lowers consumption of energy produced by sources such as fossil fuels. Since you generate a large portion of your own power, you don’t need to buy as much energy from the local electric company.
Solar power systems can also qualify for various tax incentives. For example, the U.S. government offers federal income tax credits for the purchase of solar power and solar water heating systems. The credits, in effect until the end of 2016, amount to 30 percent of the cost of the solar equipment, with no upper limit.
A life cycle cost analysis will help put the lifetime costs of solar power in perspective. This analysis will give you a clear picture of how much you are likely to save on your electricity and energy needs over the useful life of your solar equipment. It accounts for three significant factors:
- Cost and benefits of ownership – This includes the initial price, possible expenses related to the system over time and intangible non-monetary benefits such as improved performance or quieter operation.
- Time period – This covers the amount of time the system is owned and operated, most often 20 years or more.
- Discount rates – Rates determined by the U.S. Department of Energy that apply to future operation costs in comparison with current costs. Discount rates take into account changes in the economy, cost increases and differences in buying power.
Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial HVAC service in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. Contact us today for more information on the benefits of solar power systems, to get an estimate or to schedule an installation.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about solar and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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