Shopping Smart For Home Solar

Home solar panels are in fact very practical for homeowners. There’s a great alternative out there but let's first cover homeowner practicality. If you’re in CA building your own home, you’ll want to talk to our installers anyways. Try out the HahaSmart DIY tools to get started pricing out your solar panels. They offer a convenient approach to get the best prices. I’ve been working with them for years as a DIY pro that refers all of my new home-builders, floppers, and re-modeler to use their services, because they’re 25% below the average market value for home solar.

Solar panels are not so easy to understand, so grasping the technical details can be daunting. Why not leave it up to people who already know what they’re doing? HahaSmart takes out all of the middle men you need to go through, so you can do it all yourself.

The great thing about HahaSmart is ‘shopping’ is no longer such a difficult situation. Shopping can thwart your purchase ROI and make changing to solar otherwise financially non-advisable, and outside of the eco-friendly solutions solar provides, you’ll otherwise find yourself falling into an environmental trap where your being sold on solutions that adapt to your states sustainable algorithm, but do not meet smart purchase incentives. If you shop right solar can become one of the more cost effective aspects to your budget. But if you shop wrong, you’re really just losing an arm and a leg.

What is the average rate of increase for homes with solar

Houses with solar panels on them are on the rise in the U.S.. There are more than 58.3 Gigawatts of solar capacity are now installed, which is growing at an average rate of 59% over the last 10 years.

Top 6 Factors -

1. State policies - Some states, even going as far as requiring solar panels in new zoned homes after 2019 to meet state sustainable NEM goals.
1. This is a key factor because many states are increasing their standards of sustainable energy by making miscellaneous laws supporting solar. CA has always been considered one of the more environmental states, creating their own state specific standards. And, after offshore drilling regulations were cut back, the state also considered some initiatives for home solar. CA is becoming the first state to create construction laws, that require solar to be a part of new home construction zoning initiatives.
2. Sustainability policies - Many regions across the United States, are for the first time looking at a 100% renewable trajectory.
3. Cost effective - Solar panels are becoming more cost effective over time. Additionally you are looking at a standard 30% itemized tax deduction.
4. High level efficiency - efficiency ratings are going up so panels are able to produce energy at even faster rate, by advancing silicon based cells such as Monocrystalline solar panel models.
5. High Energy Returned on Energy Invested - In terms of the amount of fossil fuel consumption, that would go into a panel, or any materialized structure, the ERoEI from the panels, is high enough to outweigh factors.
6. Easy of access to install solar panels on your homes - with online tools, solar panels are becoming plentiful on the market. Hahasmart’s solar panel price checker, is one of the easiest tools you can use to get the job done, from finding the local solar panel installers with certifications, to buying your solar panels, inverters, and etc. … Plus, it is considered 25% below the average market value costs of solar panels. And, this factors out the tax incentives you are looking for.

What makes or breaks your solar panel costs

Solar panels break even fast. if you shop right. I’ve been working with them for years, as a Do It Yourself professional because they easily adapt solar to your home if you are doing construction, planning a new home in a state like CA where solar is become standardized, or simply re-modeling, it always adds a taste of elegance and substantial savings.

An average home would average 5.5 kW system sizes, and the household may have an average utility bill of about $2,000 annually, in this case the pay off time for a system that costs roughly $12,000 would be finalized after ten years. But with HahaSmart your pay off time might be less than five years because of the competitive rates, and the easy ability to shop smart. The HahaSmart price-checker tool takes all of the guess work out and shows you a full system size, which is estimated 25% below the average market value of home solar. HahaSmarthelps you check the prices in your area. ‘shopping’ frequently becomes the hardest part mainly because of this factor where the pay off time may become longer and become less practical for purchase. All of the customers I have referred to them have been satisfied!

Solar panel costs make a big difference

Here's a fare estimate from the system

System Size: 5.8 KW - DC Your project address: 2768 Desert Rose Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, USA

Total Cost $14,429

Your average monthly electricity bill: $168

PERMIT & PRODUCT COST As Low As:
$8,129 Solar Product Package includes: Engineer / Permit: $798

Panel:21 pcs * $145/pcs = $3,049

Inverter & Accessory:$1,725

Racking: $907

BOS: $738

Other mis:$0.05/watt * 5,775 watt = $280

Sales Tax:$7,217 * 8.75% = $632

*Solar product package does not include electrical main service panel upgrade, and finance expenses. 
*Sales Tax Rate: 8.75%. Please consult with your CPA for more information of sales tax.

