Should I Get Solar Panels On My House?

We spoke to Bryan Jimenez, Founder and CEO of Alpha Energy to learn more about the benefits of residential solar systems.

Solar panel installation on houses grew by 24% in 2023. The rising costs of household bills and clean energy investment tax credits mean that more and more homeowners are turning to solar. As well as contributing to the health of the planet through sustainable energy, it provides a fixed price rather than being at the mercy of energy companies’ increasing rates.

It can be hard to work out if it is the right thing for you, because it is a big investment and life change. We are all used to the status quo of paying energy companies but there is another way! At just 27, Bryan Jimenez has founded and runs the fastest growing residential solar panel business in North Carolina, Alpha Energy. We asked him to enlighten us on the industry.

Bryan, why do you believe in solar panels?

We’re digging coal every single day but that is a limited resource. It makes no sense to use coal when we have the sun coming out every single day. Humans don’t pay enough attention to the fact that the sun is the most powerful and abundant thing that we have in the world and the universe! It is a waste not to use what we already have. Even if it’s cloudy, the light is there and can power our homes. Using solar energy is a truly meaningful way to contribute to the health of the planet.

There’s nothing more powerful than when you’re able to eliminate your carbon footprint from whatever’s going on in the world. Just being able to put a solar system on top of your house or on the ground and producing your own electricity means you are doing your part as a human to protect the world, not only for us, but for future generations. When somebody goes solar, they’re saving tons of carbon. We undervalue that because we don’t see it, but going solar is like planting 100 trees a day.

Why should homeowners install solar panels?

Utility bills have never gone down in the last twenty years. With inflation and uncertainty in the economy, bills are only going to continue to get higher, every single year. The industry is a monopoly. People think they have no choice but to pay their provider because that’s the way it’s always been. They have no control over how much or who they pay, it is a big scam.

Having your own home system gives you control over payments. A regular bill that’s $150 right now, ten years from now, is going to be close to $300 with inflation. Solar removes that concern completely. As well as the environmental benefits, it helps your household finances and gives you peace of mind. Knowing the fixed flat rate you will be paying for a number of years allows you to budget efficiently.

How does it work?

Nothing in the world is free. We transition a bill that you already have with the utility company and we look at your consumption, then we switch that to solar. Your system produces that consumption so now you do not have to pay the utility provider for it. You’re paying a fixed flat bill that ideally is not paying your electricity.

It’s not buying your electricity. What it’s buying is the solar system. You’re paying the solar system. You can eliminate that in 10 – 15 or 20 – 25 years, whenever you want. You don’t have to buy the system outright with cash at the start, it can be like a mortgage because we have payment programs for buying the panels.

Is it worthwhile getting solar panels even in states with relatively mild temperatures?

Absolutely! Most solar companies flock to Florida or California because the extreme temperatures make it an easy sell. Clients can see the savings in bills immediately, whereas in cooler states it is more of a long term view. We have grown from 4 employees to 25 in just 3 years because we are conquering the more challenging markets first.

We are based in North Carolina and the message we tell all our clients is this is a matter of value. It’s a case of having control over what you pay, not just now but in the future. With solar, you know what you’re going to be paying each month and even each month ten years from now! It is taking ownership of your finances as well as helping the environment.

Should people wait to see what advancements come in the technology?

The best time to buy solar was yesterday! When it comes to manufacturing panels, there haven’t been any huge changes. The durability of the panel and how much electricity it can produce are the things that improve, so panels are the same size as ten years ago but produce twice the electricity. They have a lifespan of 40 – 60 years, which is amazing.

But solar holds its value compared to how much the utilities are charging. Solar is sustaining itself. When iPhones first came out, you could buy one for $600 and now you’re paying $1500. Solar is leading in the same direction so it is worthwhile getting them now!

To learn more about the inspiring company Alpha Energy, visit their website.