As the effects of global warming continue to worsen over the years, a growing number of people are turning to alternative energy as the solution. solar power leads the pack as the most abundant and accessible option thus far, and research shows that over 9.5 million homes in the US alone are powered by solar panels.

While the initial cost of installing solar panels is rather hefty, the amount pales in comparison to what you’ll be saving in energy bills. Not only that but solar energy pays huge dividends for the environment as well.

Below are a few tips and pointers to consider if you’re thinking of switching to solar in 2018:

Understand Local Net Metering Laws

Solar energy is so abundant that those who install solar panels in their homes end up producing way more energy than they could ever consume, and the unused power then goes to the local power grid. It is up to the local authorities and their metering laws whether to compensate solar panel homeowners for their contribution, so you should familiarize yourself with these laws so that you know what else you stand to gain from installing a solar panel, apart from having an endless supply of energy.

Check Solar Equipment Warranty

Solar panels are susceptible to the kind of wear and tear which diminishes their performance over time; hence they come with a warranty. Depending on the manufacturer, there are certain performance guarantees that detail the amount of solar panel installation that the solar system is expected to produce over a certain period of time.

For example, most manufacturers promise that their solar panels can produce at 90% capacity for the first 10 years, while others offer a guarantee of 92% for 25 years, and so on. Should the solar panels fail to perform as expected, you’ll be well within your rights to claim for a new set. To find out which solar manufacturer offers the best warranty, do your research on the subject, and be sure to check out some of the most popular brands like Solaria, SunEdison, and Solaris.

Consider Solar Loans

There is a growing number of solar loan products on offer now that the solar energy movement is growing, and many of their repayment options cost much less than your monthly utility bill. Apart from making financial sense, solar loans are making solar energy widely accessible, and have greatly contributed to dropping the price of solar products.

Start with Energy-Efficiency Improvements

It is wise to start your journey to clean energy with baby steps, such as reducing your electricity use by replacing your old appliances with more energy-efficient models, or turning off the lights when they’re not in use etc. This’ll make it easier for you to regulate usage when you finally become solely dependent on solar.  

Take Advantage of Solar Incentives

There are certain credit incentives that the federal government has put in place to encourage the adoption of solar panels, with some even reducing the cost of solar systems by up to 30%! As these incentives are set to scale down in the coming years, it would be wise to take advantage of them now while they’re still available.