Total Cost $14,429 - Your Project Analysis Permit & Product + Installation Cost $8,129 + $6,300

Example Project Estimate

The difficulties of choosing the right solar can be insurmountable, especially if you've never thought about your electricity bill too much beyond what it is in the surface, a bill that goes up every month if you don't pay it, one that can leave a negative track on your credit score for many years if it isn't caught up after your next move. Something, that could potentially be thwarted be irresponsible neighbors telling the utilities provider that you're sharing the same bill. If you're not careful your utilities can leave an indent in your budget, your credit and your stress level. And, if you decide to make the switch to solar, you need to do your homework and shop diligently. Getting a good perspective can  be the hardest part, and shopping can easily change your buying decisions, and the real impact that switching to solar ultimately gives you.

The reason I refer so many people to HahaSmart, is because as a DIY expert, and someone who has paid a lot of electricity, bill, I can safely tell all of my customers that these guys, are giving you a fair and accurate price. Here is an example of a full system, generated by the sites price-checker. All you have to do is fill out your location, your average utility bill, and the site sizes your full system right away. From installation, to buying the panels and accessories you're getting an overall discount compared to the average market value of home solar. After tax incentives, your net costs is reduced by 30%, and the overall prices are  25% below the average market value of home solar. 2019 is still going to be one of your best years to adapt to solar, because  it is going to go down 4% from the original 30% reduction after 2020.

So, in 2019 here is what you are getting. The example is from a system size assessment in Santa Rosa, CA in 2019. And, switching from your standard prices is quoted as  $53,369 savings over a 20 year period. However, if you are looking for a partial system based on a certain amount of tools use the DIY tool instead. The following is from the price-checker.

System Size: 5.8 KW - DC
Your project address: ###, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, USA

Your average monthly electricity bill: $168

PERMIT & PRODUCT COST As Low As: $8,129
Solar Product Package includes: Engineer / Permit: $798

Panel:21 pcs * $145/pcs = $3,049

Inverter & Accessory:$1,725

Racking: $907

BOS: $738

Other mis:$0.05/watt * 5,775 watt = $280

Sales Tax:$7,217 * 8.75% = $632

*Solar product package does not include electrical main service panel upgrade, and finance expenses.
*Sales Tax Rate: 8.75%. Please consult with your CPA for more information of sales tax.

Your Project Analysis
Permit & Product + Installation Cost $8,129 + $6,300 = Total Cost $14,429
System Size: 5.8 KW - DC


$10,100 Net Cost - This is after tax incentives in 2019

How is solar energy used to generate electricity?

In a basic sense solar energy is used to generate electricity, by enabling homeowners to put energy back on to the grid and receive electricity credits from their utilities provider. On a fundamental level it is photovoltaic energy (PV). PV is a system of solar power designed to supply power  through the solar panel system. PV with Net-Energy-Metering is what the stand alone home solar panel system is for, which is to create state-wide sustainable standards. In the U.S. politics are considering solar as more and more of a necessity to stay sustainable in coming decades. And, some states such CA are putting emphasis on it by requiring new homes to utilize a solar panel system, and be equipped to at least get some credits by putting power back onto the grid.

Try using HahaSmart’s site, and buy solar direct. These guys know what they’re doing and are saving customers 25% below the average market value from purchasing their panels to connected them to installers.

Financial incentives for homeowners looking to buy solar

Three Ways To Financial Gain Through Solar

On a preliminary level, lets discuss the facts. If you prefer to buy your solar energy system, solar loans can lower the up-front costs of the system. In most cases, monthly loan payments are smaller than a typical energy bill, which will help you save money from the start. Solar loans function the same way as home improvement loans, and some jurisdictions will offer subsidized solar energy loans with below-market interest rates, making solar even more affordable. New homeowners can add solar as part of their mortgage with loans available, where borrowers can start financing for home improvements in the home’s purchase price.

Firstly, a PPA could be your highway to easy payments and get solar regardless if you have the oney or not, Consumers have different financial options to select from when deciding to go solar. In general, a purchased solar system can be installed at a lower total cost than a system installed using a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA). Solar leases and PPAs allow consumers to host solar energy systems that are owned by solar companies and purchase back the electricity generated. Consumers enter into agreements that allow them to have lower electricity bills without monthly loan payments. In many cases, that means putting no money down to go solar. Solar leases entail fixed monthly payments that are calculated using the estimated amount of electricity the system will produce. With a solar PPA, consumers agree to purchase the power generated by the system at a set price per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. With both of these options, though, you are not entitled to tax benefits since you don’t own the solar energy system.

