Solar Energy

Want to lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect our state’s natural resources?

Go solar. This renewable energy source harnesses the power of the sun.

You can take advantage of federal tax incentives designed to make it affordable and convenient to add solar paneling to your Bellingham, WA, area home. Your home is no longer solely dependent on traditional fossil fuels—and in some states, you can even sell excess electricity back to utility companies!

Our licensed team at West Mechanical knows how to expertly install solar paneling so that you enjoy the benefits for years to come. We provide solar panel installation and services for both residential and commercial settings.

Here is what you need to know about solar energy.

Solar Energy Tax Incentives

The bulk of your costs with solar energy is in the installation and purchase of panels. But you can offset these costs with state and federal incentives.

The 25D Clean Energy Tax Credit is an uncapped 30 percent tax credit for residential renewable energy installations, including rooftop solar, battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and some community solar ownership models. Our team at West Mechanical can help determine eligible tax credits and rebates for you.

Plus, we offer convenient financing. Once the panels are in place, the savings can begin. 

How Solar Energy Works

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. The energy flows into a conductive wire that travels to an inverter. The inverter converts the energy into usable electricity to power your appliances, laptops, home entertainment systems, and other devices.

A meter keeps tabs on how much electricity you produce. In many states today, your local utility company will buy back any excess electricity your system generates.

What is the cost of solar panel installation?

The cost of installing solar paneling has steadily dropped over the past decade, making this green technology much more affordable. The average return on investment is eight years.

Will adding solar panels increase my home’s value?

Installing solar panels increases the market value of your Bellingham, WA, area home. Some states, however, exempt part or all of the value solar panels add to your home’s assessment to avoid an increase in your property taxes.

Your market value goes up, but your property taxes remain the same. These exemptions were put in place to encourage homeowners to go solar.

Solar Energy Is Environmentally Friendly

If you care about your surroundings, consider the benefits of renewable energy sources.

With solar energy, you generate energy that creates zero greenhouse gas emissions from your conventional fossil fuels. Adding solar panels is your way of reducing air pollution.

You can also reduce water usage. Hydropower and nuclear energy rely on a lot of water to produce electricity. That means a dam is necessary to control the water flow. Understandably, building a dam can have a significant impact on the ecosystem.

Solar panels generate energy without water. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) estimates solar energy use could drop water consumption in 36 states. That’s enough water to hydrate 1.3 million households.

The same federal study notes that reducing our carbon footprint could save nearly $260 billion in global climate change damages.

By diversifying our nation’s energy supply, you help reduce America’s dependence on imported fuels. You also help to create jobs in the green technology sectors.

Solar panels are exceptionally durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Our team will analyze your home’s energy efficiency and calculate your solar electricity needs to determine the number of panels you need.

Solar Energy Installation and Maintenance

You can trust West Mechanical with all your heating and cooling projects here in Washington. Here are a few things to consider when going solar:

Can solar paneling work on a historic home?

Absolutely. Innovations in the HVAC industry allow us to integrate the latest technology with any existing building. Our goal is to find a spot on your roof that receives plenty of exposure to sunlight.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels last a long time—more than 30 years in most cases!

Will I need a new roof to install solar panels?

Not necessarily. But if your roof is at the end of its service life, consider replacing it before installing the panels.

Does my home need to face a certain direction for solar panels?

Homes facing due south receive the most exposure to sunlight—but solar panels facing east or west receive more than enough sunlight to justify your expense.

Are there large shady trees surrounding your home? If so, we can install panels on other areas of your property that receive maximum exposure to sunlight.

What is a hybrid solar system?

Hybrid solar systems include battery storage, allowing you to save the power your panels generate during the day and use it later when the sun isn’t shining. Hybrid systems can still connect to the grid: you switch between using solar power, battery storage, and grid power. You can avoid using grid power at peak times, saving you money.

What maintenance is involved with solar panels?

Hardly any. We recommend allowing our team to inspect the panels once a year to ensure everything is operating correctly and check for loose connections. Otherwise, these systems are incredibly reliable and easy to maintain.

Additional Applications for Solar Energy

In addition to providing electricity for your home, solar panels can help with the following applications:

• Battery backup
• Electric car chargers
• Pool heating
• Water heating
• Outdoor lighting
• And much more!

Contact Us Today About Solar Panels

Solar energy is a sustainable, clean energy source. All you need is sunlight—technology will take care of the rest. Earn a few extra dollars to offset your Bellingham, WA, area energy costs, and help the environment. Call West Mechanical for a free consultation at 360-734-7599 or request service online today.