We sometimes see it: homeowners don't want to invest in a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system because they fear a better, more efficient system will available as soon as their system is installed. It's the same reasoning some people use when the opt against buying a new computer or cell phone. Why trade up now when new technology will be available in six months or a year? When it comes to installing solar panels, however, there are a number of considerations that make the solar purchase decision unique.
First of all, you're right: at some point during the lifetime of your rooftop solar energy system, a better version of what you have will likely come out. That's going to be the case whether you install solar panels now or 20 years from now. The difference is that every month you choose not to invest in a solar energy system, you're continuing to pay your utility. Depending on your electric rate and usage patterns, you may be overpaying for your electricity. What's more? If you live in a state with a market for solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), the longer you wait to install solar, the longer you go without making money by selling your SRECs.
Second, the solar energy systems available today are pretty darn good. SunPower's E19 solar panels have a 19 percent efficiency rating, and Kyocera's 190-watt solar panel boasts a 15 percent efficiency level. Each of these is a great choice when looking into installing a rooftop solar energy system.
The third reason why now is the time to go solar? Solar rebates, tax credits and other incentives. Utility, state and federal incentives are available right now throughout the United States. Five states in particular are making big pushes in 2011 to incorporate more solar into their power grids, and financial incentives are among the main ways they plan to do this. But the goal is to get to a point in time when the solar energy industry can stand on its own feet without the help of incentives. So, if you wait a few years, more efficient panels will be available, but incentive programs will be few and far between. So take advantage of the incentives while they're still around and invest in a solar energy system today.
