solar installation company installing solar panels on a roof in Massachusetts or Rhode Island

How to get free solar panels – is it a scam or is it legit?

You’ve probably seen offers out there claiming you can get free solar panels. If so, we bet your first thought was, “is that a scam?” Well we’re here to answer that question and bring you the facts.

They say nothing in life is truly “free”. This is also true for solar panels – even with programs like solar panel leasing or community solar programs. While the savings that you get with solar panels usually outweigh the cost of electricity, you still end up paying for either the panels or the power in some sense. A better question to ask is if the panels will pay for themselves.

 

Can you get solar panels for free?

Now that we’ve established that nothing in life is truly free, let’s talk about the next best thing – a solar panel system that pays for itself. First, it’s important to bring up that in most cases your solar panel system doesn’t cost anything out of pocket. That means that you usually don’t pay for the solar panels up front, or pay anything down when you sign up (unless you want to). This could be what people mean when they say “it’s free”.

While it’s true that solar panels do have a cost for the equipment and installation , they can ultimately pay for themselves through the money you save on your electric bills. In many cases, the energy savings from solar panels can be substantial, and can quickly offset the initial investment in the panels.

For example, let’s say you have a monthly electric bill of $100 and you install solar panels that cost $10,000. Depending on the size of the installation and the specific energy needs of your home or business, the panels may be able to offset a significant portion of your energy usage, potentially reducing your monthly electric bill to $50 or even $0. If this example were the case, it would take just a few years for the energy savings from the solar panels to offset the cost of the panels. From that point on, the solar panels would essentially be “free” in the sense that you would no longer be paying for electricity from the grid.

Of course, the exact payback period and energy savings will vary depending on your specific situation and the local cost of electricity. However, the general principle is the same: by offsetting your energy usage with solar panels, you can save money on your electric bills and eventually recoup the cost of the panels.

 

Still – be aware of potential scams and only work with reputable companies

When shopping for solar panels, it’s important to be aware of potential scams and to only work with reputable companies. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals and companies that may try to take advantage of consumers by making false claims about the benefits of solar energy.

To avoid falling victim to a solar panel scam, it’s important to do your research and carefully evaluate any offers or claims that seem too good to be true. Look for companies with a proven track record of success and customer satisfaction, and be sure to read reviews and ask for references. By working with a reputable company, you can feel confident that you’re getting a high-quality product and service, and that you’re making a wise investment in clean, renewable energy.

 

In short, it may cost less than what you’re already paying for electricity.

Overall, while solar panels do have an upfront cost, they can ultimately be considered “free” in the sense that the money you save on your electric bills can more than offset the cost of the panels. By making the switch to solar energy, you can save money on your energy bills, reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, and help protect the environment.