© Provided by WAVY Norfolk Solar Smarts : What consumers need to know before investing in solar panelsHampton Roads, Virginia. (Wave) - If you're thinking about solar power for your home, you're not alone.
More and more people in Hampton Roads and across the country are switching to solar power. The number of solar panel installations in the U.S. will increase by 33% in 2021, but some solar consumers we spoke with said they want to make different decisions in the future.
Al Desiderio is proud to call it his "eternal home". He decided to switch to solar power last summer.
“Our family and friends come and enjoy it and they're all like, 'Cool, you have solar power. How does it work?" And, to my horror, I must tell them: I've been cheated. I've been robbed".
He had 49 solar panels installed on the back of his house and it cost him about $90,000.
He said the national company he hired to install the solar system misled him about how much money he would save after his investment.
"I was told I would save at least 85% of my average monthly bill," he said.
"I had no savings, my electricity bill averaged $500-$600 over $350 a month. So I didn't save. It cost me $850 a month," he said.
10 On Your Side Go to local experts to find out what consumers need to know before investing in an expensive system.
"We're hearing more and more concern from the Hampton Roads area," said Ben Hoen of Richmond's 501c3 Solar United Neighbors, which educates people interested in switching to solar. He issued a warning.
"There are agencies around that may not be very good at protecting consumers and the sustainable solar industry," he said.
Solar United Neighbors encourages people to use solar energy, but do it wisely. Hoyne says the best way to do this is to educate yourself. Learn the basics of solar energy, find out installation costs and research different companies.
Desiderio tells 10 On Your Side that the company he worked with told him they would reimburse him more than $13,000 for his solar system, but the company closed before he got the money.
"You want to make sure you're committed to a company that's committed to Hampton Roads for the next 25 years, just like you are to your home," Hoyne said.
Hoyne said the average system can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $18,000. One of the benefits of solar power is a federal tax credit, but Hoyne says that can be misunderstood by potential solar customers.
"It doesn't apply if you buy your system when you pay taxes. Of course, you'll want to talk to a tax professional. It's important to know that this is a tax credit. It's not a tax refund," he said.
As for the potential savings, Hoyne says switching to solar can be a good economic decision, but you want someone to read a contract before signing it. Solar United Neighbors and similar organizations will read your contract for free to help you do your research. Al Desiderio says he wants to do more before installing his system.
"Caution is the number one thing," he said.
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