Solar Energy as an Investment

For many of us, our home is our single greatest financial investment. We strive to make wise decisions today that will benefit us tomorrow. In addition to the energy savings, the solar electrical system itself will increase the value of your home.

According to the Appraisal Journal, the increase in appraisal value for a home with an energy efficiency measure such as a solar electric system is about twenty times the annual reduction in operating costs due to that energy efficiency measure. In other words, if a solar system can reduce or completely eliminate the electric bill, the home is worth at least $40,000 more in increased appraisable value.

Also, the California Revenue and Taxation Code makes the value of solar electrical systems tax exempt. If you are looking towards an investment that will yield both short term savings and long term value, a solar electrical system provided by S.G.T. is a logical and affordable solution.

How it Works

At any time of the day, your solar energy system will produce more or less electricity than your home or business needs. To allow for Net Energy Metering, a bi-directional meter measures the electricity flowing into and out of your home or business.

For example, when your solar electrical system produces more electricity than your home or business uses, the “excess” electricity automatically passes through the meter and onto the utility grid. When this occurs, the meter runs backward and Net Energy Metering generates a bill credit for the full retail value of the electricity your system is producing at that time. At times when your electricity demand is higher than your solar system produces, your home or business uses electricity supplied by your utility. Over a 12-month period, customers on Net Energy Metering will pay for the net amount of electricity used from their utility over and above the amount of electricity their solar system generates.