Solar System can save homeowners cash
For Gerald McNulty, a long-time Las Vegas resident, solar energy was something he had wanted for years. The former construction industry professional had solar energy powering his horse stalls when he decided to look at the energy option to power his home. He researched his options and decided to work with American Patriot Solar Community, a locally owned solar energy company.
"I did a lot of research on solar power and found that most companies tried to sell me things that I either didn't want or didn't need," McNulty said. "I knew what it should cost and what the benefits would be before I even talked to a solar company. So I knew if they were promising things that weren't possible, like a guarantee of no power bill. That's impossible."
McNulty now uses a solar energy system from AP Solar to power his home and has an average monthly power bill of $10.50. "That is the flat fee for the service and a 50-cent city tax. Iâm also giving a little more than 20 percent of my power back to the power company every month," McNulty said. "It's a win-win."
McNulty said he wasn't always a fan of solar energy, but new technology and local and federal rebates have made it more affordable.
"You have to remember that if you own your own home, the federal government will give you a 30 percent tax credit for purchasing solar panels before the end of 2016," he said. "So if your system costs $20,000, youâll get $6,000 back from the federal government."
AP Solar assists its clients with applying for federal rebates, which are paid over one or three years depending on the applicant's tax rate.
"And NV Energy gave me a rebate of $2,300 in addition to the tax credit," McNulty said. "So if you buy a $20,000 system it could end up costing you only $13,000. And the cost of the system is relative in value because it increases the value of your home and decreases the cost of your utility payments. Any way you look at it, itâs a good investment."
AP Solar Chief Operating Officer Andrea Vigil said solar is one of the fastest-growing energy options in America.
"Its environmental impact is minimal, which means solar panels don't produce any of the carbon, methane or particulate emissions that fossil fuels do," she said. "They also donât require mining or drilling operations to produce. They are placed on your roof, so they also donât take up any yard or other valuable space on your property."
For McNulty, solar energy helped him increase the value of his home and decrease his monthly energy bills. "Any way I look at it, I make money," he said. "If I previously paid $200 per month in utility bills, I now have almost $190 more per month I can save or use toward a larger home with a higher value. Either way you look at it, it is positive."
For more information on whether solar panels are right for you, call American Patriot Solar at 702-227-9205 or visit www.apsolar.com.
