Home Solar Guide

Introduction

Our mission at Gold Path Solar is to help people find and navigate their brightest path forward. So what does that mean for you? Well, we know that solar makes sense for the vast majority of homes in America. However, the most common feedback from homeowners looking into solar is a feeling of overwhelm. This is a mind-numbing amount of information out there that makes it difficult to determine what’s real, what's relevant, and what’s best for their home and financial situation. Our mission is to bring clarity to anyone looking to go solar. Our job is to cut through the noise and give you the tools you need to feel stress free on your way to cheaper bills and increased self-sufficiency with home solar. That is why we have made this Solar Buyer’s Guide, so that every homeowner we meet is prepared to walk down the path towards energy equity, sustainability, and security


If you’ve ever ready your electric bill, you most likely have seen the term kilowatt hour (kWh). Every day, the energy going into your home is measured by your utility meter and counted in kWhs, which you are then billed for at the end of the month, or billing cycle. The national average retail rate for kWhs from the grid is almost 14 cents (13.9 cents). The average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) produced from a solar array is anywhere from 3 cents to 7 cents. This is also called the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) which is determined by taking the total production, in kWhs, from the solar array and dividing it by the total cost while under warranty (typically 25 years). So if you are wondering if solar will save you money on your electric, the short answer is absolutely yes. We have reached “grid parity”, meaning it is now cheaper to install your own solar than to stick with the current status quo. This is what makes solar for your home so popular and a no-brainer for most homeowners. However, homeowners often have projects with a variety of goals and needs, and there are different incentives available in certain areas of the country. Your financial situation and tax obligations can also qualify for or exclude you from incentives. For example, some homeowners are driven by the want to save on their electric bills, while others may want to be more independent from the grid. Some homeowners want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they will have some backup power when the grid fails them. This guide is meant to help you determine for yourself what your needs are, and to guide you as you pick the right partner to help you meet those needs. The right solar panel system for you is out there, and we want to be the partner that helps you find it. 

We put people first in every decision we make, which starts with our structure. Gold Path Solar is an employee owned business, with great people who love what they do. Our people understand that the long term success of our homeowners means success for the organization, and in turn success for them. Our goal is to provide clarity to the confusion and make the most of your time. This guide covers the basics of solar installation, solar ownership, and being a member of a growing solar community. We look forward to working with you to build that community!


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