In the last ten years, there's been a surge of homeowners who have installed solar panels on their rooftops to reduce their electrical bills and rely more on solar energy to power their home. Although this step can greatly reduce energy costs for homeowners, solar panel installation can increase the potential for damage to the home, as well as costly repairs for the solar panels themselves.
In today's Aegis blog post, we'll examine some of the pros and cons that come from solar panel installation on your home, as well as the impact it can have on Homeowners Insurance coverage.
Rewards of Solar Panel Installation
One of the most significant rewards of choosing solar panels for powering your home is the long-term financial savings that they provide. As electricity costs soar, particularly in Texas where aging power plants and grids can't always keep up with usage demands, customers are looking for any way to save on their electrical bill.
Solar panels can solve this issue by providing you with a cheaper, clean source of electricity. Installing solar panels can result in one of three scenarios for homeowners:
• Generate enough solar energy to drastically reduce standard electricity usage.
• Be able to completely power the home through solar energy.
• Create an abundance of solar energy to power your house AND sell any surplus back to the power grid.
In addition, federal tax credits and incentives from utility companies can help offset the installation costs and make them much more affordable. Plus, solar power can help reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and help strengthen our environment.
Risks of Solar Panel Installation
Although solar panels generally result in significant energy savings, there are some important risks to consider, especially the damage solar panels can do to your roof. The weight of solar panels can compromise the integrity and strength of your roof, and if they are improperly installed, it can also lead to water leaks and costly property damage.
In addition, solar panels typically have a lifespan of 20-25 years, but they can easily be damaged by hail or debris from strong winds. It can be costly to repair or replace broken panels, and some of the components inside can also be toxic and they may require special handling and disposal.
In addition, their writing and placement can also increase the risk of fire hazards on your property, increasing liability risks for homeowners.
Impact on Homeowners Insurance
Finally, if you plan to install solar panels on your home, you should make sure your Homeowners Insurance policy is adjusted to reflect this change. The panels should be protected by your Homeowners Insurance policy in the event of damage from a covered event, since they are more susceptible to severe weather conditions.
Also, it's important to evaluate the strength and stability of your existing roof before adding solar panels. You may need to replace your roof before adding solar panels to ensure a sturdy installation and a long lifespan for both your roof and solar panels.
Aegis Helps Protect Homes
Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is proud to help homeowners across the Gulf Coast get the insurance protection needed for homes, personal property, and families. If you want to discuss your upcoming home renovations or additions, review your existing Homeowners coverage, or learn more about our full line of Personal Insurance policies, contact Aegis today. You can reach one of our experienced Agents at 713-850-7622, or request a free quote online!