Solar Energy
Would you like to lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect our state’s natural resources?
Go solar. This renewable energy source harnesses the power of the sun.
You can take advantage of available state and federal tax incentives that make it easy to add solar paneling to your Belgrade, MT, home. No longer will you be solely dependent on traditional fossil fuels like coal or oil—you can even sell excess electricity back to the utility companies!
Our licensed team at Monarch Heating and Cooling knows how to install solar paneling the right way so that you enjoy the benefits for years to come. Along with environmentally friendly solutions, we specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services to provide your family with the best indoor air quality (IAQ) possible.
Here is what you need to know about solar energy:
Solar Energy Is a Money Saver
The bulk of your costs with solar energy is in the installation and purchase of panels. But you can offset these costs with state and federal incentives.
The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit provides a 26 percent federal tax credit on residential solar systems installed by December 31, 2022. Starting in 2023, the value of the tax credit will step down to 22 percent.
Our team at Monarch Heating and Cooling can help determine eligible tax credits and rebates for you. Plus, we offer convenient financing. Once the panels are in place, the savings can begin.
How does it work? Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to absorb the sunlight and convert it into energy. The energy flows into a conductive wire that travels to an inverter. The inverter converts the energy into usable electricity to power your appliances, laptops, home entertainment systems, and other devices.
A meter keeps tabs on how much electricity you produce. In many states today, your local utility company will buy back any excess electricity your system generates.
The cost of installing solar paneling has steadily dropped over the past decade, making this green technology much more affordable. The average return on investment is eight years. Solar panels operate efficiently for 30 years or longer.
Installing solar panels increases the market value of your Belgrade home. Some states, however, exempt part or all of the value solar panels add to your home to prevent your property taxes from going up.
Your market value goes up, but your property taxes remain the same. These exemptions were put in place to encourage homeowners to go solar.
Solar Energy Is Environmentally Friendly
If you care about your surroundings, consider the benefits of renewable energy sources.
With solar energy, you generate energy that creates zero greenhouse gas emissions from your conventional fossil fuels. Adding solar panels is your way of reducing air pollution.
You can also reduce water usage. Hydropower and nuclear energy rely on a lot of water to produce electricity. That means a dam is necessary to control the water flow. Understandably, building a dam can have a significant impact on the ecosystem.
Solar panels generate energy without water. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) estimates solar energy use could drop water consumption in 36 states. That’s enough water to hydrate 1.3 million households.
The same federal study notes that reducing our carbon footprint could save nearly $260 billion in global climate change damages.
By diversifying our nation’s energy supply, you help reduce America’s dependence on imported fuels. You also help to create jobs in the green technology sectors.
Solar panels are exceptionally durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Our team will analyze your home’s energy efficiency and calculate your solar electricity needs to determine the number of panels you need.
Solar Energy Installation and Maintenance
You can trust Monarch Heating and Cooling with all your heating and cooling projects here in Montana. Here are a few things to consider when going solar:
Can solar paneling work on a historic home?
Absolutely. Innovations in the HVAC industry allow us to integrate the latest technology with any existing building. Our goal is to find a spot on your roof that receives plenty of exposure to sunlight.
Will I need a new roof to install solar panels?
Not necessarily. Solar paneling will last a long time—more than 30 years in most cases. If your roof is at the end of its service life, it makes the most sense to replace the roof before installing the panels.
Does my home need to face a certain direction for solar panels?
Homes facing due south receive the most exposure to sunlight—but solar panels facing east or west receive more than enough sunlight to justify your expense.
If your home is surrounded by large shady trees, finding the right spot for your panels becomes more of a challenge. It is possible to install panels on other areas of your property that receive maximum exposure to sunlight.
What maintenance is involved with solar panels?
Hardly any. We recommend allowing our team to inspect the panels once a year to ensure everything is operating correctly and check for loose connections. Otherwise, these systems are incredibly reliable and easy to maintain.
Contact Us Today About Solar Panels
Solar energy is a sustainable, clean energy source. All you need is sunlight—technology will take care of the rest. Earn a few extra dollars to offset your Belgrade, MT, energy costs, and help the environment. Call Monarch Heating and Cooling for a free consultation at (406) 418-9373 or request service online today.