Replacing Your Roof? A Great Time to Add Solar Energy
If you're thinking about replacing your roof, like millions of other homeowners you may also be considering adding solar at the same time. An average of 2.3 million single-family homes per year will require a roof replacement over the next decade. However, if just a fraction of those homes go solar simultaneously, it will represent significant progress toward U.S. decarbonization goals. Here's what you need to know. First, costs: The average cost to repair or replace a roof is roughly $10,000. Of course, the time will depend on the materials used and other factors. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the average cost to install solar panels, for example, ranges from $7,000 to $13,000. Combined with a roof replacement, your final bill could run up to around $30,000; however, NREL researchers estimate that if you were to do both together, the average cost could be as low as $20,000, potentially saving you an average of $4,000. With any investment like this, there are always incentives in place to cut costs down further - and for those who qualify for them - it's worth doing a little research into the tax credits available when renovating and installing alternative energy systems at home. One of the most exciting discoveries homeowners may experience is that sometimes solar panels are offered in a roof replacement. If a homeowner is interested in solar power, this might be a great way to get started on their journey towards renewable energy. Not only will their home be more environmentally friendly, but they will also save money through federal rebates at tax time. Plus,