The second biggest factor is ITC - Buying a solar energy system makes you eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, which is a 30 percent federal tax credit on your system that is available through 2022. 

Then there is Form 3468,  is a a government incentive to encourage people to invest in clean energy and allows them to get even more credits.  Solar qualifies as a renewable energy resource and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so it is an important factor to Form 3468. Read more information on Intuit Turbo Tax about it here.

What do I need to know about the California Solar Initiative (CSI) and the Single Family Affordable Solar Housing (SASH) program before applying for it? Is it worth it

California Solar Initiative

This has to with certain incentives offered when homes are required to adapt solar panels to their homes, whereas SASH, is trying to make it affordable for everyone qualified as a low-income homeowner. In 2019 all future home constructions require solar, as a part of the 2045 goal for 100% clean energy.

The Single-family Affordable Solar Housing Program provides incentives to qualified low-income homeowners to help offset the costs of a solar electric system. SASH is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission and administered by Grid Alternatives, a non-profit organization. The SASH program will generate $ 10 MM in funds by 2030, in addition to some other programs such as for disadvantaged communities where people will receive 20% off their electricity bills if they adapt to solar power.

Are you interested in installing solar panels in the state of California? That’s OK, SASH or no SASH you can find out your homes approximated costs for rooftop solar fast. With HahaSmart, their price-checker shows you average prices 25% below the average market value of home solar. The solar panel price-checker is a great option for shopping because it gives you costs incentives from A - Z. To finding the local installers, and to purchasing your solar panels, BOS, and accessories, plus your state incentives are high, with at least a 30% itemized tax deduction at the end of the year, you are looking at even more savings. The solar panel Price-Checker mentioned, will factor our net costs based on the savings in taxes, in addition to what you are saving by finding a good certified local installers, and the best prices on solar panels and equipment. For on-grid living, in California and anywhere else in the United States you will see substantial credits your way, when it comes to paying a local utilities provider, like PG&E.

What is the rest of the world doing to stay sustainable

The world is in fact slowly becoming centered on renewable energy. Many states in the U.S. and other countries are in fact adopting to renewable standards already, and choosing to develop 100% renewable standards. California, United States is one of these. In CA all new homes being built require a basic home solar panel system, and contribute to the grid through NEM (Net Energy Metering), which will allow credits to be recirculated back to your wallet, and energy back to the grid, increasing sustainable energy goals substantially. In Europe many countries are already almost there, for instance Denmark will reach 100% sustainability by 2050.

What more can you do to contribute to sustainable decisions lead on by your municipality? Well, there’s your home solar initiative that you can make with or without sustainable goals. And, if you shop in the right places, it’s not just a sustainable decision, it’s a choice you can make to develop a savings plan. Then, the importance is placed on where you are going to get your solar panels from, find the installers, and etc. … HahaSmart is there as an opportunity to get the best price, and they make a goal to ensure your ROI from your sustainable choices.

Is it possible to install solar yourself

It is possible, but you will still need to address all of the ins and outs of getting the panels, finding the certifications for installing, and then there’s prices. So unless you are ready to become a certified installers, and buy from all of the different resources, you may want to consider an alternative Do It Yourself solution.

A good resource is here. This is a good blog I wrote about a DIY professional company, that will allow you to make accommodations, while you can still ‘Do It Yourself’, just at the click of the button, where the certified and best priced local installers are matched, to also install the best priced panels along with accessories.

How can you use solar to increase the value of your home

It’ll definitely help out the value of your home, but you need to consider the costs that are going into it, plus if you’re building a new home it may be required by state law in the construction. Clearly, yes it’s a capital gain to your home these days, as solar panels are almost a standard to the home these days. Here’s a good article I found on the topic if you’d be interested in reading more, it’s also a good company to go for.

What are some green energy goals met by going solar

You are probably going to find your best efficiency in solar panels

Not only, are they quite literally becoming ‘more efficient’, in terms of their ability to harness light, and stay durable outdoors, but solar panels are going to be your most efficient independent option.

Rooftop solar panels are viable for your bills and the environment

Choosing solar is an easy choice, but finding the right installers and purchasing the right panels and accessories is the hard part. I work for a solar company, so I don’t want to come across as bias, but the HahaSmart price-checker is a great asset to your search. We match you with the most competitive prices for everything from installing, and purchasing. The price-checker sizes your system and gives you prices, which are 25% below the average value of home solar. Savings are exponential when choosing solar, because it gives you an independent option to use renewable energy, and pays off quick. So all around you are facing a better decision, than depending on only grid power electricity, which is essentially coming from anywhere. Plus, with PV standards, and Net-Energy-Metering you will be able to see your credits direct from major utility providers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a home solar power system?

