There are many free options if you don't want to pay for solar panels. Sunrun, for one, offers free solar panels in their free program. This program has many drawbacks, however, and you should be wary of them. First, the system is not yours and you cannot add it to your house's value.
Sunrun provides solar panels at no cost
Sunrun solar panels are free and come with many perks, unlike other solar leasing companies that charge a low monthly fee. This service includes bumper-to-bumper system warranty, active monitoring, and 10 years of free equipment replacement. A comprehensive insurance policy will be provided for your solar panel.
The company not only provides free solar panels but also offers custom-made solar energy systems. They'll install the solar panels for you and also monitor them. Sunrun also offers ownership options in some states. These include leases, purchase options, and Power Purchase Agreements.
There is no free program.
These advertisements for free solar panels that you find online are not real government programs. Instead, they are sales pitches intended to steal your information and make it available to as many companies as possible. There is no free solar panel; you only receive a power purchase contract or solar lease.
No cost solar programs are often promoted by the government as incentives to pay for the solar panels. Many "free solar" deals are actually soar leases, or power purchase agreements. In these agreements, the solar company places solar panels on your rooftop and buys power for 20 years. In fact, Tesla/SolarCity's CEO tried to make their product "free" during a Fox interview.
The system is not yours.
Leased solar panels are not yours. You can transfer your lease to another owner if you sell your house in the future. The purchase of the lease can be costly and could reduce your energy savings. A solar lease is not eligible for the federal investment credit, also known as the Solar Tax Credit.
Some companies that lease solar systems offer $0 down financing options. These programs can be very beneficial, as they give you the opportunity to own your system. Companies such as SunPower, Freedom Forever, and Trinity Solar offer solar leases. Before you sign a lease it is wise to consult a professional solar installer about your options. EcoWatch makes it easy to find an installer online.
It doesn’t add any value to your home
A solar panel can be a great way to increase your savings. The sun provides free energy for your appliances during the day and you can store the surplus in a battery for power at night and on overcast days. A solar panel with batteries can be a great way to make money for your utility provider. There are programs such as net metering and SRECs that reward you for using these renewable energy sources.
One study, published in 2015, found that many U.S. homes with solar panels did not increase in value in recent years. The reason for this is that the study did not use relevant home sales data to determine value. The study also only examined six states (California, Oregon, Maryland and Florida). The findings were analyzed by seven appraisers and researchers from Berkeley Lab.
It's an elaborate scam
Many solar scams claim they offer free panels for your home. However, it's important to steer clear from these companies. There are legitimate companies that offer solar panels for free, but most scammers will give you a substandard product. The best way to avoid a scam is to do your research online. You should also be wary of companies that contact you unexpectedly.
Do not accept offers to pay money or press you into signing up immediately. Ask for their contact information and call them to confirm their legitimacy. If the company is too eager to sign you up, it is probably a scam.