Solar roofs are a big investment, but they can make a substantial difference in the amount you’re paying for energy each month. As with any home improvement, there are downsides to take into consideration. Let’s talk about solar roofs and whether they’re a good choice for your Davenport, IA, home.
What Is a Solar Roof?
Much different from a traditional roof, a solar roof can generate electricity from sunlight. Depending on the style you choose, a solar roof can look like a traditional roof. However, roof tiles are equipped with photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight. This is a different setup than a traditional roof that has solar panels installed.
Energy Savings
Solar energy is a great way to reduce the amount of money you need to spend on electricity. If you experience high energy costs, investing in a solar roof may be a wise choice. You can utilize solar batteries as part of your solar roof setup. These batteries will store excess electricity that is not being used during the day. You’ll be able to utilize this power later in the evening when the sun has gone down. This allows you to save energy around the clock. This also works on cloudy days.
Not to mention, a solar roof can raise the overall value of your home. If you are going to sell soon, this can be a major selling point that home buyers will love.
Good for the Environment
A solar roof can help reduce your carbon footprint since it is an emissions-free source of energy. You’ll be pulling less energy from the grid, which allows you to be more independent as well as eco-friendly. This clean, carbon-free energy can be used to power your lights, run your appliances, and heat your home.
Cost of Investment
The purchase of a solar roof is more expensive than a traditional roof. However, the return on investment may be worth that initial cost. Not to mention, various federal and state solar incentives can help offset the cost of a solar roof. For example, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which increased the solar investment tax credit to 30%. This increase has been extended through 2032 and will phase out in 2035.
Overall, you can expect to pay approximately $3.80 per watt for a solar roof. The average solar roof size is about 7 kilowatts, which would equate to just over $26,000.
Using the new metering concept is another way that you can offset the cost of a solar roof. You can take the excess energy that you aren’t using and sell it to your local utility provider. This isn’t an option in every state or every energy company, however.
You can utilize financing to obtain a solar roof. This allows you to control your payback period in a way that is comfortable for your household budget. You can also qualify for energy efficiency rebates and tax credits by installing a solar roof. There are some federal tax credits and others that are specific to Iowa that you may be able to get, and a solar roofing professional can help you determine if you might qualify
It takes a bit of planning to invest in a solar roof, but the pros typically outweigh the cons.
Considerations for a Solar Roof
Not every home will benefit from a solar roof. We take into consideration things like the amount of available sunlight on your property. If you have a lot of trees that are creating shade, you may not find that a solar roof saves you much money in the long run. Another consideration is the pitch and direction of your roof.
There is the potential for a solar roof to increase the appraisal value of your home. This leads to higher property taxes in certain areas. You may also need to report your solar roof to your homeowner’s insurance company. Your premium may increase with this new investment.
If you are interested in learning more about solar roofs and potentially investing in one for your Davenport home, reach out to our team at Evenhouse Roofing. In addition to solar roofing, we also offer traditional roof installation and replacement, roof repair, inspections, flat roofing, gutter installation and maintenance, siding, and much more.
Contact Evenhouse Roofing today for assistance or to schedule an appointment.