For the most part, home solar is an advantageous solution, the downfalls exist, when you’re loosing an arm and a leg shopping in the wrong direction. Quickly you can go down in ROI if you shop wrong. The disadvantageous aspects of installing solar, can become things like:

• Installation is over priced.
• Finding good prices on panels and accessories is hard.
• The installation company told me I would have to pay more per panel.
• You need to meet the permitting to get the panels.
• I was told that when I build my new home in CA, I have to include solar, after 2020, but this was not apart of my budget.
• The damage in recycling my panels, is limited.

I’ve been working with these guys for years, and I can guarantee they give you the best prices because they have the wholesale reputation from their counterparts to give you the lowest cost solutions, and their growing network of installers, are pre-screened, certified and cost effective. Try doing a DIY Design here. And, there are work arounds to all of the bullet points above, if you have the time to read their blog posts or talk to their friendly staff. Plus all of the cons, are easily outweighed by their positives, because they have thought through the ins and outs.

What is the purpose of solar cells

Solar cells do indeed serve many valuable purposes

• Science uses solar in space, and exploration would be near impossible without it.
• Residential homeowners, are adapting to solar everyday. Many states such as California, are even adapting to standards, where it is being seen as a requirement, for instance new home builder after 2020 next year will actually require a system in their construction to meet modern day zoning laws. Clearly the value from a an economic perspective, scientific perspective is great, but it is also a serious step forward to renewable energy standards, which is a big reason homeowners are beginning to meet the new standards from states.

How much will solar really cost for my home

Your amount of panels is determined by the amount of square feet of your home, average utilities, and other actors to take into consideration such as certified installation from a local solar panel installation service. Here is a good solar panel price-checker tool where you can gauge your electricity output fast based on your home size. There are some different efficiency levels such as the difference between monocrystalline, and, polycrystalline silicon solar cells, which change the amount of output, so you could be facing higher costs, with better efficiency, and require less space for your solar panel system.

So their are clearly a few different components that solve your pricing puzzle here. Technical, and there is simply paying too much in costs to a company. These influences will make a big difference to your price, and your price will ultimately be the customers real deciding point on getting solar. If the customer walks away with good purchase, in the long run they'll be happier. The good thing about the price checker tool in the referral links, is that these people are not going to put the customer last and their banking first, they'll give you fair pricing, top-edge technology, and they'll make solar seem easy.

HahaSmart’s solar panel price checker will give you prices for everything from connecting you to the installer to making the purchases.

Here is an example of a 5.2 kW system in California from the systems price-checker tool, which does a full analysis based on an entire output.

• Engineer / Permit:$798
• Panel:19 pcs * $145/pcs = $2,759
• Inverter & Accessory:$1,602
• Racking:$827
• BOS:$738
• Other mis:$0.05/watt * 5,225 watt = $255
• Sales Tax:$6,724 * 8.75% = $588

Prices are an average of 25% below the average market value of rooftop solar panels, in addition to tax incentives.

Do solar panels generate DC or AC?

A part of the solar panel set up is AC and DC disconnect so YES

Here’s some more detail on it

A solar inverter or PV inverter, is a type of electrical **converter** which converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic solar panel into a utility frequency, and, alternating current alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid.

AC/ DC discconnect options can be found using our site. I work at HahaSmart so I do not want to sound too bias, but you can’t deny that you get a full cost analysis on your system using the price checker, so take a look. Your inverter, power cables, and any AC / DC disconnect associated with it will all show up in your cumulative costs.

Everything you are shopping for including the installers, and an appointment will be accessed on the price-checker. Learn about your:

• Engineer / Permit
• Panel - Principle Costs**
• Inverter & Accessory - Top tier brand inverter, rapid shutdown box and other necessary parts required by NEC code.
• Racking - UL 1703 / UL 2703 / UL 467 certified. Fire Rating Type 1 and 2 certified. Structural engineer pre-stamped.
• BOS includes combiner box, solar cable, copper wire, AC disconnect, DC disconnect etc.
• Miscellaneous costs including Hex bolt, T bolt, Flange nut, MC4 connector, J-box, Chemlink sealant etc.
• Sales Tax - Sales tax may vary, please check with local BOE and your CPA

building-my-home-do-i-need-solar

Many states such as CA, include home solar requirements for new home, this is because it is considered an environmental impact that will help them reach their state sustainability guidelines. Here's a link explaining more information on the policy updates for CA after 2020

In many states like CA, homeowners are even expected to build their new homes (after 2020), with a home solar panel system, and at least have some solar panels go through NEM (Net-Energy-Metering)

Try using the price-checker to learn more about how much it will cost you in CA (or in other states). The most important things to look for are good prices! I've been working with these guys for a number of years, and if you want to build a new home or add solar, it's a great way to get started and do it all yourself. This way you won't have to shop in different places to find your home solar system. Otherwise it would be a lot like loosing different ligaments in different places, and you might catch yourself saying “I want solar, so what next”. Well, I’ve been working with these guys for years - HahaSmart, really does fix everything, and allows you to still get solar on a Do It Yourself (DIY) basis, where you shop for everything in one place, find the installers, set the appointment and find yourself paying 25% below the average market value all in one click. Although you’re not physically shopping and doing the heavy lifting it’s an all-in-one solution that makes it easier, saves you time, and ultimately empower you to take care of it all yourself in one place.

What-environmental-impact-does-solar-have

Environmental changes don’t ordinarily affect Photovoltaic solar panels, more often is quite the opposite, Photovoltaic solar panels, help the environment. The core reason behind this is that fossil fuel production is typical to harvest energy. Sources that yield a low return in comparison to carbon emissions are your every day coal and nuclear plants, which are being systematically torn apart and replace by sustainable standards.

The IPPC 1.5 degrees rule says that it is imperative to meet a sustainable goal.

How-many-solar-panels-would-i-need-to-produce-a-certain-amount-of-kilowatts

Overall, the impact that you are seeing in developing solar panels over the impact that it leads as a sustainable decision, and fiscal decision, will counter any production costs from the git go. Solar panels will usually last up to 25 years, and usually (depending on the model of panel you buy), will have an efficiency rating averaging 22%, which means that light impact, generates PV at the rate in, which it creates a specific amount of watts per hour. A 250 Watt panel, depending on weather it is Polycrystalline or Monocrystalline, are both made out of silicon, and their lifespans are about the same, but ultimately you will see more power delivered from a Monocrystalline solar panel. A 250 watt panel, will more than likely cost you roughly $300 for the panel, and the production cost in silicon are minimal. So ultimately the Energy Returned on Energy Invested is high enough to make it worth while.

HahaSmart’s price checker is an easy and convenient way to get cost estimates and pay for panels and the installation all in the same place, while you are saving an average of 25% below the average market value for rooftop solar. I work there but it is no bias, and is a fast easy way to make judgments. You can buy everything in the same place, and make sure that your panels are top quality, and getting installed by certified professionals, plus at the end of the year there is a 30% itemized tax deduction. However, you do want to pay attention to tax deductions by stat, as they are rapidly dropping year after year. Here is some more information where you can read about solar tax deduction changes on TurboTax's site 

How much is a a home solar panel system for a certain amount of kilowatts

It is going to make some difference on which panels you select, most panels on the market are above 200 kW per hour, but shopping is still important. There’s two main types out there; Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline solar panels.

I am  a DIY pro, and have been working with these guys for years, please try using the HahaSmart solar panel price checker, for more information, it will guide you through purchasing panels, and installation. Try using the site to learn more and you will find tools on the DIY solar panel builder to produce a certain quantity of panels, or you can use the Price-Checker for a full system assessment. Save 25% off below the average market value of home solar in your area. By using this price checker, you’re seeing direct purchase prices, and you’re working with one of the largest networks of local installers in the country. So savings is sure, and installation is certified!

How can I really DIY my own solar without loosing money

The hardest thing you can do is to go about it with a blind fold, and no experience. Solar although a simple idea to understand is a complicated industry. And, it’s hard to do it all yourself without any sense of direction. The worst thing you can do is to get ripped off, because then your home solar panel system will essentially have less value, paying off slower over time because expenses were through the roof. Of course you could buy your panels, and the system parts, but going about it with an instruction manual and no certifications could be damaging.

However, his new awareness may be leading you to ask yourself “I want solar, so what next”. Well, I’ve been working with these guys for years - HahaSmart, really does fix everything, and allows you to still get solar on a Do It Yourself (DIY) basis, where you shop for everything in one place, find the installers, set the appointment and find yourself paying 25% below the average market value all in one click. Although you’re not physically shopping and doing the heavy lifting it’s an all-in-one solution that makes it easier, saves you time, and ultimately empower you to take care of it all yourself in one place.